Canister Filter Recommendations

well, the filstar actually has more hardware then the fluval
it has all the tubing, plus the option of a spraybar or generic "spout" output
I mean, I dont even think there is a fluval spraybar??
but i think the idea of fluval's output is to "launch" the water out via a ramp style spout, ida know, I could be crazy
 
I have a Fluval 304 on my 29gal and I love it! It's good value for money and even comes with all the media you need to get started (I Believe all Fluval cannisters do). Bortsamson is quite right tho', they do not make a spraybar outlet for the latest 04 series.....yet.

That's actually kind of weird that came up as I only called them today to find out.......spooky. The one you may see advetised is for the older generation of Fluval 04 series....amazingly the 04 series has been around for 4 years now.

Anyhow, I'm actually not biased one way or the other, I nearly got a Filstar XP but the Fluval looked easier to maintain (and easy it is!). If I had to do it all again, I'd probably saved up for an Eheim tho', from what I can gather they are truly superb filters. Mind you, I did get my 304 for only $70.00 which I thought was a steal.

Good luck, I'm sure you'll be pleased with whatever you end up with. :D
 
Don't cram the sponge into the intake strainer of the canister, cut a slot in the sponge, and stick the strainer intake the sponge. I'll see if I can take a picture later on.

-Richer
 
I think I've done the same thing as Richer has done.

I cut a slit down an aqua-clar sponge and stuck it over the intake of my regular tank filter. Mostly to stop my ADF's from swimming into the intake, and possibly any fry that get near it. Nice side effect of it, is the tube running up to the filter stays a LOT cleaner than ever before.

I just jammed a steak knife down the sponge, then stuffed the intake tube into the slit. Doesn't look as good, but I put it behind a rock so it's not out in the open. Once week I squeeze it clean in my water change bucket.
 
I had similar questions about canisters. There are some great replies in this thread. The June FAMA article was particularly helpful to me (mentioned by a poster in that thread) and I settled on the Fluval after reading that article and doing my own research. Drs Foster&Smith has the Fluvals on sale now which also helped. :D
 
After a little "test" I did comparing the Fluval 404 and the Rena Filstar xP-3, I know I won't buy Fluval again. The Filstar filtered better and has more options on set-up, and more filter media area, variable flow is nice. Also, the Filstar has "handles" which are real nice when it comes time to clean it! There are no priming problems with the Filstar xP-3....
 
Thanks for the replies everyone. Well I just purchased the Rena Filstar XP1 for my 26 Gallon tank. I should get in in a week and will let you know how it works. Any tips on setup and installation ? Also, does anyone know by chance if these come with the filter media in the box or was I supposed to buy this seperately ?

Thanks again!!

James
 
You can save some money by using filter floss as the main "media". Use the sponge(s)..

I'm not a fan of "prefiltering" the intake of a canister filter since I think it effects the original design of the filter. Also, prefilters can be easily forgotten when it comes to cleaning them. I also prefer to keep hands out of the aquarium as much as possible.....
 
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