Fluval 205 VS Rena Filstar XP1

[sophiecat22]

OK, new dilema...I've come to the conclusion that if I'm going to get a canister filter for my 30 gal, I might as well get something a little nicer than just a little HOT canister. But I need some help in deciding which would be the better buy. If I get the Fluval, I'd get it from Petsmart because with my discount it's about $85 (its $90, not including shipping, on Big Al's). If I go with the Rena I'd be getting it from Big Al's for about $68 including S&H.

I read the manual for the Fluval and it seems like its really user-friendly (easy to set-up/maintain).

Which do you guys recommend?

Oh, one more thing; in the fluval manual, it says that the there must be a straight line from the aquarium to the filter. Does that mean that the intake and outtake tubes must be straight or can there be a slight curve to them. I'm asking because I don't quite see how the tubes could be straight if I were to put the canister inside the cabinet in the stand without drilling holes into the bottom of the tank and I definitly don't want to do that. Will the slight curve into the back of the cabinet be straight enough? This seems like such a silly question but better safe than sorry.

Thanks so much!!

Steph

 

[sophiecat22]

Anyone have any thoughts??

 

[champagne]

hey,
I would go with the rena, never heard of any problems with them, but have heard of more then enough with the fluval. I've had to deal with unhappy customers (I was a manager at a petstore) with their fluval filter, and like I said, not once with rena. They are user friendly, quiet and good quality. That's my opinion, I'm sure there's people out there that have had the opposite experience, but my vote goes to rena.

 

[Rallysman]

I have an XP3, and I hate it lol. It works well, but it wont do what they claim. It's really weak.
It is easy to clean and maintain, but I'll never get another one. Its nothing buy AC and Wet/drys for me!


From what I've heard/expereinced/read, the XP would be the way to go.

 

[Sunni Side Up]

Maybe pull a poll?

I've never used XP1; however, my BF and I have been using Fluval for 7 of our medium tanks (29 - 55G) in the past 2 years and no problems so far. Changing and cleaning, to us, are fairly easy. In addition, none of our tubes are straight from the filter to the tank. :

Due to a hgher bio-load, we also prefer to get the next level up models (i.e. if the label says model 204 or 205 is sufficient for a tank size, I'd get 304 or 305); the filtration results are much better. I also use an additional mechanical filter (Penguin) for larger tanks.

Just offering my experience with the Fluval filter, and good luck with whatever you decide to go with.

P.S. I've heard many good comments on Eheim and Cascade if you are also wondering about them....