Is a Filstar XP3 enough filtration for a 70 gal?

[mummyof2]

I have an ac500 on my 70 gallon planted community tank now and from reading the reviews I think I want to go with a Filstar xp3 cannister to reduce the noise and improve filtration. I was reading that some people have experienced cloudiness with just using a cannister and have to use a power filter too is this the norm?? I really want quiet filtration as the tank is in my living room and the motor on my ac500 is really noisy (yes I've cleaned it and it isn't any better and replaced the impeller) I really think it's time to replace it. Any opinions?? Also what should I put in the cannister I am going to order it from big als and I need to know what else to order.

Thanks,
Barbara

[ScottoMacD]

Hello.

One question?

Have you replaced the pin in the motor that holds the propeller unit? I have found form experience that piece is the number 1 cause of motor noise.

The reason I ask is. I would add the filstar but keep the aquaclear going also. The filtration would be great. Especially if you use 2 sponges in the aquaclear.

I am doing somthing similar in my 77 gallon right now. I have an eheim 2028 and an aquaclear going , as well as a powerhead 802 with a modified basket for extra current. The water looks great. Even with my SA/CA cichlids in there making a mess.

Just a option.

[mummyof2]

I have not replaced the pin I would agree though it could be the cause as it is discolored where the impeller is. If I had to keep the aq500 there is no point in buying a cannister as this has been all I have had on there for years and the tank is crystal clear. I was also hoping to be able to put plants in the middle of the tank but I can't now because that is where the discharge of the aquaclear is going and it makes too much water movement. I thought having the cannister would eliminate the bare spots in my aquarium so I could plant more plants there. I also wanted to eliminate the surface agitation as well to keep what little co2 I may have in the water. I am not adding co2 at the present time.

Barbara

[ScottoMacD]

Hello again.

You could just move the AC over to the left side of you tank. Then have the filstar on the right side.

The intake would be closer to the side but that shouldn't affect the filtration. You could also slow the water current down on the AC.

The filstar will help you with what you mentioned. I just don't think that the filstar alone would be enough filtration. I have read that even though they are very reliable and overall good filters (infact I was thinking of getting 2 for my new 112 gallon to go along with 2 ac 500's)

I have heard that the promised/advertised water flow has been greatly exaggerated by almost 1/4 out put per hour. That is allot. I have read that in more than one review. Basically that means that the xp3 is rated for 300 gallons an hour but infact is really only about 230.GPH.

This being my reasoning for you to run both filters.
Just my thoughts. Hope it helps.

[NJ Devils Fan]

Honestly, I would get the filstar and use it with the AC. Great filtration there. You can put plants in the middle of the tank. It doesn't matter that the water returns there, it's ok. The plants will be fine.

[mummyof2]

The only reason I don't put plants there is the current makes them fall over. I do have a few crypts there but I would love to put a big centerpiece plant there. If I moved my ac500 to the corner would it still filter as well?? ie. get the floating stuff???

Barbara

[ScottoMacD]

[i]If I moved my ac500 to the corner would it still filter as well?? ie. get the floating stuff???

Barbara [/B]

Sure no problem here is my 77 gallon. You can see how far over the 500 intake is. Right beside the eheim intake.

http://images2.fotki.com/v20/free/c8ed/4/40301/79213/773-vi.jpg

IF you decide not to buy the second filter for the other side of the tank. Just throw in a mid sized power head to help the far side of the tank with circulation. (much cheaper than a new filter) The mid sized powerheads will do a nice job getting the water flow going but aren't strong enough to push around the plants.

In my picture you can actually see the bubbles from my 802 powerhead in the top left corner.

Good luck.

[beviking]

I use the XP3 on my 90g tank and that's it. It's been up for 3 months now and works great! The spray bar is at one end and plants on the opposite end of the tank sway in the current. I'll admit this may be underfiltered, but the water is crystal clear (I ran the micro filter for the 1st month after set up but have since went w/o) and parameters are good. I use the 4 pads that come with it and 3L of ceramic noodles (Efhimech is cheaper than filstars plus don't need to be replaced).
I originally planned on running an AC500 too but wanted to see if the XP3 would handle it. So far so good and incredibly quiet!!
Hope this helps!