[ringram]

Hi all.
I've already spent a good deal of time reading old threads and trying to figure out what will work best to supplement my Eheim 2026 that I already have on my 90g planted. This filter is rated at ~230gph I believe, but I have a loop on the return hose where it passes through a 300w hydor and a 9w turbo twist UV. Now, I know this filter alone doesn't provide enough current, especially with several devices hooked up to it.
My question: What is your recommendation for another filter to help stir things up, or do you think I could get away with a decent powerhead?

Keep in mind that I'm trying to limit costs as I'm already way over budget for this upgrade. I'd like to keep the total cost (incl shipping) to under $150. That kind of rules out Eheim, except the cyclindrical canisters, which I've never tried. Are they decent enough? Rena XP3 is another option. I've never owned a canister that wasn't an Eheim, so I'm skeptical. I may eventually hook a Co2 reactor to it as well.

Anyone have a suggestion of brands for filters, or maybe a good powerhead that would allow for enough water flow throughout the tank? I have an Emporer 400 in the garage that I used on a cichlid tank, but it would diffuse Co2, so that's out...

-Ryan

 

[Rex Grigg]

I would say go with the Rena. While it would be nice to have another Eheim so the media would be the same budget is a problem. The XP-3 would work great. Or you could go with a couple of power heads with sponge prefilters on them. But they do take up space in the tank.

 

[ringram]

Oh, as far as the fishload, etc. I'm planning on having a single or maybe 2-3 schools of smaller fish (~50-60 total) and a school of maybe 6-8 cories, 10-12 ottos and perhaps a smaller-type pleco.

*edit* Rex, is your experience that Rena is fairly dependable and not too loud? I mean, I don't want it to sound like a mac truck going through the living room, but I can stand a little gurgling or humming sound. I also understand that Rena doesn't come with media. Can I just cram it with this filter floss that I bought at Walmart for dirt cheap?

 

[bigstick120]

I have a Rena, Eheim and a Fluval. I like the Rena the best. Its quiet, easy to clean, and powerful. The Eheim and Fluval is tied for second. For the price I think Rena is the best!

 

[Rex Grigg]

All the Rena filters I have seen come with media.

Aquarium Filters, Filtration & Water Quality: FilStar Aquarium Canister Filter confirms that. They are not silent but they are quiet enough my wife doesn't complain.

 

[Betowess]

Ringram, I have a Eheim 2128 and an XP3 on a 90 gallon. It is more than enough current with these two and an XP2 with a 2128 would probably be enough... I think you will like a Rena, though like you, I prefer the Eheims having owned both. Better basket quality etc with the Eheims. I was wondering if the largest Ecco would work, but since you have the 2026, you probably should get one of the larger Rena, or Eheim, or Fluvals. I guess which ever is on special. I imagine anyone of these three are fairly reliable.

One thing you might consider doing - after the tank is a little more established and beyond the new tank GW phase, is to take the turbo twist out of the line and have a cheap power head to run it HOB style should you have a GW occurance. That will keep the flow up on the 2026. I never have GW anymore and keep a Current-USA Gamma UV clarifier ready to set up HOB style for the rare GW outbreak.

 

[ringram]

Well, I ordered a Rena XP3, a 500mL bottle of Flourish Excel (in case of BBA, etc) and a Rio 600 powerhead (maybe to mix ferts) as it was only $12.99. I already got a confirm that it was shipped today, so I'm thinking it'll arrive Monday or so...probably not Saturday, but Bigal's is usually pretty fast. The Rena comes with the sponge inserts and a disposable pouch of some stuff that's supposed to break down bio waste. I'll probably just use the sponges with some filter floss. I may use some of the leftover ceramic rings from my Eheim as well. Thanks for the advice folks!