2 sun sun 704b or one FX6?

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FishAddict74

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Which set up would you guys pick on something around 200-250 gallons? The flow rate is about the same, but two sun suns are less pricey than one FX6. If I go with the FX6, I’ll also run a Fluval 306, if I go with the sun suns, I’ll use the 306 elsewhere.
 

Wyomingite

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I've been running two FX5s on my 225, and they're alright. Media capacity and the ability to customize it is good. They're kind of a pain to prime when putting them back on-line after servicing. I don't know if it's any easier on the FX6. All in all, not bad filters, but honestly, if I had it to do over with what I know, I'd go with something else. The biggest reason is that I've had to replace the motor on each once since I got them, around 2012 I think (I'm winging it based on my memory and I'm not 100% sure about that), and I think the motor is going out on one of them again. I expected more from a $300.00+ filter from a name like Hagen, especially when the replacement motor costs more than entire cannister filters of other brands. I know the FX6 uses the same motor unit, so I wouldn't buy one for that reason alone.

WYite
 
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FishAddict74

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I've been running two FX5s on my 225, and they're alright. Media capacity and the ability to customize it is good. They're kind of a pain to prime when putting them back on-line after servicing. I don't know if it's any easier on the FX6. All in all, not bad filters, but honestly, if I had it to do over with what I know, I'd go with something else. The biggest reason is that I've had to replace the motor on each once since I got them, around 2012 I think (I'm winging it based on my memory and I'm not 100% sure about that), and I think the motor is going out on one of them again. I expected more from a $300.00+ filter from a name like Hagen, especially when the replacement motor costs more than entire cannister filters of other brands. I know the FX6 uses the same motor unit, so I wouldn't buy one for that reason alone.

WYite
I wouldn’t have expected that, I would’ve expected the FX series to be bullet proof. That’s one reason I’m considering the sun suns, the reviews are good and for $97 even if it only lasts 2 or 3 years, I feel like I got my money’s worth, as long as it doesn’t leak and flood the house lol
Thanks for the heads up on the FX
 
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FreshyFresh

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IMO, they all have the same potential to leak, regardless if you spend $100 or $400 on one.

I dunno what it is in GPM, but the flow rate on my $130 Penn Plax 1500 is impressive. It's a 5-tray canister.

I have also had good luck with Sunsuns and currently have an Eheim classic and a Marineland C-360 in use as well.
 
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jake72

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FX6 is self priming. I don't have to do anything special beyond plugging it in. While nothing is leak proof it is pretty decent - i like the media basket better than the eheim 2217 i have which is a bit of a pia to clean. However the fx6 is a lot louder.

I've been running two FX5s on my 225, and they're alright. Media capacity and the ability to customize it is good. They're kind of a pain to prime when putting them back on-line after servicing. I don't know if it's any easier on the FX6. All in all, not bad filters, but honestly, if I had it to do over with what I know, I'd go with something else. The biggest reason is that I've had to replace the motor on each once since I got them, around 2012 I think (I'm winging it based on my memory and I'm not 100% sure about that), and I think the motor is going out on one of them again. I expected more from a $300.00+ filter from a name like Hagen, especially when the replacement motor costs more than entire cannister filters of other brands. I know the FX6 uses the same motor unit, so I wouldn't buy one for that reason alone.

WYite
 

FishAddict74

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Dec 8, 2020
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FX6 is self priming. I don't have to do anything special beyond plugging it in. While nothing is leak proof it is pretty decent - i like the media basket better than the eheim 2217 i have which is a bit of a pia to clean. However the fx6 is a lot louder.
Noise isn’t a concern for me since this tank will be in the garage, my main concern is functionality. I found the eheim classics to be a PITA to get going and have gone completely away from those. The self priming sounds nice, I’m just wondering if it’s worth it since I can get two of the sun suns for less than one FX6. From what I’m reading the flow rates are similar and the media capacity is too. I know I’ll be pissed if i spend $300 on the fx6 and the motor goes out in a couple years. I’m leaning towards the sun suns
 

FreshyFresh

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For my classic 2215, I swapped out all the ehiem bio media for blue coarse sponge disks. It's got like 7 of them stacked bottom to top. To me it's simpler that way and easier to clean. My penn plax 1500 is just coarse sponge in each tray as well.

I always pre-fill my canisters with water before I snap the tops back on. I fill them to the point water wants to squirt out when putting the top on. They take right off for me this way.
 
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