[CL]

Just wondering what you all thought.

 

[macclellan]

"most important" for what?

 

[FSM]

have excess biological filtration doesn't really do anything, you can't really even have excess biofiltration, just excess biomedia that isn't needed.

 

[CL]

"most important" for what?

I guess I mean just in general. When buying a filter, if I could pick one thing to go for over another, would it be more flow, more biological filtration, or more mechanical filtration?

 

[CL]

I'm asking because I'm debating between an XP3 or an XP2 with a K2 for added flow if I go with the XP2. The XP3 has 50GPH more flow(not much more) but it also has an extra media basket over the XP2. Meanwhile the XP2 is cheaper, and may provide sufficient mechanical filtration. hmm

 

[macclellan]

So, it's a question of cost-effectiveness.
Using only canister filters for flow is not exactly the most cost-effective way to go.
It's funny how big of filters people use/recommend on this forum, or recommend 2xwhatever filter when one with a powerhead suffices.

Note that the K2 doesn't have much GPH gain over the K1 yet uses much more energy.

 

[CL]

So, it's a question of cost-effectiveness.
Using only canister filters for flow is not exactly the most cost-effective way to go.
It's funny how big of filters people use/recommend on this forum, or recommend 2xwhatever filter when one with a powerhead suffices.

Note that the K2 doesn't have much GPH gain over the K1 yet uses much more energy.

Well it's a rimless tank, so I'm not doing a HOB, and I already have the K2 sitting around. I originally got it for my reef, but it looked too big for the 16 inch tank.

 

[lauraleellbp]

I put "other" because I don't think there IS a "right" answer- they're all important LOL

What size tank?

I'd probably go for the XP3 just b/c they're my fav filter; plenty of flow, great bio, mechanical, and plenty of room to customize the media however works best for you.

Follow this link and you can get a killer deal on a new XP3 from DrF&S (better than their normal price)
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=3602&prodid=6139&catid=113

 

[CL]

I put "other" because I don't think there IS a "right" answer- they're all important LOL

What size tank?

I'd probably go for the XP3 just b/c they're my fav filter; plenty of flow, great bio, mechanical, and plenty of room to customize the media however works best for you.

Follow this link and you can get a killer deal on a new XP3 from DrF&S (better than their normal price)
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=3602&prodid=6139&catid=113

Yeah, I know, I did the code thing and it's REALLY tempting. Plus I can get it shipped for $0.99. (after $5 coupon) (I could get a brand new XP2 for $86.98 shipped!)
Thankfully that deal lasts until the 31st, so I should have birthday and Christmas money to pay for it.
It would go on a 48 gallon tank.

 

[lauraleellbp]

I'd def go with an XP3 for a 48gal tank.

 

[CL]

I'd def go with an XP3 for a 48gal tank.

Okay. Thanks for the tip
That's an extra $25. lol. Oh well, I'm sure I won't regret it. Do you think that I might need the K2? I guess I could just wait until the tank is set up and see for myself :hihi:
Thanks

 

[lauraleellbp]

You might once the plants all fill in, depends on your plants & hardscape.

 

[CL]

You might once the plants all fill in, depends on your plants & hardscape.

You can see the hardscape in my grossly massive thread (link in my sig- might want to skip to one of the last pages) IDK how thick the plant mass I will have will be, or if I will go with many tall plants or not.
I remember buying a 2213 for my 20 gallon tank and wanting more, which made me upgrade to a 2217 (lol), so I guess I'll play it safe and get the XP3.

 

[Chrisk-K]

The poll options are far from exhaustive. Most canister filters offer decent levels of mechanical & biological filteration and I don't think there's a significant difference among different models.

Thus, the decision factors come down to ease-of-setup, ease of maintenance, reliability, quietness, cost, ruggedness, quality of parts, design, etc.

I couldn't care less about whether my Eheims provide better mechanical or biological filteration than other filters. I chose Eheim filters because of its reliability & quietness.

 

[FSM]

Note that the K2 doesn't have much GPH gain over the K1 yet uses much more energy.

One costs ~$4 more per year to run; when the difference is 9 watts vs 3.5, it really doesn't matter

 

[MoonFish]

you got a rimless tank, you want all the hardware you can get OUt of the tank. I think you want all the flow you can get from a canister. In line reactor, etc.

 

[Lnb]

All of the above.

Go with the Xp 3. Should be more than enough for a 48G. I have an Xp1 on a twenty long and its great except for some end dead spots because of the length of the tank.

 

[macclellan]

One costs ~$4 more per year to run; when the difference is 9 watts vs 3.5, it really doesn't matter

Every little bit matters! $4 a year means that it more than pays for itself in energy savings over its usable life.

 

[FSM]

That's true. Nonetheless, it's pretty insignificant when the light fixture uses 10x or 20x as much.

You'd be better off with the magnum 5, it's 1650 GPH and 8 watts.