filtration question

[klfvilla]

I still have some filtration issues with my 90 gallon. It has a Fluval 404 cannister. It also had a Hagen Quick-Filter 402 but while I was fiddling with it a couple of weeks ago, it seems that I broke it. I understand that I need to have more running than the 404 provides. I absolutely hate dealing with the cannister filter and although I would loooove to simply add a big hob to solve my problems, the custom canopy cover is a tight fit and has only barely enough space for the Fluval tubes so there is no room for a hob. I think that leaves the only option as replacing the internal filter with a new one. I was looking on eBay and I saw a Fluval 4plus internal filter. Would this be a decent choice for me? Tank at present is not fully stocked but will be a community tropical. One other thing, at the lps recently I noticed for sale an internal filter which was sort of hidden in a rock or wood type decoration. I don't know if there is one that would be powerful enough my my size tank but if anyone knows what I mean about that one, that might be a good option for me also.

[silentskream]

if you have trouble with the fluval brand, i'd consider switching brands.. i'm pretty happy with my rena filstar xp3.. i got it used so i needed to replace a couple parts, but it works great and is super quiet too!

[Rbishop]

I personally do not like internal filters. I would modify the canopy and add the HOB or another canister.

[klfvilla]

Is there a sticky somewhere on filtration that I am missing? That would be very helpful. If not, can someone explain to me the faults in having my additional filtration from a powerhead? I managed to get mine working again so I have it on now, with the Fluval as well of course. If I need to change from the powerhead to either a hob or additional cannister, I will go with a hob and will then need to have a new custom canopy made to allow clearance at the back of the tank for it - so can anybody recommend what type / size please? Although I am getting a bit more confident each time I have to deal with the Fluval, I am still really dread having to disconnect and open it each time and I always make a big water mess which is really annoying and nerve wracking. Thats basically why I don't want to have another cannister.

[Rbishop]

Unless you and I have different definitions of a powerhead, it is not a filter. It just cause water circulation. It could have a sponce on the suction and give some bio filtering, or be used to drive a UGF/RUGF....

[OldMan1947]

The Rena XP3 has a pretty neat setup that almost guarantees no water mess. The whole thing is disconnected by a single valve and the way the valve is set up you can't disconnect the hose without getting the valve right. When you are done cleaning, you just plug the hoses back into the empty filter with the valve still attached to the hose assembly, (it is very picky about how it fits and won't let you get it wrong) open the valve, wait a few seconds for the filter to fill itself and plug it back in. No muss, no fuss.
So much for the good points. The filter can be a little hard to set up the first time because the instructions are not all that helpful. It comes with lots of pieces of tubing to make the installation flexible but doesn't give you much advice on when you would want to use each optional fitting. The filter is very flexible about what media you put in it but again not much advice about what choices work best for different setups.
With some good instructions, this filter would be almost unbeatable but ....

[klfvilla]

ghg, thanks for the info on the Rena. I'll look into that option more as it would be an ordeal to have to redo the canopy. Bob, I hope you can excuse my ignorance. Although I think I've come a long way since March when I started here, there is still so, so much I don't know at all! What I have is a Hagen Quick Filter 402. The box states that it clears aquarium water, effectively removes minute particles, produces powerful currents throughout the aquarium. Pumps up to 270 U.S. gallons/hour, for aquariums up to 35 U.S. gallons (although in my opinion the current produced would be nuts in a smaller tank).

[Rbishop]

Sounds like an internal filter...will have to look it up and learn more...

[yourchoice]

I pick up used Eheim- Pros from the list on the internet.30-40% of store price.Has flow control adjustment.Every 2 months lock the hoses and leave them where they be carry it over to the sink or tub.Clean it up with a bucket of tank water fill with water and reconnect with little or no spill.