Filter Help

[paradigmcubed]

I need some more filtration in one of my tanks and I am wondering if you guys like the Fluval 404 or the Magnum 350 better? What is the difference between the Magnum 350 and the Magnum Pro? I have to decide between the Magnum 350, Magnu 350 pro or the Fluval and would welcome any and all opinions.

Thanks

[ewok]

404

never tried the others..... the 404's i have always worked fine. :)

[NJ Devils Fan]

What size tank?

I would recommend a Rena filstar xP3. More people prefer them over fluvals. A member 80gJoe will reply soon, he has both a fluval 404 and an xP3. He can give you the best comparison.

[paradigmcubed]

I have a 125 gallon running with an AC 500, Penguin 330 and a Power Head 402.

[ewok]

i *think* the only differences between tp 350 and the 350 pro are the number of gizmos it comes with. the pro has the vac attachment or something, maybe a different spray outlet......

i think the 404 has a slightly higher gph also.

[paradigmcubed]

Well I guess I'll go for the 404.

Thanks, Jacob

[125gJoe]

I both the Filstar xP-3 and the Fluval 404. I found the Filstar xP-3 to be a better canister filter than the Fluval 404.

The Filstar actually filters better than the Fluval, the Filstar has handles, it primes much better (starts better), the hoses on the Filstar do NOT have ridges - the hoses are smooth which helps prevent gunk build-up. The Filstar has many options for setting the "spray bar" (outlet) and inlet tubes.. The Filstar has an easy flow control knob... :cool:

When it comes time to replace my Fluval 404, I will glady replace it with the Rena Filstar xP-3. :)

[ewok]

Originally posted by 80gJoe
it primes much better (starts better), the hoses on the Filstar do NOT have ridges - the hoses are smooth which helps prevent gunk build-up. The Filstar has an easy flow control knob... :cool:


primes better? i doubt it. i never prime any of mine after they are setup on the tank, just open the valves and let them fill. it doesn't come any easier than that.

the ridges bit disturbs me, my friend bought his 404 a few months before i bought any of mine and it came with clear tubes that were easily replaceable. i think they changed that design unfortunately because of the "over the lip" adapters or something. :( i haven't had problems because of the ridges, but i still don't like that on a personal level. on the plus side tho, those ridges actually increase your biological area i'm sure tho. so you probably have twice the surface area for biological action to take place than regular smooth tubes...... but it does give a place for junk to collect i would think.

as far as the easy flow control knob, fluvals valve assembly can be opened and closed in any sort of postion, not that i would be a fan of this idea. i have done it before and it works. why would you turn a filter down tho? if you feel the need to turn it down, maybe you bought the wrong size filter, or maybe you just need to find a better way to outlet it. (ie: spraybar)

i do wish the thing had handles sometimes tho........ :)

[ewok]

a side note........ magnum and fluval are probably the most common filters available, which would make them easiest to buy parts for also. filstar and ehiem don't even exist around here, but i know i can go to a local store and buy an impeller for fluval. ...... on the off chance i somehow break it........

[paradigmcubed]

Got an Eheim 2217 of Big Al's website for $99.99. Is this a good price? Anyone have personal experience with this filter?

Thanks

[TETRALADY]

I use a magnum 350 on my 55 gallon. It's a good filter, however, it can be a challenge to get the lid off. :D

The only difference between the 350 magnum and the pro is the amount of accessories the pro comes with.:)