HOB vs Canister

[nimdabew]

Hi. I have an oscar fry thats about 4 months old and is about 4-5 inches long (total length) in a 29 gal tank with 2 aqua clear 30's. i know that i am going to have to get a 55 gal sometime in the near future so i was wondering if anyone can direct me to a website that sells the rena xp2 for cheap. i read a post somewhere on here that said a website was selling one for about 80 dollars or so, and my LFS is petsmart so they will price match.

another question, would it be advisable to run the HOB's and the canister at the same time on the tank or would it be better to just have the canister and a power head. thanks

 

[deadxero]

If you have yet to buy the tank, I would seriously recommend a 75 or larger for an Oscar. As far as the filtration... the more the better. Oscars make a lot of waste.

 

[jm1212]

you should probably start looking at 75's instead. a 55 is a little tight for an oscar.

an XP3 would probably be better, and you can get it for about $90 at Big Al's

 

[Icom]

.

an XP3 would probably be better, and you can get it for about $90 at Big Al's

I'd like to see that....check again..or show me where an XP3 is "only" $90; $104 and some change from Petsmart is the best I've seen on one in a while

agreed,at least a 75g or bigger for an Oscar

 

[scootrnerd]

there are some cheapies on ebay , around 45.00. but you get what you pay for. i agree with the 75 or up on the tank.

 

[Cory Keeper]

First, get a 75+,

Second, get two XP3s

Regarding the E-bay sales, This was mentioned on this board a year or two after someone proposed a DIY canister filter. Started by bashing the OP, then told him/her to get a used canister filter. I don't trust filters I can't touch myself. Again, why I went DIY.

 

[Mgamer20o0]

lot of places raised their prices on the xp fitlers. if your going to get a canister might as well buy one you can use on that bigger tank. at 4-5 inch its not a fry anymore. you should get a new tank asap.

 

[nimdabew]

i figured i would have at least 2 more months before he gets too cramped. is this just wishful thinking? i am going to get at least a 75 gal, maybe a 90. but the question still stands, is there an online vendor that is advertising a xp2 or xp3 for around 100 so i can go pick one or two up at petsmart instead of paying their really high 279 per canister?

 

[J double R]

the problem is, once you see the fish looking 'cramped', the stunting process has already begun.

i'm with the 75+ crowd on this one. it's the best bet for a healthy fish.

On my oscar tank, i run an Eheim 2028 canister and an Emperor 400.

 

[Draal5]

75 and a 90 have the same foot print more is always better. I have 2 cascade 1000's on mine and keeps my tank very clean.