Isabella

I am slowly but decidedly getting tired of my Rena Filstar's XP3 canister filter. I know many people like them and that they're generally good filters. But I must have either bought a faulty model or ... if that's the way these filters are, it's not for me. This filter has been very loud every since I first turned it on. I've heard it's supposed to be super quiet - well, far from it with my filter. During the last couple of weeks the filter has stopped working about 10 times - for some reason, I'd often come to my tank and see no water flowing from the filter's outflow tube. I'd open the filter and see, every single time, that the filter's propeller is misplaced. For some reason the propeller pushes the protective cover out and it gets misplaced (therefore not filtering). I don't understand this because I close the cover tightly. Every time it stops filtering I have to take the filter out from under the stand and open it and fix it. Not to mention is so heavy - feels like lifting 3 - 4 gallons of water from under the stand. My back hurts quite often the last few days and I believe it's because of the filter. So, I've had it with this filter. I don't think I can take this anymore.

I am thinking about getting 2 AquaClear filters instead. I have AquaClears over my 10 and 30 gallon tanks. AquaClear is so easy to clean and so quiet. Never had any problems whatsoever with any AquaClears. In my 75 gallon tank, I need a filter (or filters) that pump around 750 gallons per hour. I am looking at either AquaClear 70 (pumps 300 GPH) or AquaClear 110 (pumps 500 gph).

Which combination should I get:

(1) 2 x AquaClear 70 = total of 600 gph
(2) 2 x AquaClear 110 = total of 1,000 gph
(3) AquaClear 70 + AquaClear 110 = 800 gph

I will wait a little while to see how the XP3 will continue to work, but I will get another filter(s) anyway. I've just had so many problems with the XP3 that I don't even want to look at this filter anymore. Not to mention to never-stopping noise.

Anyway, I know that more filtration is better than less filtration, but don't you think 1,000 gph would create too much water turbulence for my fish and plants?

( Or ... perhaps ... I should get some Eheim canister filter? )

P.S. I've heard that the rule for canister filters is to have 5 x the volume of your tank of filtration, and for external power filters it is to have 10 x the volume of your tank. Why is it 5 and not 10 for canister filters?

Butterfly

I would use an aquaclear 70 and an aquaclear 110. Drs foster and smith have them cheaper than I can find them any where.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produc...0&N=2004+22769
The water flow is easily adjustable so if the current is too much you can turn it down abit.
Carol

atmmachine816

that's exactly what I was going to say, so that's two votes for that option.

Have you considered trying a bio-wheel too, or are you tired of trying new filters, which is understandable.

Butterfly

that's exactly what I was going to say, so that's two votes for that option.

Have you considered trying a bio-wheel too, or are you tired of trying new filters, which is understandable.
[/quote]
I read your mind and stole your idea
Carol

atmmachine816

I read your mind and stole your idea
Carol
[/quote]

Must protect my mind....can't let...fish.aliens...take over

Butterfly

Sorry for the hyjack Isabella but I just couldn't resist
carol

atmmachine816

Well in your sig......

ya sorry about that Isabella

Butterfly

yep my sig says it all doesn't it

Isabella

Carol and Atm, NO PROBLEMO, LOL You can hijack this thread as many times as you want.

Anyway ... yes, I am quite reluctant now to try any new filters. For now I'll just go with something I already know very well and have excellent experiences with, meaning the Aqua Clear. Do you think the 110 model (500 gph) on one side, and the 70 model (300 gph) on the other side will create a very uneven water circulation?

Going back to trying new filters, I definitely want to try one of the Eheim's Professional filters, just not yet. Maybe for my next tank

Butterfly

I think the different size filters on each side will be fine. There will just be a little less water movement on one side but believe me the AC70's put out some water. I love mine.
carol