[AxolotlFarmer]

Alright, I have a 55 gal with my large axolotls in it. I HATE their filter. Yes, the filter was the old filter when my dad used it for some fish. Well the reason I hate this filter is that is not a good filter for axolotl. It creates way too much current for them. Plus, It is waterfall, and has biowheel. This filter is not suiting the tank currently. I have been deciding to switch to canister filters. Now here is what I need help deciding.

Axolotl need little to no current. Axolotl can be messy, but not as much as the goldfish are messy. Axolotl lives in lightly planted house and I am not doing CO2 injections on the tank in the forseeable future. Axolotl live in coldwater tank, does not need heater. I want to stay under 100 dollars.

What would be a good model that would fit the above statement? I really do not know too much about the canister filter.

 

[attack11]

anything with a spraybar and a valve to control the water moving thru the filter.

 

[AxolotlFarmer]

...such as?

I really do not know where to even start. I been reading about canister filters all day.... Can somebody name something?

 

[the underlord]

FWIW, Really happy with my Fluval 305.. I have the same size tank as you, the thing is darn near silent.

 

[crazie.eddie]

An Eheim Pro II 2128 or a FilStar XP3 should be suitable. If you want to reduce current, use the spray bar and aim the direction of the water towards the closest tank wall. This will reduce the current in the tank, but not reduce the filtration. I wouldn't suggest reducing the flow, if it's such a messy fish.

 

[attack11]

all 3 mentioned above would work. i'd stick with those 3 brands for canisters.

 

[2wheelsx2]

If you want to stay under $100, you'd have to go XP3. Eheim Pro will take you way over.

 

[cbennett]

XP3. Works really good, pretty quiet, inexpensive, large media trays, comes with spraybar, adjustable outflow and even all the media. Try Big Al's or Dr Foster Smith for a good low price. I just upgraded to a XP3 a month ago and I got it for $100.93 with tax and shipping included.

 

[original kuhli]

I have to say, I hate my XP3, my experience may be unique but it loads up really fast mechanically. It just can't contend with my 135...a smaller tank may be better but it drives me nuts!

 

[cbennett]

I think you need a XP4 with a 135 gallon tank.

 

[Betowess]

I think an XP3 might be more than a 55 gallon needs. An XP2 would do it too and save a few bucks.

 

[Rex Grigg]

I have to say, I hate my XP3, my experience may be unique but it loads up really fast mechanically. It just can't contend with my 135...a smaller tank may be better but it drives me nuts!

An XP-3 is a bit small for a 135. You might want to make a sponge prefilter for the intake.

 

[2wheelsx2]

Me three. XP3 is way too small for a 135. I had an Eheim 2028, and AC500 and an XP3 on my 125. Recently removed the XP3 and hte AC500 and replaced it with an FX5.

 

[sNApple]

would a xp4 be over kill on a 90gal?

 

[gabeszone247]

EHEIM 2224 works great for my 50gal tank and the flow is nice and smooth. I bought mine for under $50 like new.

 

[AxolotlFarmer]

Thanks for all the help and information. Now, at least I have somewhere to start!

 

[2wheelsx2]

would a xp4 be over kill on a 90gal?

I don't like the design of the XP4. It's basically the same surface area, but taller, to get the volume. In your tank, since it's not heavily vegetated yet, an XP3 would be plenty sufficient, especially with your bioload.

 

[tpl*co]

I have to say, I hate my XP3, my experience may be unique but it loads up really fast mechanically. It just can't contend with my 135...a smaller tank may be better but it drives me nuts!

I would have to agree that an XP3 would be too little if it was filtering a 135 by itself. I had mine on a 46 gallon and still had another filter to suppliment it. I would agree that this filter (easy maintanence) or an Eheim would do the job.

Tina