Tank size? Filstar ?

[fmcgrump]

I'm currently deciding between a 75 or a 90 after many years out of Hobby. My question, is there an advantage to the deeper 90?

After reading many post both here and others I've decided on the Filstar filters. I'm thinking around a XP-3 and a XP-1 for the 75/90 or 2 XP-2's. Any suggestions???

I come from the Dynaflow and old Supreme with big motor on top days, 1970's

No I won't consider HOB's

Thanks in advance
Martin

[beviking]

Hey Martin. Just went through that ordeal myself back in February. Drawbacks to the 90 are that it's deeper so it's harder to reach the bottom, not really a problem if you have longer arms. Light penetration is reduced in deeper tanks also just in case you're going with live plants, you may opt for more light. Obviously there is more water so toxins take longer to build up (given the same fish load), but, having more water you might put more fish in it so that point is moot.
I run only 1 XP3 on my tank (90gal). It works, but I clean it every other week with water changes. I'm considering getting another XP3 for the tank since they are such a breeze to clean!!!
I would suggest, if you can swing it, getting 2 XP3's since you can adjust the water flow on them.
If you get an XP1 and 3, you're working with 2 different flow rates so 1 will be moving more water=collecting more waste. Usually, when aquarist use 2 filters, one is for biological filtering and the other for mechanical. The mechanical filter should filter more water/hour and the biological filter usually hold more media (is bigger). With the XP1 & 3, the bigger filter moves more water. Not saying you couldn't do it, just something to think about. Otherwise, I would opt for 2 XP2's.
Hope This Helps!

[DIYMatt]

On your tank size question, it depends what you are going to do with the tank and your personal preference. When I bought my 75, the 90 was $50 more for the tank only. But, its a plant tank and I think I would like the extra heigth of the 90 now.

On the filter question, I have two XP1's and an XP3 (on my 75). Great filters. THe XP3 is more than enough filtration and water flow by itself. If you want two for safeties sake(I do) I would get two XP2's (or XP3's if excess current is not an issue). I don't use the flow restrictor because I am afraid of it leaking over time. Run one as a prefiltered bio-only filter that you won't have to clean hardly ever. Then, run the other as more of a polishing filter and put ceramic rings in the bottom canister to break up big stuff, and put two layers of coarse foam in the bottom of the top canister and two layers of fine foam on top. If you need more fine paritculate filtration, you can sandwich filter felt between the two layers of fine foam. Don't put it on top, it gets clogged to fast. You will have to clean this somewhat regularly. You should have one great filtration system.

The only thing these filters seem not to like is being used a CO2 reactor, FYI.

[Gunnie]

I have a 100 gal. cichlid tank which I run an XP2 and an XP3. I have 2 oscars, 2 jack dempseys, and 1 large pleco in it. The filters work great! I clean them between every 2 weeks and monthly. They are easy to clean, and are excellent filters IMO. If I was you, I would go with the bigger tank, and 2 XP2's. That way you can have more biological filtration in each filter, and you won't have to clean them all the time.

[SP2]

This is probably a stupid question but does restricting the output stress the motor? I have just got a XP-3 for my 135 and it REALLY has a strong output. BY the way I also have a XP-1 and I love these filters.

[chefkeith]

Originally posted by SP2
This is probably a stupid question but does restricting the output stress the motor? I have just got a XP-3 for my 135 and it REALLY has a strong output. BY the way I also have a XP-1 and I love these filters.

No, it doesn't stress the motor. They have a magnetic impellar.