AC500 Vs. filstar Xp1

[munkee]

i have a 60 gallon cichlid tank (1 oscar, some pictus cats) and one out of 2 AC 300s has been acting strange for the past few months and finally broke down. so im gonng go to the LFs pretty soon and buy one of the above... which do you think would work better in my situation? also, since im kind of strapped for cash, do you think i can just get by, by replacing the broken AC300 with another?

[NJ Devils Fan]

I wouldn't get an xP1, at least an xP2. An xP1 wouldn't be strong enough. The AC 500 would be fine also. I would get the XP 2 though so that there is less surface movement and therefore, less carbon dioxide will escape out of the tank. Live plants use the carbon dioxide.

[munkee]

hmm ok.. but im not using any live plants..

[beviking]

Hey munkee, have you checked out BigAlsOnline.com? I know my lfs are way overpriced for filters. Last time I checked, you can get an AC500 for $32 (US) plus shipping. I love the filstar filters, but from what I know about cichlids (very little) you should clean your filter often and I.M.O., the AC 500 is the way to go. Since I'm throwing my opinion around, I think you could get away with just replacing the 300, it's worked for you up until know right? Have you tried getting a new motor for your deteriorating 300? That may be cheaper yet.

[NJ Devils Fan]

But you might want to in the future. It is always good to keep in mind the future when making decisions.

[munkee]

Originally posted by NJ Devils Fan
But you might want to in the future. It is always good to keep in mind the future when making decisions.

true true, but just not in an oscar tank..