Put it to a VOTE : Which Canister is best?

[lilmissruffcountry]

Any particular reason you dont want a Hang on the Back Filter?[/quote]

Thank you for the explanaitions about the different types..that helps as well. As far as the HOB's, I think I am getting bored with them...if that makes sense, I have a few "extra" HOB's, that I can use until I get a canister I like/want. Just trying to broaden my horizons...along with the step out in fish..if its not guppy/platy/sword/pleco.....its new. SO I am trying to make it all new, and exciting, but not compliated. Although, as it seems, it is getting that way.

[geoff_tropheus]

Fluval FX5 only. Those Fluval series 04 canisters are complete junk, the small 05 model canisters are much improved, but still sub-par in my opinion. They did fix alot of the leak issues the 04 series had, but the parts are still made borderline quality. Only the FX5 is worthy in my opinion as a good filter from Fluval.

Eheim is the absolute best at filtration, but if you get a classic model it is more difficult to prime and clean, but the Pro Series are very easy to clean, very easy to prime. I would stay away from the PRO 2 series models if your getting a used caniser because they leak bad at the head and they are being phased out with the new Pro 3 series out this year. Prior the Pro 3 was only availible in the 3e and the huge 2080. They got smaller models now they are putting out.

Rena in my opinion is the easiest to clean and start/and prime, and setup. It is the simpliest. The size of the tubing is the same for the filstar Xp1 as it is XP4. The optimized design is the XP3. The XP3 is the best one they make.

I have not used any of the "C" Series Marineland Canisters, but I have used their "magnum" series canisters and they are junk do not buy, new or used. They are junk.

I have never used any of the Penn Plaxx "Cascade" Model canisters, but I used some of the HOB's and they are cheaply made. I would stay away from these personally.

For a 30 gallon tank, I would go with Rena Filstar XP2 or the Eheim 2215, or the Eheim Pro 3 that is equivalent.

Any particular reason you dont want a Hang on the Back Filter?

[lilmissruffcountry]

For a tank the size you are looking for...really any should do. I have my preferences, though. Eheim is the best brand, but it also tends to be pretty pricey. A 30 gal planted tank won't need much.

No plants in this tank..as of yet...hubby want something that will be mean enough to eat my guppy culls....

[marauder_77868]

For a tank the size you are looking for...really any should do. I have my preferences, though. Eheim is the best brand, but it also tends to be pretty pricey. A 30 gal planted tank won't need much.

[mgarrido]

New.... 1st Eheim, 2nd Rena
Used.... Eheim

[danielp]

Eheim all the way

[Matt in Houston]

Eheim.....get a pro2 or pro3, easy to clean and built in primer.

[CichlidFan]

I have 3 FX5's...(love em) ...and all the rest of my cans are Eheim's.

CF

[Mzungu]

1. Fluval FX5
2. Rena XP3

Fluval FX5 is just a beast. Plain and simple. Plus, I admit that the nerd in me really likes the fact that the pump is computer chipped, so it turns itself off every 24 hours and purges any air or gases that might be trapped inside. I just think that's cool.

Rena XP3 because I've got some of these that are at least 6 years old, never replaced a single part in any of them, and still going strong.

I'm not a fan of Eheim <ducks as rotten tomatoes are hurled at my head>. I've just never had good luck getting them primed and having them stay primed...but that's just me.

@ the tomatoes.

I'd never once heard a good thing about Fluval canisters until I heard from you AND Geoff...and since I would trust all my fishes' lives to either of you, I have to say that your reviews are changing my mind.

I've only ever worked with Eheim as far as canisters go, but that's also because the overwhelming majority of people I've spoken to insist Eheim is the best. I'm not disagreeing, I think Eheims are great, but I've also never tried other brands, so... :)

[JGUERRA]

I have both eheims and renas and they both push some water! Have not tried the others. But I like eheims more but the rena xp4 I have is a great filter.... ... see now I'm confused lol

[lilmissruffcountry]

1. Fluval FX5
2. Rena XP3

Fluval FX5 is just a beast. Plain and simple. Plus, I admit that the nerd in me really likes the fact that the pump is computer chipped, so it turns itself off every 24 hours and purges any air or gases that might be trapped inside. I just think that's cool.

Rena XP3 because I've got some of these that are at least 6 years old, never replaced a single part in any of them, and still going strong.

I'm not a fan of Eheim <ducks as rotten tomatoes are hurled at my head>. I've just never had good luck getting them primed and having them stay primed...but that's just me.

the whole tomatoes thing...An now begins the flitration wars..lol..

I am also after the easyist filter to clean, replace media, an easy to prime/work with....so this self prime thing is an interesting peice of info..was not aware of a difference in priming tactics.

[Darbex]

Blasphemy Traci

[imagirlgeek]

1. Fluval FX5
2. Rena XP3

Fluval FX5 is just a beast. Plain and simple. Plus, I admit that the nerd in me really likes the fact that the pump is computer chipped, so it turns itself off every 24 hours and purges any air or gases that might be trapped inside. I just think that's cool.

Rena XP3 because I've got some of these that are at least 6 years old, never replaced a single part in any of them, and still going strong.

I'm not a fan of Eheim <ducks as rotten tomatoes are hurled at my head>. I've just never had good luck getting them primed and having them stay primed...but that's just me.

[lilmissruffcountry]

looks like eheim is taking a HUGE lead.....

[Zulaab]

Eheim -- the only canister I trust..