Fluval 404 vs Rena Filstar xP3

[mattfraser]

Hi

I wanted to know what peoples opinions are on the Fluval 404 and the Rena Filstar xP3.
What do you like/dislike about them
Advantages/disadvantages of one over the other
Which is the best?

A fluval 404 is about £80 and the Rena Filstar xP3 is around £130 so straight away i am thinking the Rena must be better.

What are your thoughts?

I have a 50 gallon tank with tropical fish. Sand/plants/wood/rock I currently have a Fluval 404 (years old) but can get a Rena Filstar xP3 (brand new) for nothing. I want to know if it's worth doing.

Many thanks

Matt

 

[beviking]

I'm NOT trying to sound sarcastic (for once!), but upper right hand corner..."search" button. This has been covered more times than M.J.'s (not Jordan) nose!

 

[tamccain]

unfortunately I don't know why people won't answer questions if it has been answered before - I am sorry. I will answer to the best of my ability

I have a fluval 304 on my 75 gallon tank. It works well and I like it quite a bit, but here are the caveats. If you filli it with media it will need to be cleaned more often. Also it does seem to have some bypass that happens where the water can go straight from the input through the output without being filtered. I have never seen that as much of a problem.

I don't know much about the Rena filters, but that is my take on the Fluval.

 

[beviking]

unfortunately I don't know why people won't answer questions if it has been answered before - I am sorry. I will answer to the best of my ability

Ouch! My bad. Thought you were looking for comparison, as in, if you've owned both. I only have owned an XP3, no fluval. Besides, you'll get a lot more info much quicker by searching than just waiting for replies.
I love the XP3 and plan on buying another! Very easy, quiet, and big.

5 minutes...
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41942&highlight=fluval
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41377&highlight=fluval
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39810&highlight=fluval
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38206&highlight=fluval
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34410&highlight=fluval
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32480&highlight=fluval

you're welcome

 

[Rebgen]

unfortunately I don't know why people won't answer questions if it has been answered before - I am sorry. I will answer to the best of my ability

I have a fluval 304 on my 75 gallon tank. It works well and I like it quite a bit, but here are the caveats. If you filli it with media it will need to be cleaned more often. Also it does seem to have some bypass that happens where the water can go straight from the input through the output without being filtered. I have never seen that as much of a problem.

I don't know much about the Rena filters, but that is my take on the Fluval.

First of all let me preface this by saying I'm in no way trying to be argumentative.


beviking, IMHO, was doing EXACTLY what everyone should be doing when an oft repeated question comes up...especially from a new poster. This forum has been a goldmine of information for this newbie as I dive a little deeper into the hobby with a bigger tank. Unfortunatley, redundant posts are scattered everywhere and it makes gleaning useful information more difficult.

Before asking a question or creating a new thread with a specific question I always do a good search to determine if the answers already exist. Lots of excellent answers and dialogue already exist in the archives. Newbies (like me) also get to know their way around here much better by using the search feature and exploring a little instead of asking to be spoon fed.

Nobody is being rude or insensitive by suggesting a good search before asking a question. Several people have given me some excellent help/advice since I registered a few weeks ago, but I've learned volumes more by cruising though old threads using the search feature.

Again....I'm not trying to be difficult....thanks.

 

[StreetCypher]

but can get a Rena Filstar xP3 (brand new) for nothing.

That should answer your question. If its free, take it.

Filstars are great filters, although they could be a little quieter. Easy to maintain, large and customizable compartments. Easy to assemble, comes with many different parts. I've never had fluvals before though, so i can't compare.

 

[mattfraser]

Hi

Rebgen - many thanks for the info

Sorry to others. Didn' mean to waste anyone's time. I am new at this. I have done a search now and found out alot of information. I have learnt my lesson on searching.

Consider me spanked

Matt

 

[Rebgen]

mattfraser,

You didn't waste anyone's time and I definitely didn't want to give the impression my post was intended to be a flame or spanking in any way/shape/form.

I am a newbie around here too and am learning just like you. I posted because I read a recent thread about poster burn-out and responding to similar questions already answered in the database archives. Before finding this place I thought cycling was something you did on a bike, lol. To say I've learned volumes since registering would be a bid understatement.

Good luck with your hobby and I hope youy enjoy it as much as I am.

 

[beviking]

mattfraser,

You didn't waste anyone's time and I definitely didn't want to give the impression my post was intended to be a flame or spanking in any way/shape/form. ...

Good luck with your hobby and I hope youy enjoy it as much as I am.

DITTO!

DITTO!

 

[mattfraser]

Cheers everyone. It's good to have good friendly advice...now i know where to get it.

Spartan - If your filstar is a little noisy i have read and been told by a LFS that if you drill some more holes or larger holes in the outlet pipe (in the tank) then that can solve the problem

Matt