[Rockylou]

Years ago, I used 2 Marineland Magnum 350 canister filters (for a 75 gal tank) that were simple to operate and gave good service.

I've returned to the hobby after a long absence, and the current design of these filters is very disappointing. The media container (which used to be one piece with a lid) is now a fold up piece with a separate screen. The trouble is that the fold up piece doesn't stay together and the screen falls out while I'm trying to fill it. Guess I need about 4 more hands to hold this contraption together .

What do you recommend, these days, for canister filters? Or is there another type of filter that I should consider. I've tried power filters, but they don't seem to move enough water.

Many thanks.

Rockylou

 

[Bert H]

You'll get lots of answers on this one. IMO, the top of the lines are the Eheims, hands down. If money is an issue, I would look into the Rena's, and then down on from there. I'm sure you'll get other opinions on this.

 

[Tex Gal]

I like the Rena Filstar XPs. They can't be beat for cost and availability of filter media. You can go to your local big box fish store and get the supplies.

I just got to Eheims. I haven't had them long enough to tell, but I do like the flow and the size. The scuttle-butt is that they are the best...

 

[Rockylou]

You guys are the best. Thanks for the opinions.

LOL, after fooling with that media container all afternoon, I either need a blood pressure pill or a Jack Daniels.

Rockylou

 

[supersmirky]

Rena XP's are very nice. If you can upgrade a bit, the Fluval FX5 is REALLY nice.

 

[The old man]

Personally, the 3 best are the:
1. Eheim Classic
2. Eheim Classic
3. Eheim Classic

 

[vancat]

Yeah, Eheim Classics!!!!
:clap2:

 

[gravy9]

I agree with the Eheims.

 

[Akaizhar]

I love my Eheim. <3

 

[freydo]

well i love my XP3

 

[Rockylou]

The Marineland Magnum went back to the LFS today. If I hadn't used the old model Magnum's, I wouldn't be as critical of the new "cost reduced" version. It's too bad that new design is such a mess.

Eheim, huh? OK, I'll check 'em out. LFS doesn't sell Eheim, so I'll need to find an online dealer.

Thanks again.

Rockylou

 

[Rockylou]

well i love my XP3

Ooops. Sorry, Freydo. Just saw your post.

LFS doesn't sell Rena, either.

What are Rena's pro's and con's?

Rockylou

 

[csaxe21]

Other have said it already, but I love my EHEIM. It always keeps the water crystal clear, and is completely silent. There's no fish in the tank though .

 

[supersmirky]

Rockylou...I would almost bet you would get a better deal online anyways vs the local fish stores

 

[csaxe21]

Yeah look on Ebay, Craigslist, Aquabid. They'll have better prices. Or, I've even seen some good ones in the For Sale/Trade section on the forum that have good prices.
It may sound cheap, but I've noticed that everything in this hobby could be done cheeper then the commercial way, and still just as good. It seems like there's always a cheeper DIY method, or people selling their old items, people making products for 10x less then the brand names, etc. You just have to take some time to look before you go out and buy it.

 

[vancat]

People sell them here from time to time.

 

[AquaVu]

I've changed from 2 Magnum 350 to 2 Rena XP3 and couldn't be happier. We love our new XPs.

 

[Makoto]

Yes Eheim Classic is the best, the quality of the Eheim is excellent, the Germans really know how to design and pictures don't do it justice, when you see it in person you know it's quality... had i Fluval and it was utter rubbish,

If you're rich go for the Eheim pro 3 electronic "drool"

 

[Rockylou]

Thanks to all for the info. Very helpful.

 

[Rockylou]

I've changed from 2 Magnum 350 to 2 Rena XP3 and couldn't be happier. We love our new XPs.

AquaVu,

What size is your tank with the Rena's? How is the "flow" compared to the Magnums?