Rena XP2 or Fluval 304

I've never used a fluval, but I have a Rena XP3 and it is one fine piece of machinery. More operating noise than an Aquaclear 500, but still pretty quiet.

I'd say xP2 over fluval 304, XP3 wouldn't cost too much more online, I think Petsmart's having a little online offer for free shipping and handling if you spend $40 or more

edit: offer expires tommorow night at midnight

FilStar, no buts about it. They're extremely quiet, easy to clean, and the media chambers are huge. They come complete with everything but the bio media (which is only about another $15 - $20 depending on what type you choose). I've got an XP2 on my planted 65g, and it does a great job. Absolutely no complaints whatsoever - it's a fantastic product.
When I went to purchase my canister, one of the guys at the Big Al's I go to actually mentioned that these filters are (in his opinion) higher quality than Fluval products, and second only to Eheim.

If you decide to get a filstar, make sure to get some drill bits to make the holes in the spray bar bigger if you use it.

I had to drill mine(the holes in the spray bar) like 4 sizes larger to get rid of the "whoooooooooing".

Other than that, I love it!

Jason01 said:

If you decide to get a filstar, make sure to get some drill bits to make the holes in the spray bar bigger if you use it.

I had to drill mine(the holes in the spray bar) like 4 sizes larger to get rid of the "whoooooooooing".

Other than that, I love it!

Click to expand...

I don't have this problem with mine

I think that rena updated the spraybar at some point. Some of them have this problem, others don't. Either that, or mine was made on a monday, wednesday, or friday; bad days for production, the worst days for an employee to be at work!

I love my filstars and would buy another one! Mine are so quiet, I sometimes have to put my hand on the tops of them to make sure they are running! I chose the filstars for price, lift out baskets for easy cleaning, auto priming, and they are supposed to have an auto shut-off if the motor starts to overheat. I have never owned a fluval, but am very happy with my filstars.

I have a fluval 204 and it is totally silent in operation. All necessary media came with it - no need to buy extra. Loads of media and Bio noodles. Baskets easy to lift out and clean, sponges also easy to rinse. Easy to detach piping for cleaning and safety shut off mechanism to prevent water syphoning when cleaning. I'm very happy with mine.