[Wet Thumb Forum]-Filter Change for a 45 gallon tank -Rena to Eheim - DIY Aquarium Projects

mgale · 08-29-2003, 07:32 PM

I am currently using a Rena XP3 in my 45 gallon tank and the current is too strong-I think 350 GPH. The tank is fairly heavily planted and has DIY C02. Before I put in the Rena I had a huge BGA problem. Also, I think the Rena is a little noisy. I want to get an Eheim-I think. Big Als suggested a Profesional II 2026 (251 GPH) or a 2214 (116 GPH). I don't want the algae back, and I don't want my plants uprooted. I guess I want as much filtration as possible without bending the plants over. Will the 2026 be too strong too? Any advice to help me not make an expensive mistake would be great! Thanks.

mgale · 08-29-2003, 07:32 PM

I am currently using a Rena XP3 in my 45 gallon tank and the current is too strong-I think 350 GPH. The tank is fairly heavily planted and has DIY C02. Before I put in the Rena I had a huge BGA problem. Also, I think the Rena is a little noisy. I want to get an Eheim-I think. Big Als suggested a Profesional II 2026 (251 GPH) or a 2214 (116 GPH). I don't want the algae back, and I don't want my plants uprooted. I guess I want as much filtration as possible without bending the plants over. Will the 2026 be too strong too? Any advice to help me not make an expensive mistake would be great! Thanks.

Justin Fournier · 08-29-2003, 07:54 PM

Why not turn down the flow of the Rena with the provided valve for the output?

Vicki · 08-30-2003, 03:50 AM

I have a 2026 on my 45 gallon, and it's pretty much perfect. The flow control on the Pros enables you to reduce the flow without putting undue pressure on the pump; it's an excellent solution for a 45 gallon. I run my flow just off peak and get exactly what I want in terms of circulation and mechanical filtration.

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imported_trilinearmipmap · 08-30-2003, 04:40 AM

Or you can drill more holes in the output pipe to decrease flow velocity (same or greater volume of flow but at less velocity because spread over a larger area).

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mgale · 08-30-2003, 05:25 PM

Thanks everyone! Apparently, I'm a complete idiot for not realizing a control valve came with the Rena; it was right there in the box...how embarassing. I thought if I restricted the output, I would overheat the pump. Anyway, problem solved, and I'll put a towel in my cabinet to cut the noise. I think I'll go out to eat with the $100 + I'll be saving and dedicate my steak to Justin604. Next time around I think I'll try the 2026 and drilling holes is a cool idea too.

Vicki · 08-31-2003, 03:49 AM

I've increased the hole size in the spraybar in all my Classics, but it's not necessary with the Pro Series. The flow control does the job just fine--unless you're running it on a tank that's too small for it (say 30 gallon or less), but that would be serious overkill anyway. When you DO move up to the Eheim, MGale, you'll be glad to discover you don't need the towel. Eheims make no noise, period. If you can hear them, there's something wrong.

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George Willms · 08-31-2003, 10:22 AM

I run the smaller pro on my 29-gallon, no problems. I faced the spray bar towards the glass and I still get excellent circulation. Some might say that it's overkill, but to me it's just insurance.

And Vicki's right, it is a silent filter, even if you don't keep it in the cabinet.

George

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