Which filter do you like best?

loaches r cool said:
I got the Rena Filstar XP3 because it was rated pretty high in my research and also one of the cheapest canisters.

Be careful, a few XP3's have had leaks from near the power cord. Once again the problem was limited to a small percentage of the filters.

It is discussed in great detail HERE
 
I agree, I find the Rena's to be quite exceptional, either that or the Emperor BIO-Wheels.
 
jhj said:
Be careful, a few XP3's have had leaks from near the power cord. Once again the problem was limited to a small percentage of the filters.
It is discussed in great detail HERE

I looked over that thread and searched around some more about the XP3. Most of the problems are user error/self inflicted, and the problem that "was limited to a small percentage of the filters" seems no different than any other filter on the market. They all have little quirks. I kinda took that thread with a grain of salt anyhow because the thread starter has 6 posts total on aquariacentral forum and hasnt been back since. Because I know there are a few out there who will create a new user account just to bash something, then swithc back to thier regular account.

On a positive note then, most filters will do the job fine. Or else they probably wouldnt stay in business. And the few out there that arent so good stay in business because they are really cheap and less experienced people buy them as thier first filter, or people think they can just throw it out and get another of the same for less than the expensive ones cost.
 
Filters

I have had the classic Eheims, Rennaisance, and the older Fluvals in the past. But I found that although they are more efficient and flexible, a HOB power filter works better for me. Primarily because canister filters take more effort to clean.

With a HOB, all you have to do is replace the cartridge. The canisters probably do a better job of keeping the water crystal clear for a longer period of time. But an Emperor 400 with extra carbon will do almost as well, and be more convenient to manage. I will go farther and say that an inexpensive Aquaclear will do just as well as an Emperor 400, and operate cheaper. Right now, those are the two HOB power filters that I use and they have done well for me. I have had the Emperor 400 for a year and I am only on the third set of filter cartridges.
 
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