FX5 or 2 XP3s for 125 gallon

PamAndJim · 03-16-2012, 03:14 PM

I am planning my next build which will be a standard 125 gallon tank. For filtration I had made my mind up on using an FX5. But, I have read a lot of mixed reviews on the FX5 and am starting to second guess it. At the same I have read a ton of good stuff about the Rena filters. So, I am considering going with two XP3s instead. Either way I go I also plan to use my current Cascade 1000 as well. I will run my heater and co2 reactor off of the Cascade so the flow of the new filter(s) will be unimpeded. Also, the plan is to buy a drilled tank and plumb everything through the bottom. Any thoughts, advice, feedback, or experience would be greatly appreciated.

Mk4Gti · 03-16-2012, 04:18 PM

Ive been running an fx5 on my 90 gallon for 3 years with zero issues. The flow is a little much for my tank so i just turn down the output. I think the advantage to the xp3 is that they make a spray bar and fluval doesnt make one for the fx5 so you have to make your own if thats the route you choose to go.

eklikewhoa · 03-16-2012, 04:20 PM

Eheim 2260/62

OverStocked · 03-16-2012, 04:24 PM

I love my fx5 on my 75g tank. It works flawlessly. TONS of room in it for media. Good flow.

PamAndJim · 03-16-2012, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eklikewhoa

Eheim 2260/62

I would love to. But, that is a much more expensive option. The FX5 or XPs will run me around $250 or so. I think the best price I have seen on the Eheim is $479.

**kevmo911** · 03-16-2012, 10:48 PM

A really quick google search shows the 2262 for 400 shipped, the 2260 for 361 shipped, and the FX5 for 200 shipped. Yeah, the price difference is still huge, but your pricing was a bit off.

eklikewhoa · 03-16-2012, 10:56 PM

The price greatly reflects the quality... having used both I think a single 2262 would accomplish what 2 FX5s can. But then again the benefits of having two filters vs. one would be greater.

I'm running 2 fx5s on my 180 and 2 2262 on my 125 and the difference is unexplainable.

Craigthor · 03-16-2012, 11:12 PM

There will be a used 2262 in the SnS soon as well depending on how mcuh ofa hurry your in.

**CrazyCatPeekin** · 03-17-2012, 01:14 AM

I have used neither the FX5 nor the rena...but I will say that I generally prefer two filters to one. You can alternate cleaning and one backs up the other in case of failure.

PamAndJim · 03-17-2012, 01:40 AM

I have no doubt that the Eheim is better than the other two options. But, unfortunately it is not in my price range. Also, I think either of the two options will be sufficient for a 125. I like the FX5 on paper because of the amount of flow it puts out. But, I have read a number of posts where people have said that the flow is drastically reduced when it's loaded with media (I know this is an issue with all canisters, but seems to be more so on the FX5) I have also read that it can be a little bulky/heavy/awkward to maneuver around when it's time to clean. Some report having problems with it clogging which causes it to stop entirely. The pros of the Renas are that they a little smaller which would make them easier to move in and out of the stand. Also, everything that I have read about the is positive. Many people say they are very dependable, as well as very easy to clean and prime. I also do like having the redundancy of having two filters. Although either way I will have at least 2 as I will be using my Cascade 1000 with either solution.

fishykid1 · 03-17-2012, 01:42 AM

If you can afford it, go the 2 XP3's.

I do this on my 75 with 2 knock-off eheims. I do this mainly to prevent ammonia spikes when I clean a filter. If you have a high bio-load this is more prominent. Clean Canister #1 at the beginning of the month, clean the second 3 weeks after the first and cycle it like that. Usually I just take the floss out and rinse it as that's where most of the gunk builds up.

I've been to several aquariums and most of their large exhibits have 2 filtration systems. My other 2 tanks have always had 2 canisters. Personal preference? Maybe, but I've never seemed to have problems with heavy stocking -- my 2 cents :smiles:

eklikewhoa · 03-17-2012, 01:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craigthor

There will be a used 2262 in the SnS soon as well depending on how mcuh ofa hurry your in.

Pm me a price if you are selling, I will be in the market for another.

PamAndJim · 03-17-2012, 02:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishykid1

If you can afford it, go the 2 XP3's.

I do this on my 75 with 2 knock-off eheims.

I am really leaning in that direction. I found them on sale at Petmountain.com for $119 each shipped. So, it's pretty close in terms of price.

BTW, I am going to go with Catalina lighting. I didn't even know they made filters. How do you like them? I am not at all opposed to going with an off brand. I've actually been very happy with the Cascade that I have now.

fishykid1 · 03-17-2012, 02:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PamAndJim

I am really leaning in that direction. I found them on sale at Petmountain.com for $119 each shipped. So, it's pretty close in terms of price.

BTW, I am going to go with Catalina lighting. I didn't even know they made filters. How do you like them? I am not at all opposed to going with an off brand. I've actually been very happy with the Cascade that I have now.

You looked at my thread, didn't you

I have nothing to complain against the Catalina. I've been using it solidly for a year with the same bulbs. The Catalina has its advantages and disadvantages. They pros outweighed the cons.

I believe the disconnects could be better. It would be easier if I had more vertical space in my stand. I have found a little vaseline on the sides of the disconnects and on the o-rings helped immensely.

And after you drain the filter completely and then go to let the gravity fill it 1.) make sure the outflow is out of water. 2.) leave one corner of the clamps undone till almost full (you'll hear the difference).

If you don't do that and plug the filter in you'll hear the motor and no water, they aren't as quiet as eheims, but in a closed stand you can't hear them.

They were worth the 75$ each. Hope that helped - also have been using about a year.

**kevmo911** · 03-17-2012, 02:47 AM

Because it hasn't been mentioned, and I think needs to be mentioned in every "what canister?" thread, please check out the SunSun generics. Check Evilbay or Aquatop for the 302/303/304 or 402/403/404 filters. Other than "they're Asian knockoffs, therefore they're crap" comments, every criticism of them is similar to the type you'd find about Western-industry cans. I won't claim they're superior to much of anything, but denying them a place in any basic can comparison is ridiculous. Check them out before you make an ultimate decision.

03-16-2012, 04:20 PM	#3
eklikewhoa Wannabe Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (23/100%) Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: houston,TX Posts: 1,924	Eheim 2260/62 __________________ FUNction over form

03-16-2012, 10:56 PM	#7
eklikewhoa Wannabe Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (23/100%) Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: houston,TX Posts: 1,924	The price greatly reflects the quality... having used both I think a single 2262 would accomplish what 2 FX5s can. But then again the benefits of having two filters vs. one would be greater. I'm running 2 fx5s on my 180 and 2 2262 on my 125 and the difference is unexplainable. __________________ FUNction over form

03-17-2012, 01:14 AM	#9
CrazyCatPeekin Planted Tank Obsessed (View User Tanks) PTrader: (19/100%) Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 417	I have used neither the FX5 nor the rena...but I will say that I generally prefer two filters to one. You can alternate cleaning and one backs up the other in case of failure. __________________ Eheim Pimp Club Member #498 Running Tanks: ~~~3 Gal Cylinder~~ \| Desk Spec \| 10G Yellow Shrimp \| Bookshelf Community \| 10G Tiger/Fire Red \| 10G Trio \| 29G Fancy Goldfish \| 35G Malaysian Pond Hex \| 55G Semi-Aggressive \| 70G Amazon Ram Tank \| 100G Road To Nowhere Future Plans: 180+ G Angel Tank

03-17-2012, 01:42 AM	#11
fishykid1 Wannabe Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (16/100%) Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 1,795	If you can afford it, go the 2 XP3's. I do this on my 75 with 2 knock-off eheims. I do this mainly to prevent ammonia spikes when I clean a filter. If you have a high bio-load this is more prominent. Clean Canister #1 at the beginning of the month, clean the second 3 weeks after the first and cycle it like that. Usually I just take the floss out and rinse it as that's where most of the gunk builds up. I've been to several aquariums and most of their large exhibits have 2 filtration systems. My other 2 tanks have always had 2 canisters. Personal preference? Maybe, but I've never seemed to have problems with heavy stocking -- my 2 cents :smiles: __________________ Crypts - 15 DIY Rimless - built by hand Angels Run the Roost - 75 Gallon Sump Build - 75G - Smarter NOT Harder

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03-16-2012, 03:14 PM	#1
PamAndJim Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (4/100%) Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: DFW Posts: 170	FX5 or 2 XP3s for 125 gallon I am planning my next build which will be a standard 125 gallon tank. For filtration I had made my mind up on using an FX5. But, I have read a lot of mixed reviews on the FX5 and am starting to second guess it. At the same I have read a ton of good stuff about the Rena filters. So, I am considering going with two XP3s instead. Either way I go I also plan to use my current Cascade 1000 as well. I will run my heater and co2 reactor off of the Cascade so the flow of the new filter(s) will be unimpeded. Also, the plan is to buy a drilled tank and plumb everything through the bottom. Any thoughts, advice, feedback, or experience would be greatly appreciated.

03-16-2012, 04:18 PM	#2
Mk4Gti Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Queens, New York Posts: 113	Ive been running an fx5 on my 90 gallon for 3 years with zero issues. The flow is a little much for my tank so i just turn down the output. I think the advantage to the xp3 is that they make a spray bar and fluval doesnt make one for the fx5 so you have to make your own if thats the route you choose to go.

03-16-2012, 04:24 PM	#4
OverStocked Planted Tank Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (76/94%) Join Date: May 2007 Location: SoDak Posts: 10,732	I love my fx5 on my 75g tank. It works flawlessly. TONS of room in it for media. Good flow.

03-16-2012, 10:48 PM	#6
kevmo911 Planted Tank Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (32/100%) Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 3,751	A really quick google search shows the 2262 for 400 shipped, the 2260 for 361 shipped, and the FX5 for 200 shipped. Yeah, the price difference is still huge, but your pricing was a bit off.

03-17-2012, 01:40 AM	#10
PamAndJim Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (4/100%) Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: DFW Posts: 170	I have no doubt that the Eheim is better than the other two options. But, unfortunately it is not in my price range. Also, I think either of the two options will be sufficient for a 125. I like the FX5 on paper because of the amount of flow it puts out. But, I have read a number of posts where people have said that the flow is drastically reduced when it's loaded with media (I know this is an issue with all canisters, but seems to be more so on the FX5) I have also read that it can be a little bulky/heavy/awkward to maneuver around when it's time to clean. Some report having problems with it clogging which causes it to stop entirely. The pros of the Renas are that they a little smaller which would make them easier to move in and out of the stand. Also, everything that I have read about the is positive. Many people say they are very dependable, as well as very easy to clean and prime. I also do like having the redundancy of having two filters. Although either way I will have at least 2 as I will be using my Cascade 1000 with either solution.

03-17-2012, 02:47 AM	#15
kevmo911 Planted Tank Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (32/100%) Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 3,751	Because it hasn't been mentioned, and I think needs to be mentioned in every "what canister?" thread, please check out the SunSun generics. Check Evilbay or Aquatop for the 302/303/304 or 402/403/404 filters. Other than "they're Asian knockoffs, therefore they're crap" comments, every criticism of them is similar to the type you'd find about Western-industry cans. I won't claim they're superior to much of anything, but denying them a place in any basic can comparison is ridiculous. Check them out before you make an ultimate decision.