Best canister combo for a 125 Gallon..

[Kevin007]

Hello, I am trying to decide what would be the best option for a 125 Gallon tank.

I want 2 canister filters to keep the water crystal clear. What would be the best option?

Ehiem 2028 + Filstar XP3, 2x XP3, 2028 + XP4, 2x 2026.

And if you were using 2 canister filters for one tank, what would you put in each of the filters? Would you put the same filter media in both, or would you use one filter strictly for water polishing (ie: purigen) and one for mechanical filtration?

[Rbishop]

While I would choose other manufacturers, of the ones listed, I would go with the 2 XP3. What you put in them would depend on what and how many fish you are keeping. Normally I would say set them up the same, but if you had heavy polluters, I would set one up for purely mechanical filtration.

[Carla G]

I have never used Filstar but I have used Eheim and it is a great filter. If I had a 125 I would use two 2217s. That gives you back-up if one fails, not that Eheims tend to fail, they do not. You could also switch one off to another tank if you needed one in a hurry. I'd use the media that it comes with. It is very good biological media. It also has noodles and course sponge at the bottom for mechanical filtration. If you want you can put a piece of water polishing fine filter material at the top.

[ChiaJesus]

The Rena filters are nice, easy to use, and easy to set up. However they are quite a bit louder than other filters. I have read that Eheim filters are almost silent, so you will definitely be able to notice the difference.

[BoredAgain]

The Rena filters are nice, easy to use, and easy to set up. However they are quite a bit louder than other filters.
The only time I've noticed any noise from my XP3 something was wrong...there was air in the canister, easy fix. Any other time I'd need to have my head in the cabinet right next to the canister to hear its barely audible hum.

2 X XP3 would be perfect for that setup. Best price found here: http://kensfish.com/filstarcanisterfilters.html

[OldMan47]

Must agree with BoredAgain. I never hear mine unless I turn off everything else in the room and then get up real close to them.

[Ozymandias]

most of the higher class filters like Ehiem and Rena will be almost totally silent unless something is wrong with them

[ChiaJesus]

The only time I've noticed any noise from my XP3 something was wrong...there was air in the canister, easy fix. Any other time I'd need to have my head in the cabinet right next to the canister to hear its barely audible hum.

I thought my XPs were very, very quiet. Then I hooked up an FX5 and saw that they were dramatically louder. I guess it depends on points of reference you have.

[BoredAgain]

I thought my XPs were very, very quiet. Then I hooked up an FX5 and saw that they were dramatically louder. I guess it depends on points of reference you have.
Maybe you just have sensitive ears. :) If I can't hear mine in complete silence unless my head in right next to it, then I'm happy.

[Kevin007]

WOW! BoredAgain, at that price for the XP3, i can get 3 of them for a 125 Gallon!

Thats great! I think its safe to say that 3 XP3s is better then XP3 + Ehiem 2028?

[BoredAgain]

WOW! BoredAgain, at that price for the XP3, i can get 3 of them for a 125 Gallon!

Thats great! I think its safe to say that 3 XP3s is better then XP3 + Ehiem 2028?
Yes.