Help Me Decide Which Filter Would Be Best

[idlefingers]

I'm having difficulties deciding which filter to get to go along side an Eheim Pro II 2026 in a 6ft, 130 gallon (us) tank. I'm not wanting to spend more than £150.

I can't make up my mind; the Eheim has the vote for quality, the Fluval is bigger and more flow as is the Rena and the TetraTec is much cheaper...

I keep thinking I might go for the fluval as it seems to be the most powerful and it's going to be dealing with an oscar, so that'll be appreciated, but then I worry about what I've read about fluvals and go back to the Eheim.. but then I think the TetraTec would be good as its cheaper.. ahhhh!! what to do??!!

I keep thinking about sumps, too, but I worry about my DIY skills in something which could flood the living room!

 

[GoldLenny]

I have a Rena Filstar I and III and I compared many canister filters for price, workmanship, warranty, ease of maintenance, canister reservoir size (for holding media), etc. and the Rena Filstar's were the most affordable for me and I've had them both working for nearly 3 years with absolutely no problems with them.

I understand the Eheim's are probably the best quality products but they are also much more expensive. I think the Rena's are as good, and IMO, better than the Fluval's so you would have to check them both out in person and look at the clamps, O-rings, etc. and make your decision. I think Tetra-Tec's are a step down from either of them.

 

[dc3]

The Rena XP4 has been around a bit longer to know definitely what it does. IMO that means a highly over-rated flow rate. I'd say if money wasn't a problem go with the Eheim - those Pro filters are GOOD - just plain, unbeatably good and durable...
I voted for the new Fluval - I've been reading up on it and am saving up the requisite $300 to buy one. don't worry about what you read on Fluvals - most people are complaining about the older 303 /403 series filters - a lot of the problems which arose from brain-dead use and a lot of the others which are fixed in the 304 / 404 series and the newest ones are better. The local store guy I get my fish from is "testing" an FX5 on his personal tank at home - so the verdict is not yet in - but for the sheer brute force of that filter - it would be the one to go with.
Never seen a tetra-tec here, so I can't say a whole lot about it. What's an Eheim 2217 filter rated for? I think somewhere in the 150g range. It's surely cheaper than the pro and is rock-solid - that way you get to get your eheim and don't blow the budget.

 

[cleekdaFish]

I have a rena and it works like a charm...easy to prime and the flow rate is great , plus , u can adjust it..its cheap too and cheap is always gd lots of ppl say awesome things abt TetraTec

 

[Tolak]

Eheim; many of the parts & consumables for the 2026 & 2028 are common. Commonality of parts is a good thing, and the reason many industries with multiple machines or vehicles will tend to stick with one make, and often one model.

The most visible is probably U.P.S., followed by other shipping and delivery companies. Municipal transportation systems tend to stick with the same manufacturer, construction companies do it with heavy equipment, the list is endless.

 

[dylema]

I am really happy with my FX5 although it is on a 3' river system but it is really powerful and with the huge sponges in it it doesn't get clogged easily.

 

[Maximus]

The FX5 for me too, much more improvement been done

 

[three-fingers]

I think some people exaggerate about fluvals, they are really good filters IMO. I've only ever heard of people having problems with them on this forum, and remember they do come with a guarantee anyway.

Also, I know that even people who don't like fluval external filters in general say that the FX5 seems better.

So my vote goes for fluval. No doubt Eheim will win the poll though, they seem to be the best build quality filters around, theres no doubt in my mind.

But I personally would go for the FX5 .

 

[Miss Wiggle]

i'd go with eheim just based on the make, not familiar with those exact models.

however if your looking at filtration for an oscar tank i'd recommend getting at least 2 filters, that way if one of them packs in or the flow rate drops cos it needs cleaning you've still got another one working and trust me with an o in there you don't want to run the risk of being without filtration ever, these guys can really poo!!!

 

[KhaosInc]

I know people love to rag on the fluval... I've tinkered a bit with both of my older canister filters, and been running an FX5 for a while now. I have been impressed with both how quiet it is, as well as how user friendly it has been for someone who isn't nessessarily the best on upkeep.

I still keep an eye on its daily shutdown... but it hasn't failed yet.... and if it does its a 5 min. job to bypass it with a basic knowledge of electronics.

the other plus (in my book) is the 'drain' fitting. makes my water changes something I can do without lifting the hood. hook the hose up, run it in to the rose garden... then one more... tank is full... 25% water change while I take a shower after work.

 

[idlefingers]

Thanks for the input so far, guys.. I'm quite swayed towards the fluval right now..

however if your looking at filtration for an oscar tank i'd recommend getting at least 2 filters, that way if one of them packs in or the flow rate drops cos it needs cleaning you've still got another one working and trust me with an o in there you don't want to run the risk of being without filtration ever, these guys can really poo!!!

The new filter in question will be to accompany an Eheim 2026 and, as the oscar gets bigger, I'm going to consider either upgrading the 2026 or getting a third filter.. Would that be still too little?

 

[Miss Wiggle]

Thanks for the input so far, guys.. I'm quite swayed towards the fluval right now..

however if your looking at filtration for an oscar tank i'd recommend getting at least 2 filters, that way if one of them packs in or the flow rate drops cos it needs cleaning you've still got another one working and trust me with an o in there you don't want to run the risk of being without filtration ever, these guys can really poo!!!

The new filter in question will be to accompany an Eheim 2026 and, as the oscar gets bigger, I'm going to consider either upgrading the 2026 or getting a third filter.. Would that be still too little?

depends what other loads in the tank, i run 2 big externals and 2 internals on my O's tank and he could probably do with a bit more filtration tbh

 

[idlefingers]

I decided to go for the Eheim. I figured it would be good to be able to buy the same parts, floss, foam pads, etc which will fit into either one rather than needing to buy separate stuff. It was trying to search and finding nothing for where I could easily and cheaply get parts for the Fluval that made me realise it's probably not the best choice for me.

As he gets a bit bigger, I aim to add a third external at least.

Thanks for everyone's help.

 

[kewskills]

Eheim; many of the parts & consumables for the 2026 & 2028 are common. Commonality of parts is a good thing, and the reason many industries with multiple machines or vehicles will tend to stick with one make, and often one model.

The most visible is probably U.P.S., followed by other shipping and delivery companies. Municipal transportation systems tend to stick with the same manufacturer, construction companies do it with heavy equipment, the list is endless.

i agree with this, also i have had 2 of these with no probs at all

 

[fishstick]

Not on subject...sorry, but what is the stunning fish in your avatar, Idlefingers?