Choosing between FX2 and FX4

[st3f]

Decided to upgrade from the APS/SunSun filter on my Trigon 350 for a number of reasons. Looking to get something that is as quiet and as low-maintenance as possible, and easy to work with.

THe FX series seems highly recommended, but I'm not sure whether the FX2 or FX4 would be better suited to my set up.

Tank is lightly planted, tho trying to build this up a bit.
Stocking is currently 2 small angelfish, 6 gouramis, 8 red phantom tetras, a solitary dwarf rainbow (needing company), 4 corys and 2 bn plecs. Would like to add a few more fish along the way.

What would you suggest?

 

[MaloK]

The FX2 is suitable for tanks double the size the one you have. I Would tend to think that it's just as overkill as I'd want with Angels.

 

[st3f]

The FX2 is suitable for tanks double the size the one you have. I Would tend to think that it's just as overkill as I'd want with Angels.

I struggle to see that... I know that's what Fluvial states, but everyone says to aim for 10x turnover or thereabouts. FX4's are not uncommonly used on a tank my size. I'm just not sure if it's overkill for my setup, especially in terms of the flow.

 

[GaryE]

My FX2 is a great device. It's easy to maintain, and is a quiet workhorse.

It moves water though, and is installed a 120 gallon tank. Angels would be fine with it, but I expect they'd stay about 3 feet away from the outflow. I have it set up at the narrow end of the tank, pushing water out like a stream, and there's an area around the intake and outflow, maybe a foot, that isn't popular real estate for the mixed tetra and catfish community I have in there.

 

[st3f]

My FX2 is a great device. It's easy to maintain, and is a quiet workhorse.

It moves water though, and is installed a 120 gallon tank. Angels would be fine with it, but I expect they'd stay about 3 feet away from the outflow. I have it set up at the narrow end of the tank, pushing water out like a stream, and there's an area around the intake and outflow, maybe a foot, that isn't popular real estate for the mixed tetra and catfish community I have in there.

Thanks, that's really helpful! Seems to confirm my fear about an FX4 being too much flow-wise.

It's a corner tank, so flow is already a headache There isn't 3 feet to play with from the outflow or intake either, but I've got a spray bar set up to disperse water outwards from the back corner in all directions, which will hopefully subdue things sufficiently.

FX2 it is then

 

[Wills]

Not sure about the cost comparison but certainly your in a higher bracket with the FXs. So for me if you are spending that kind of money go for the Oase Biomasters - I have 3 Oase filters and 1 FX4 and I hate, hate, hate cleaning the FX by comparison and I'll be honest because its a pain it gets done less.

When you take the pipes off the FX you get an annoying dribble of water every time, the screws are laborious and you have to take out all the media to clean the sponges. With the Oase, no dribbles, quick catches to open up and you can remove the sponges individually without taking the filter apart or even disconnecting it.

Wills