Equipment Review and Discussion :: Best Filters?

[Blue Flamingo]

Im saving up to upgrade my filter. I have a 55 gallon tank. What filters would you all recommend I buy? It seems to be between the filstar xp3 or the Fluval 404. Also how much you paid for them, so I know if im getting ripped off.
Thanks

[missibsu]

I use the xp3, and I purchased mine from Petsmart. I used the print out from their webpage and the store price matched that. I want to think it was around 112 with tax.

edit - I would add that I had a fluval 304 that worked well too. If you go that route, make sure you get one that is new. They recently (last 6 months) did some changes on the models. My old one had a bum handle that broke off, and I have heard others say the same. It's one of the things that was improved on the new model. I don't know how many of the older ones are still on store shelves.

[marisa]

For a canister, I use the XP3. When I got it, I paid $89.00 for it (everything included) at bigalsonline, but that was before it became really popular and everyone started buying them. I would think if you checked around you'd be able to find it on-line for around $100 (you'll probably have to buy the ceramic rings for it, though).

[Spookster]

I also love the XP3. I got mine at www.drfostersmith.com for just under $100.

[fishandcandy]

I have the XP2 on my 60 gallon tank. It's awesome. I got it from thatpetplace.com for around $85 with most of the media.

[BullDog]

I got an almost new fluval 404 from ebay for $80 + $20 shipping. It was a great deal, becuase it was only used for a week (it still smelled new when I opened the box) and it was half the price of anything else I've seen.

[Blue Flamingo]

Well I decided to go with the XP3 I think I got a pretty good deal with these guys. Plus $10 shipping. https://www.petsolutions.com/Rena+FilSt ... 22-I-.aspx

[marisa]

Yes, this looks good! I like this on-line retailer as well. It looks like you only have to get the biomedia (ceramic rings and/or stars) as an extra.

[Blue Flamingo]

Ill have to get the ceramic rings later. Will it work with out them for the time being. Also do you have to buy the FilStar brand for the ceramic rings?

[missibsu]

I'm using fluval rings in my filstar...mainly because it's what I already had and was using before I made the switch. As long as the products fit in your new filter, it shouldn't be a problem.

[marisa]

No, you don't have to use Rena's ceramic rings with the XP3, any biomedia will work if it fits in the media basket. The ceramic rings from different mfgrs. look the same. The filter will work without anything, but will only be doing mechanical filtration (and chemical filtration if you're using carbon, etc.) and you really won't have much for beneficial bacteria to colonize on.

I'm also wondering if, without the weight of the ceramic rings, the media baskets will stay put...I'd put something in the basket rather than leave it empty.

[stray_647]

guys I am also thinking of getting a xp3. I know it comes with the filteration pads. So would I have to get activated carbon as well as the ceramic rings for chemical filteration and beneficial bacteria to grow?

[CountryGirl68]

The XP3 should come with the carbon and the foam - mine did.

[marisa]

You'll need to buy the ceramic rings, any brand ceramic rings for that matter, so you'll have biomedia. Some people use the carbon, some don't. If you choose not to use carbon, get more biomedia to fill that media basket. The most important media is the mechanical (sponges) and biomedia (rings, whatever). The carbon helps with odor and eliminating some harmful substances. It has to be replaced periodically. The sponges and rings will last a long time.

[Blue Flamingo]

Well I set the Xp3 up today. Its alot bigger than I expected. But it looks realy cool and I can already tell the difference. Thanks for all the advice on the filters.