Filtration Questions

Hello Everyone,

I currently have an XP4 on my 90 gallon bowfront. I was thinking of adding a second filtration system so that I have a backup if it happens to fail. I would love and FX5, but can't afford it yet. Should I wait, or are there cheaper filters that you would recommend? Would you even recommend adding a second filter? Thanks in advance.

Ive always had two filters on my big tanks. On my 210g I run two FX5's and am happy with the level of filtration I have. A single FX5 on a 90 would be more than enough filtration and you really would not need a second filter. The XP4 on your 90g should be sufficient but Ive heard they tend to run a bit on the slower side with flow so it might be a good idea to add a HOB filter like an AC110 to help with mechanical filtration. In the end it will all depend on your stock level, cleaning routine and water parameters.

Those Aquatop CF series filters are a good bang for the buck, I have had 2 cf400s on my tank for about a year, worth a look.

This the next size up from mine. Like I said, for the price they are a very good filter.

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Ehiem filters offer a great value...Ken's fish carries them at very good prices.

I found an Ehiem canister filter (Model: Typ 2215) used for $75. Is this a good price for this? It was used in a salt water tank, so I imagine there will be a big cleaning involved prior to me using this. What do you guys think?

Dsaves wrote:I found an Ehiem canister filter (Model: Typ 2215) used for $75. Is this a good price for this? It was used in a salt water tank, so I imagine there will be a big cleaning involved prior to me using this. What do you guys think?

You can buy them new for 100. Plus you are going to want something bigger for more turn over.

JimA wrote:Those Aquatop CF series filters are a good bang for the buck, I have had 2 cf400s on my tank for about a year, worth a look.

This the next size up from mine. Like I said, for the price they are a very good filter.

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So that's the newest name for the SunSun/Grech filters.

Personally I would rather buy a second XP4 so that I could interchange parts and always be able to keep one filter working. I would not mix in an additional canister brand. I still think the addition of a high flow/mechanical filter like the AC110 would be an inexpensive way to go.

add an aqueon 55/75 model. 400 gph and loads of space for media. mine fit about 14 scrubbies and are about 25$ online

Gryphon wrote:

JimA wrote:Those Aquatop CF series filters are a good bang for the buck, I have had 2 cf400s on my tank for about a year, worth a look.

This the next size up from mine. Like I said, for the price they are a very good filter.

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So that's the newest name for the SunSun/Grech filters.

I don't know if it's the "newest name" but they look and probably come from the same place. China. Either way for the buck it's a good filter, I have been happy with mine.

Thanks for all the help and suggestions everyone.

Nothing wrong with SunSun/Grech/Aquatop filters, I use a 302 on my 29 gal tank. While the parts can be a touch flimsy, if you're careful with them they work great, just don't try to make sense from the directions lol.