good to know, thats odd I always thought that fluvals were a great canister filter, they've been in use for quite a while have'nt they

they have but all sorts of things go wrong with them. An example is that for extra filter parts at the store I work at most of them are fluval. Fluvals work great but are more likely to break than other filters.
Super7

the main reason i'm rushing to get a canister or skimmer is my diatomes are getting out of control and i need something to help with getting rid of them, and now i'm trying to decide to get a aqua-c skimmer for nutrient export, as i've heard there great for smaller tank set-ups, or whether i should get a quality canister filter and pack it with good phosphate and silicate removal media and carbon, and at the moment i'm stumped as to what to get :neutral:

I have been using fluvals for several years now and I think they're great. My only beef with is that the primer sucks big time but I've found a way to reduce the chances of having to prime. I'm currently running three 404's in my marine tank.

If you treat them perfectly they don't break, but I personally have had them warp, crack, clips break and primer shrivel. I have never had these problems with a Rena, but the Rena doesn't have a primer.
Super7

primer
 

what exactly is a primer and what does it do? also all four of the rena models say something about a guaranteed self-priming system and anti-airlock system, can anyone explain any of these features

A primer is what starts the siphon, on a fluval it is a suction cup that you pump 5-6 times to get the flow of water going into the canister filter. On the Renas there is a cap that you unscrew and funnel water into it.
Super7

hmmm
 

Interesting comments on the Fluvals. I have used Fluvals for years on fresh and saltwater applications and havent had any of them let me down. Had my Fx5 for a while now and so far so good. I have had more problems with Marineland 350's and a few of the Eheim's but I still use both of them too. Guess it just depends on who you talk to. I was at a pet store in Calgary a few years back and there was an aquarium store..Pieces Aquarium?? They told me they sold tons of stuff for just about every filter out there. My personal belief is if you maintain and service any filter it should last for a long time.

I find that the Renas are built tougher and have less to break. They are simpley built so there isn't a lot to break.