Api Nexx Canister Filter - Opinions Please?

[Ruskull]

Thanks everyone, but no love for the Fluval??

I should've posted a poll..........

I'll make a new thread with a poll and I'll add the Rena, after I look it up of course. I'm trying to find my options with similar priced filters that have similar capacity, flowrate & options.

 

[D4n.gr33n]

one of my lfs use the nexx on a stingray tank and have nothing bad to say about it

 

[eelpout]

I picked up one of these Nexx guys when I broke one of the top seal hinges on my Rena Filstar XP2, 4 hours before I was getting on an international flight. I had to get something!

 
The jury is still out for me on it. I have a single canister on a 50 gallon cichlid tank. The flow seems to be a bit less than my old Filstar XP2. In fact that is a bit of a puzzlement for me. You can add up to 2 additional canisters, for up to 165 gallon support on the Nexx, but you never can up the pump motor size so you're kind of stuck. There is a flow adjuster on the pump, which sits inside the tank, but with API's text free instructions, no idea which way to turn it for the most flow. It doesn't seem to make much difference one way or the other. There are two tabs on the flow adjuster and all it seems to do is rotate them by 45 degrees, but doesn't seal anything. Don't understand it. Maybe it impedes the impeller more in one direction than the other, I have a message into API asking them to explain how it works.
 
I'm running it with the Bio-Chem Zorb "sleeves" and Bio-Stars on top. I've been using their stars forever and like them. I picked up their optional 30ppi filter pads that can sit at the bottom of the canisters once you remove the Zorb plastic vertical support. I may go that route and just throw in Purigen pouches like I was running in my Filstar. Though a single 30ppi mechanical filter pad in each tower simply doesn't match the (2) 20ppi + (2) 30ppi + 1 micro fine pad setup I had before in the XP2. 
 
It sure is a breeze to clean though! That part is cool. Just be careful to dry the seals on the canister and base before putting it back on, otherwise you might get some leaks and spray everywhere.

 

[Ruskull]

Thanks for the advice but I've long since gotten Rena canisters for my 2 larger tanks & I have nothing but praise for them.  Very quiet, unless they are getting clogged and the flowrate per dollar cost was best of the bunch.  If/when I replace them I might try an Eheim pro series.

 

[eelpout]

FYI. This was API's response to my question about the flow control on the Nexx:
 
"...unfortunately the max/min flow knob for the unit does not function in this filter.  The unit will always run at max flow.  The model pump for the filter is also used in another application in which the flow can be regulated however this feature is not available with the NEXX so it will always be on max flow."