Single Eheim or Fluval for 120? Rena any good?

Harlock, I know you're a big fan of google (searching). There are other reviews out there (you've probably already found them!). I know it's difficult to decipher the exploded diagrams, but look at them for hints at ease of maintaining. The Eheim 2028's (not knocking Eheim filters!) have the inlet run through each tray and at each tray, there is a rubber bushing. To me, that extra "annoyance"(cleaning in/around it) and the price led me to buy Rena (XP3). The push together tubes (on XPs) can split if you force them together hard enough (trust me, I know!). acefred mentioned the water spray, which happens if you pull the quick disconnect out anything other than slowly. They are very simple to maintain, extremely quiet, and IMO the best buy for the $. Others may sight longevity of Eheims which I cannot argue with, but my XP3 has performed flawlessly for 3yrs. now. I did question the integrity of the clip attachment site on the canister itself, see my other thread http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35078 ) but not enough to stop me from buying another one...well, as soon as the tax return comes.
Definitely go with two filters.
Oh, on keeping the wife happy. I too went as flush to the wall as possible. Just make sure the quick disconnect will fit between the stand and wall. Otherwise, you'll have to thread the hoses through your stand when you want to clean them and although the disconnect is sealed, the hoses at the other end are NOT! I HATE when I learn things the hard way! :mad2 :D
HTH
Bill
 
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Thanks a lot Bill! I was leaning toward the Filstars already, even despite reading your thread about the clips breaking, as it was still working anyway! I'll be going with a 125 now, so it will stick out less from the wall (more of a pain to aquascape, but hey, compromise is compromise) and already added two Rena Filstar XP3s to the bedgetary list. Do you think that is sufficient filtration? It would be only 700 GPH on a 125 gallon, so filtering 5.6 times per hour... Do canister filters clean that much better that that would be a sufficient amount of filtration, or shuold I shoot for my usual 8-10 times turnover and add another filter?
 
Kasakato said:
But keep in mind Harlock that the GPH that is listed for the filter isnet really what you will be getting. With all the media and stuff its is slower, sometimes a lot slower. Id say add another XP3 to get more filteration.
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I've always figured this sort of evened out in the wash. My tank won't really be 125 gallons, and after I add in substrate decorations, thermometers, intakes etc. it will be a lot less. ;) Still, I think you're right, an extra XP3 can't hurt! I just wanted someone to be a yes man so I could ratioanlize it...
 
I'm the wrong guy to ask. I only have one XP3 on my 90 (Althoug my CO2 reactor runs a micro-jet pump that adds a little circulation). My tank is planted and I don't like the "Plants in a Hurricane" look that two filters might give me. If you budget for an extra filter and have it on hand, you can always add it on if two isn't working for you (or keep it on hand for parts if you're as graceful as I am). I would say that with weekly water changes and gravel vacs, two XP3s on a 125 would suffice. It's really a personal preference.
Canisters only clean as well as the flow allows them to. They hold more due to the larger size thats all.
 
Just a note on life of the filter I just purchaced a new Fluval to replace one that the motor died on after close to 20 years of service. in that time I relaced the impeller once and I think I relaced an o-ring at one time. I added the old one inline behind the new one so I imagine it will still be aound for some time.
 
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