Filter Time

[lilacamy931]

You guys might remember my problems last time. Well the second hand didnt last long so deciding to get a brand new one as money is a little better this time. I have various choices (think I have made my decision but I like to hear the users opinions!!!)

The one I am thinking of is the FX5 for my 100g as it does up to a 1500 litre tank and think it would be pretty neat. Has anyone had one and how is it to use (I am terrible with externals so need something easy).

I can get the above brand new locally for £169.00, otherwise online with the following:

EDIT

I have narrowed to 3 which would be best?

XP4 - £115 - 600/700 litres - I could easily transfer from the current XP3, no real special features.

FX5 - £169 - 1500 litres - easily and locally obtained, heard good and bad

Eheim External Filter 3e 2078 + USB Interface - £199.95 delivered. Up to 700 litre - less literage than FX5 but have always heard amazing things about eheims and never a bad thing..


Lastly MIGHT stretch to a EHEIM 2080 PROFESSIONAL 3 for about £260 ishhh though that would be stretching it...

 

[Mr Spoon]

Hi, i got a eheim 3e 2078 and a fx5, they both do a great job and easy to maintain, they are both about a year old and both have had problems, the ehiem electronics have gone wrong but the filter still works well i just cant adjust the flow. The fx5 motor died in the first week i bought it, so had the motor replaced and its been working well since then. I like them both but i would stay away from filters with fancy electronics, i see it as not needed and just something else that can go wrong. Hope this helps Andy

 

[lilacamy931]

Thanks for that Andy, Im not too worried on the electronics on the eheim and flow adjusting isnt too much problematic for me as long as it filtrates! I think the concern I have on the FX5 is I have read about a common problem on the motors not working like yours...With your 2078 is it just great without the electronics? Thanks for the reply!

 

[Mr Spoon]

Thanks for that Andy, Im not too worried on the electronics on the eheim and flow adjusting isnt too much problematic for me as long as it filtrates! I think the concern I have on the FX5 is I have read about a common problem on the motors not working like yours...With your 2078 is it just great without the electronics? Thanks for the reply!

apart from the electronics it is a excellent filter, i can't fault it, i got it on my 100g tank alongside a tetratec ex1200

 

[mattlee]

hi amy.

i have 2 FX5's and have not had trouble with either. they are easy to maintain and clean etc just dont use any extra sponges or floss otherwise they get clogged up in no time since removing mine they run very well and do a great job as long as you have the space to fit one you cant go wrong.

if you have a maidenhead local to you they will price match any online price as long as you can provide proof of it with a printed advert etc. otherwise you can buy them new for about £139 on ebay

 

[smudgedj]

Wow never realised how expensive they were. Amy why don't you just make one?

 

[lilacamy931]

Thanks for that guys, Im now thinking FX5, going to sit on the idea for one more night just to make sure (thinking yes also as found a real good deal for one). Thanks for the heads up mattlee. As to making one smudgedj I have noooo idea where to even begin, I think I will get a install it all easy jobby and have a guarantee lol.

 

[OldMan47]

I am confused by your question Lilacamy.
Why would you want to replace an XP3 with another filter? I am presently running a 120 gallon tank with one and I break down and clean it every few months whether it needs it or not. In my own opinion, it is up to the job of filtering that tank effectively, but can't substitute for a decent gravel vac to remove solids.

 

[lilacamy931]

Hello Oldman47, Im replacing the XP3 as it is not a well filter and cant work out to get it fixed, from day one it hasnt been working well so bitten the bullet to get a brand new external. As to removing solids I use a very good vac weekly and also every 3-5 weeks do the external. When mentioning over filtration, I have always had the impression over filtration is better where possible so this is why was aiming for the bigger canisters? Hope I make sense!

 

[mattlee]

over filtering is for obvious reasons better but you do have to be carefull as getting a filter thats too powerfull for the tank will have to be ran turned down. this will mean that you are not getting the full filtration from the filter so just something to think about. i have 2 FX5's running on my 6.5x2x2, with 1 at each end and they are both turned down by about 1/4 as they provide too much flow even on a tank on this size. they are very powerfull and with the lack of a spraybar the power is really shown from the nozzles.
they are great filters and a decent price these days though

 

[OldMan47]

Over filtering is a misnomer in my mind. You cannot use high filter flows and claim over filtering. Instead you are using high flows in the hopes of removing more solids. I have had experience with systems where I had far more flow than I should have. The result was anything but satisfactory. This tank was being greatly "over filtered".

When I reduced the filtration to an appropriate amount this was the result.

On the other hand, you can certainly use a filter designed for a slightly larger tank than the one you are filtering. I do not use the XP4 on my 120 gallon tank because I do not find it necessary. I have also read reports of seal problems on the XP4. My XP3 has been nothing less than a pleasure on that tank and goes several months between cleanings. The FX5 is a lot larger filter that I would worry about affecting your tank much the same way as you can see in my sample pictures. I have nothing against them but simply would worry about excessive filter flow, not over filtering. High filter flow is often endorsed by plant people but that is a two edged sword in my own experience.

 

[lilacamy931]

Thanks for the guidance on this,unfortunately too late, the FX5 was ordered. Some good news and some bad. I will have to adapt the flow I feel. ..