Filters for 120G wide

[Immus21]

Hi all!

Just bought a 120G wide tank off another member (Thanks again DBam!). The take measures 47"L x 28"D x 21"T. Trying to decide what filter to go with. I really like to over filter and am thinking 2 x Rena XP3s would be good. I'm also considering a Fluval FX5 or a Ehiem Pro3 2080 but they are much more pricey than the Renas. All you Fluval/Ehiem owners what are your likes/dislikes of your filters? Are they really worth the extra $$$? I'm not concerned about noise level as the tank is going to be setup in my basement.

Thanks in advance!

Is $280 a good price for a NIB FX5?

[CRS Fan]

You can't go wrong with the Eheim 2080 (I only own Eheims now due to their reliability and almost silent operation). Bonsai Dave had one available at a bargain price a while back . Definitely the best best filter of the bunch. JMHO.

Stuart

[tony1928]

I'd get a 2080 too....nice to have two intakes. The FX5's are fine filters but I really hate that I get splashed every time with their poorly designed quick connectors. They are nice workhorses though and mine have been running flawlessly for a few years. If I had to do it all over, definitely Eheims. There's a few monster planted setups out there using multiple direct plumbed 2080's! I've had XP3's before too and they are pretty good but I don't think even 2 of them would come close in bio media capacity of the big boys.

[bonsai dave]

You can't go wrong with the Ehiem. I would go with the 2260 or 2262 instead of the 2080. They are built better and easier to use.

[djamm]

I have both ehiem and fx5. I like the FX5 for mechanical and the ehiem for bio filtration...

[Luke78]

Immus21,

$280.00 for a new FX5 in box? Sounds like a good deal to me as they still retail around 350 and up.Just make sure nothing is missing,used,or broken on this unit.Might cost you a bit for media though,but iam sure theres alternatives.As for the comparison between the two filters you mentioned,i run a Eheim 2080 Pro3 and very biased on these guys.Heres my pros/cons for it:

Pros:

-Super quiet motor/pump unit
-Cleaning indicator
-4 Gallons worth of media to be used at once,your choice as to what goes in
-1700L/450G/H turnover rate
-wheels on the bottom of canister for easy movement
-built strong,sturdy,no loose parts and quality ones to be seen

Cons:

-30 watts power consumption(if thats a concern)
-lots of media is needed,expensive for some users&and doesnt come with a new unit
-Cost of the unit itself
-Part(s) availability
-Priming button is sensitive,easy failure

Those are just a few things i could think of right on the spot,its been reliable and workhorse so far without any issues.Worth the purchase in my opinion,and its a vital component to any aquarium's sustainability.Good luck on your choice.

Hi all!

Just bought a 120G wide tank off another member (Thanks again DBam!). The take measures 47"L x 28"D x 21"T. Trying to decide what filter to go with. I really like to over filter and am thinking 2 x Rena XP3s would be good. I'm also considering a Fluval FX5 or a Ehiem Pro3 2080 but they are much more pricey than the Renas. All you Fluval/Ehiem owners what are your likes/dislikes of your filters? Are they really worth the extra $$$? I'm not concerned about noise level as the tank is going to be setup in my basement.

Thanks in advance!

Is $280 a good price for a NIB FX5?

[mdwflyer]

How about 2 smaller eheims?

Super quiet, and 2 cycled filters is better than one big one. 2075 comes with media.

[Immus21]

Thanks for all the input everyone! In the end I decided to go with the FX5. I found someone selling a bnib one for $280 and ended up paying $250 for it! I just couldn't say no at that price.... So I just went through the manual and set it up dry on my tank. Can't wait to try it out for real tomorrow after I purchase some more media and filter pads.