Aquaclear or Fluval

[bear27]

Bob that is an excellent idea one could even use a mixture like purigen and phosgard or rowaphos etc. for phosphate removal as well.

[Bob I]

Originally Posted by Invigor

speaking of fluvals, has anyone sucessfully used a surface skimmer without getting a million bubbles?

I have actually used one of those things for a long time. I have never had a bubble problem. However, I have never found it to very useful. I still get surface scum, so today I am going to remove it.

[Bob I]

Originally Posted by bulletsworld

I guess it would depend what your fish stock load is going to be. If your going to be running a skimmer as well? On the Rena link I gave above it gives you the product info. It says "recommended for an aquarium up to 175 Gallons". So I would say one should be fine for your 135gal.

Yeah I love the Rena. I got mine used from someone who posted on the buy and sell forum. People sell them & the Fluval when they decide to drill there tanks. I was lucky & got the Rena for $80. But I tell yeah, well worth every penny if I had to buy a new one.

Just to add to this. If you find a Rena for cheap, you better pick it up. The retail price at your LFS is $299.00. I was snooping around at one of our banditos today. They had XP3's ON SALE for $179.00, but they were out. They also had XP1's ON SALE for $149.00. Interestingly the XP3 is $169.95 at J&L, and the XP1 is $99.95. No further comment by me on this

I still like Fluval, and picked up a 304 for $119.00 at the same place on sale. It is up and running with absolutely no problem, and I am happy.

[bulletsworld]

Originally Posted by Bob_I

I still like Fluval, and picked up a 304 for $119.00 at the same place on sale. It is up and running with absolutely no problem, and I am happy.

The using of Fluval is matter of choice really. If you never tried the Rena your missing out. For the size of "jaws" tank being a 135 gal a Fluval 304 would be two small and flow rate would have to be more. Have to go with a 404 if Fluval.

To purchase a new Fluval at J&L (Cheapest) $154.95. I have seen fluval's for $179.00 + ever where else. Dont forget though that you do still have to buy all the media that goes inside the Fluval. Not always does it come as a kit.

For the difference of about $15.00 bucks more (XP3 is $169.95 at J&L) you get a better built product & much quieter unit then the Fluval. But again I'm not sure if the media comes with J&L's pricing either.

If you looking to save money then watch out on the buy/sell forum since I find someone's always selling a fluval or other. Especially if they decide to drill their tanks.

[Invigor]

you must have bad luck -- i have 2 fluval 304s and they're as quiet as a light bulb.

[Bob I]

[quote="bulletsworld"]

Originally Posted by Bob_I

I still like Fluval, and picked up a 304 for $119.00 at the same place on sale. It is up and running with absolutely no problem, and I am happy.

To purchase a new Fluval at J&L (Cheapest) $154.95. I have seen fluval's for $179.00 + ever where else. Dont forget though that you do still have to buy all the media that goes inside the Fluval. Not always does it come as a kit.

I only bought the Fluval because it was on sale. If they had had the XP3 at $179.95, I would have given that a shot. As far as the media goes, it is usually included, but I throw that out anyway. And as I say, I have always had success with Fluval, and am used to the product, so I went with another one.

[bear27]

I've always preferred Ehiem. I found them to be excellent quality, easy to change the media and very quiet

[albert_dao]

I can think of a place that beats both those prices, no sale. Har, har, har.