Canister filter

[meili.harrison]

I am setting up my 72 gal tank, and instead of HOB, I'm considering a canister filter. Too many to choose from. I know Eheim is one of the best. I would love one, but do not want to spend too much. I think I'd like to stay under $200. I want to create a river current in my tank. Initially thinking of Aquaclear (HOB) 110 and a powerhead for current. But I'm wondering if I can get a better setup with a canister. Can a current flow be created with the separate intake/outtake flow of a canister? Also, what canister would you guys recommend. Intend to stock with plecos and angels or discus and moderately planted tank with low light plants.

Eheim has all the classics, professional II and pro 3. If I look into Eheim, which ones are good for a set up I'm trying to achieve?

[Ozymandias]

if you look at the ehiem i would say two of the clasics would serve you well for a long long time. that being said i'm partial to the Marineland C series which i really like because i have one and the Rena XP's another one i have alot of respect for.

also if you want a river tank i would say power head would be the best way to get current. not saying that a canister desn not make curent just that is my persoanly oppionon on it. i know for instance that some one set up PVC piping under the substrate so that at one end was the powerhead and at the other was the intake with a sponge filter.

[tonytheboss1]

:) You'll do well w/ the Rena XP3 http://www.petsolutions.com/Rena-FilStar-xP3-Canister-Filter+I17100722+C19.aspx There are others but I can vouch for this one. "T"

[Riiz]

Also the older Magnum 350's are good, I like the strength of their output for creating good currents. Hell, even the HOT magnums can move some water too. The only problem is that they lack space for good bacterial growth.

[meili.harrison]

I did more online research, thinking maybe a rena xp3. I know the eheims are kick *** but they are very expensive and the classics do not have self-priming, which might be a pain. Maybe I can add an aquaclear powerhead for current? Would an AC 50 powerhead be good enough or should it be an AC 70?

Riiz - what do you mean by older magnum 350s. Is there a difference between the older and new ones? I did look into the magnums, but I'm not sure. Doesnt have as many good reviews as Eheim or Rena.

[Weezer]

2 filters would be the way to go, 1 hob and a canister.........:)

[Rbishop]

There the Mag 350s, the main stay style for yrs. They now have the new "C" Series filters that are awesome.

[mattmartindrift]

check the classifieds here before spending all that coin on a new one. I've seen a couple for sale here for very reasonable prices.

[Ozymandias]

defiant do that also check out E-bay and criegslist you can get filter so much cheaper there.

[CBWMN]

You could use an XP3 and create the current you want. Just dont connect the spraybar and point the outtake nozzle in the direction you want. I have an XP2 on my 46G and it works great. At first I didn't use the spraybar but the current was (blowing) my amazon swords over.
BTW, If I remember right, my SP2 is rated for a 75 gal tank.

Good luck
Charles

[meili.harrison]

I found a Rena XP3 is $126 on ebay. I think I may try that one.

[AquariArt]

I do not think Angels or especially Discus would do well in a tank with a strong current.

[tonytheboss1]

I do not think Angels or especially Discus would do well in a tank with a strong current.

:) Spraybar option will allow you to control the current & directional flow. "T"

[meili.harrison]

:) Spraybar option will allow you to control the current & directional flow. "T"

That's what I thought. I was thinking of going with the lowest position setting so it doesn't affect top and mid level of the tank too much.

[meili.harrison]

I found a Rena XP4 on ebay for about $20-ish more than XP3 on ebay. I think I read some bad reviews on the XP4. Anyone own of of these? Would it be waaaaaaaaaaay too much considering my tank is only 72 gal and XP4 is for 265 gal?

[Squawkbert]

$149 2217 (http://www.aquariumguys.com/eheimcanister4.html) add a 2215 or nice powerhead - good to go.

Cheaper, w/ kit at BigAls (http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp17290/si1382920/cl0/eheimfilter2217pluskit)

[tonytheboss1]

I found a Rena XP4 on ebay for about $20-ish more than XP3 on ebay. I think I read some bad reviews on the XP4. Anyone own of of these? Would it be waaaaaaaaaaay too much considering my tank is only 72 gal and XP4 is for 265 gal?

:) No problems w/ mine. Overfiltering is not a bad thing but in your case I think the XP3 will be more than sufficient. I added the XP4 to my set-up to retire an aging Fluval 404 (still working & on hold for emergency). I have a bit more water & larger fish than you but if you're anticipating an upgrade the XP4 will be OK. Just angle the supplied spraybar to control the current so the angels will be comfortable. "T"

[meili.harrison]

I got the XP3. I love it so far. I'm using the powerjet setting. The only thing is, I wish the XP3 came with extension tube so the jet can be set lower in the tank instead of high up. Even with the longer extension tube, it sits pretty high up. I actually used the other elbow tube and made my own design, then target the spray towards bottom at 45 degree angle. I think I have to move my pleco caves towards that direction.

Overall, I like it. Very quiet... I'm used to the noisy HOB splashes so this is very different for me.

[tonytheboss1]

:) If it's really a problem you can continue your customizing http://rena-aquatics-outlet.planetrena.com/Rena-XP-Filstar-Parts.html or http://www.marsfishcare.co.uk/en_us/filstarparts.asp . Hope this helps. "T"

[tankboy_taylor]

I prefer Eheim but also have a XP3 which is also a great filter just needs to be maintained more