Choosing A Canister Filter

[bobcatman]

This week I'm planning on picking up a 30 gallon tank. I've only had undergravel filters before, but I want to try a canister filter this time. This filter would be the only filter of the tank. I'm thinking about the Rena Filstar xp models because of positive reviews I've read and their affordability.

The xp1 model is advertised as having a maximum flow of 250 gph. The recommended capactiy is 45 gallons. The xp2 model advertised having a maximum flow of 300 gph. The recommended capactiy is up to 75 gallons. I'm leaning towards spending a little extra for the xp2, but would that cause too much current for my little tank?

btw, I haven't decided what will go into the tank. Either it will be 1)a community tank with various tetras and livebearers and cories or 2)it will be a cichlid tank with a pair of firemouths or convicts (and maybe some dither fish?)

Thanks ahead of time.

 

[SJ2K]

Most people will vote fluval and eheim to be the best canister filters on the market, whatever you choose will really rely on your inhabitance, if its the cichlid tank then you'll need a larger hourly turn over

 

[ShoC]

I have an Eheim and a tetratec And both are fantastic

I would recomend out of the two the tetratec due to value and great internal design

 

[Attar]

I have a Rena XP4 filter and I love it! I am using it on a 180 gallon community tank along with an Eheim 2226. The Renas give you dividers in their filter baskets so you can use more media and customize the type of media you choose for your setup. Mine also came with a spray bar and jet nozzle attachment so you can opt for the type of output you want.

As for the size you should get, go with the larger one. It's always better to over filter than under filter...IMO anyways.

 

[bobcatman]

Thanks for the replies.

I ended up buying a Rena XP2 filter last night. The price at Petsmart was $139. Petsmart.com sells it for $79. I printed the online offer and the store matched the price. Petsmart also has a promotion now where they gave me a free $10 gift card for buying a Rena filter. Hopefully this canister will work out in the long run. Keeping my fingers crossed...

I get to play with the new filter today.