Overkill? Yeah, but...

The noise my HOB filter makes annoys me sufficiently that I've decided to substitute a canister. It's for a 26 gallon bow front tank. I was all set to go with a Filstar XP2, which struck me as more than powerful enough, but the "problem" is, I have an opportunity to pick up a (new) XP3 for significantly less than I can get an XP2 for anywhere. I'm having a hard time justifying spending more for less even if less is more appropriate.

Obviously (?) this is an awful lot of filter for a 26 gallon tank, but the Filstars come with a flow control device and I figure I could just crank it down. Any down side to this?

Thoughts? Thanks!

 

Over kill? Yes, your fish will be blown again the glass. Get a small Aquaclear 70 ($20) or something. That is all you need and then some.

 

You can turn down the flow on most canisters. I'd use a canister over a HOB anyday.

 

I like both lol I have the Aquacler and it is great plus I have a FX5 which is wonderful.... if you are looking for quiet the canister is the way to go

 

The noise my HOB filter makes annoys me sufficiently that I've decided to substitute a canister. It's for a 26 gallon bow front tank. I was all set to go with a Filstar XP2, which struck me as more than powerful enough, but the "problem" is, I have an opportunity to pick up a (new) XP3 for significantly less than I can get an XP2 for anywhere. I'm having a hard time justifying spending more for less even if less is more appropriate.

Obviously (?) this is an awful lot of filter for a 26 gallon tank, but the Filstars come with a flow control device and I figure I could just crank it down. Any down side to this?

Thoughts? Thanks!

I also would go for the xp3 for sure....if its still too powerful with it turned down, add some filter floss over the intake.....

 

Over kill? Yes, your fish will be blown again the glass. Get a small Aquaclear 70 ($20) or something. That is all you need and then some.

That's what I have. And in terms of functionality, it works fine. But if I have to listen to it rattle and hum for one more day I'm going to drop kick it into my neighbor's yard and then where will my fishies be?

 

go big or get out the way...

 

That's what I have. And it terms of functionality, it works fine. But if I have to listen to it rattle and hum for one more day I'm going to drop kick it into my neighbor's yard and then where will my fishies be?

lol do you have the lid on you Aquaclear? I take mine off to quiet the rattle noise.

 

lol do you have the lid on you Aquaclear? I take mine off to quiet the rattle noise.

I guess that works. I have a AC70 and no noise at all. My canister is louder than the AC.

 

I guess that works. I have a AC70 and no noise at all. My canister is louder than the AC.

mine is the 300..... before it was called a 70 lol.... I can't even hear that my FX5 is running. The AC is a great filter I'm still running two of them

 

Hello,

It seems like it can be hit or miss when it comes to getting a really quiet filter. What's quiet for me may not be quiet for you. However, I am currently running 7 Aqua Clears and I don't hear as much as a peep. All of the lids are on. (I used and old Whisper V for 10 years and only retired it past year because of noise, but it still filters just fine).

Ken

 

Hello,

It seems like it can be hit or miss when it comes to getting a really quiet filter. What's quiet for me may not be quiet for you. However, I am currently running 7 Aqua Clears and I don't hear as much as a peep. All of the lids are on. (I used and old Whisper V for 10 years and only retired it past year because of noise, but it still filters just fine).

Ken

mine are both a minimum of 5 years old prob more like 7 to 10

 

Mine's about two weeks old and rattles like a tin lizzie.

 

Mine's about two weeks old and rattles like a tin lizzie.

Take the top off. If is stops then put some tape around the outside lip. Problem solved.

 

I was going to put some silicone at each of the corners. Instead I went ahead and bought the new XP3 for $109, took advantage of Petsmart's liberal return policy and got $51 back for my AC70. Problem solved in spades for $58 (if it lasts for 5 years that's a little over ten bucks a year; I can live with that) and no duct tape involved.

 

I was going to put some silicone at each of the corners. Instead I went ahead and bought the new XP3 for $109, took advantage of Petsmart's liberal return policy and got $51 back for my AC70. Problem solved in spades for $58 (if it lasts for 5 years that's a little over ten bucks a year; I can live with that) and no duct tape involved.

lol so how do you like the new filter?

 

Go canister any day over HOBS, overkill is better than under/noisy filters and for such a cheap price why not.
Though the flow is the obvious problem as stated above so adjust it down

 

lol so how do you like the new filter?

Like it just fine. Set-up was a snap. Turned the flow down. Set the spray bar just below the surface, aimed at the back of the tank and angled slightly down. As I hoped and expected, my fish are by no means being "blown against the glass". Sits in a cabinet behind a closed door. Ahhhhh! Silence at last!! And I've got so much media storage room I could de-nitrify Lake Erie.

 

Like it just fine. Set-up was a snap. Turned the flow down. Set the spray bar just below the surface, aimed at the back of the tank and angled slightly down. As I hoped and expected, my fish are by no means being "blown against the glass". Sits in a cabinet behind a closed door. Ahhhhh! Silence at last!! And I've got so much media storage room I could de-nitrify Lake Erie.

well lake erie fish will thank you lol

 

That's what I have. And in terms of functionality, it works fine. But if I have to listen to it rattle and hum for one more day I'm going to drop kick it into my neighbor's yard and then where will my fishies be?

... sorry I know your angry but just the way you said it...

 

I have an xp3 on my 38gal and I love it. I do have it turned halfway down also it is super quiet.