View Full Version : Help me pick a canister
petluvr
09-21-2009, 7:42 PM
I am ever so slowly getting most of my tanks switched over from hob's to canisters but I SUCK at picking which one is best for my needs, so that's where the good folks of AC come in :) I need a canister for one of my 29's that is semi planted and houses guppies. I have an Eheim and don't really like it, I mean the setup was easy but the no spray bar I didn't really care for. I also have a Cascade which I really like but the setup was HECK. Help me out guys what would you choose?
Rbishop
09-21-2009, 7:45 PM
C 160 or 220
stratusfearrr
09-21-2009, 7:51 PM
i have a fluval 305 on my 46 bowfront and love it. so i'd reccommend that (and be over filtering) or the fluval 205. In my opinion, fluval makes great filters. you can tailor it to fit your needs easily, and the cleaning of the filter and media is simple.
petluvr
09-21-2009, 7:52 PM
160 is rated up to 30 gallons I would go with the 220 since I like the extra filtration. I have thought about the marineland glad to see I am not the only one :)
petluvr
09-21-2009, 7:53 PM
305 may be a bit much for the guppies to handle.
petluvr
09-21-2009, 9:38 PM
What about a Cascade 700?
clogstonian
09-21-2009, 9:52 PM
Rena XP1 gets my vote, I have an XP2 on a 40g and it's perrrfect . . they have gotten pricey in the last few years though
Ozymandias
09-21-2009, 10:58 PM
il like the C-220 had it on a planted tank and it worked wonders.
Lycanthropic
09-22-2009, 12:37 AM
I personallt like my rena xp3. Nice filter, easy to take apart, and easy to diagnose probalems with it. Plus, I havent had to replace any media. , which is always a plus!
RodInCALIFORNIA
09-22-2009, 1:13 AM
If you choose the cascade canister I own the 700 and 1000 I would go with the cascade 1000
BettaFishMommy
09-22-2009, 1:53 AM
that size tank would do just fine with a Rena xp2. as Phoenix mentioned, easy to maintain and simple. nicest thing is the baskets are square, so it's easy to custom cut/modify pretty much any media to fit in there. i have an xp2 running on one of my tanks and i love it. i also run a second filter as well.
oh, btw, the renal xp filters all come with a spray bar and a nozzle attachment.
only downside, IMO, is the light blue intake tube. dagnabit, that thing stands out in the tank! but diy with some other tubing works if yer handy enough.
thrak76
09-22-2009, 3:00 AM
I use and love the c220. Very nice.
petluvr
09-22-2009, 8:24 AM
I have the Cascade 1000 and have really liked it, I didn't like the setup but the second time around it may be a little easier. A light blue intake, now that's a weird choice for color. Going to a Rena dealer today to look at them, not planning to buy since I can get them cheaper online but I would like to get a peek at one.
JamieB
09-22-2009, 8:27 AM
I also like the Rena XP3, had for 2years already and no problems,very efficient,quiet,easy to clean.:grinyes:
I too like the renas. A much better filter IMO
coach_z
09-22-2009, 9:05 AM
for my 30 planted i am planning on a cascade-1000 or marineland c-220
petluvr
09-22-2009, 9:20 PM
Went with Bob and got the C-220. Now if I hate it I know who to blame ;)
petluvr
09-26-2009, 1:18 AM
Got the C-220 today set it up and I HATE THE OUTPUT. I am coming for you Bob :) I guess I will be trying to DIY a spray bar.
Rbishop
09-26-2009, 5:52 AM
YEP...thats the one and only issue I have with the C series...no spray bar. They did an excellent job on redesigning the 350 series, giving more media capacity, great vale disconnect so add on valves were not needed and a great looking shell.
They should have included a spray bar for sure...but it is an easy DIY.
JamieB
09-26-2009, 7:19 AM
Not Bob's fault, we tried to tell you! Rena!:grinyes:
petluvr
09-26-2009, 10:09 AM
Not Bob's fault, we tried to tell you! Rena!:grinyes:
:silly::silly:
petluvr
09-26-2009, 10:10 AM
YEP...thats the one and only issue I have with the C series...no spray bar. They did an excellent job on redesigning the 350 series, giving more media capacity, great vale disconnect so add on valves were not needed and a great looking shell.
They should have included a spray bar for sure...but it is an easy DIY.
Looks as though I will be browsing the DIY section, hopefully a person who can barely use a screwdriver can do it :)
Rbishop
09-26-2009, 10:34 AM
Measure the OD of the return tube...go to hardware store plumbing...find elbows, straight pipe and end cap to size.....drill holes in straight pipe as necessary....use suction cups to hold in place...simple.
petluvr
09-26-2009, 12:30 PM
Measure the OD of the return tube...go to hardware store plumbing...find elbows, straight pipe and end cap to size.....drill holes in straight pipe as necessary....use suction cups to hold in place...simple.
You lost me at OD :grinyes: but the concept is easy enough.
Rbishop
09-26-2009, 12:51 PM
OD...out side diameter...
petluvr
09-26-2009, 1:01 PM
Makes since :) I am totally clueless on most things mechanical and as far as any type of measuring forget-about-it Guess that is why I am sucking at my college calculus class.
fishorama
09-26-2009, 1:49 PM
Take the piece with you & see what fits
mike surtees
10-15-2009, 3:07 PM
Hi, I have a flugal 405, and it is quiet/ reliable and has the ability to be stopped and opened within seconds owing to its special hose connection/valve. But its best funtion is its abilty to house any media in any configuration you please with ease. Serviceing is easy too, and the price is right. Its quiet aswell. Regards .