404 Fluval throw it off the balcony party!

[EmilyB]

Whatever you do DON'T touch a Rena Filstar. That was a $300 mistake I learned a LOT from. They were SO bad, the LFS pulled them from their shelves.

I've never owned an EHEIM but all I have ever heard is good about them.

[bulletsworld]

really?

So no good hey?

Damn now what am I going to get?

HELP! HELP! Have to buy one today!!!

[bongy]

If the budget is not too tight, definitely get the Ehiem.

I have two eheim now.

I used to own a 403, then, upgrade to a 404, then upgrade to a "Eheim".

I thought the 404 has a better design than the 403, however, it is still nothing comparing to the Eheim.

Meanwhile, my old eheim professional (bought before the 403) is still running fine. Take less than 10 minutes to clean. Both of my friend's Fluval 404 has died already.

Bongy

[Beverly]

Originally Posted by bulletsworld

Hey bev, I might just call ya stop buy and take alook. Cause so many boxxes out there and yeah really confusing!

You still have my number? PM me if you don't. We'll be in all evening. If you come before 6:30, I'll demo a cleaning.

As for Eheims, they're the same set up as Fluvals, only more expensive and better made. But you're still going to have to prime them and everything else just like the Fluvals.

[bulletsworld]

really thanks bongy,

researching the Ehiem now. Damn so many modelsl

[Chad]

Originally Posted by bulletsworld

really thanks bongy,

researching the Ehiem now. Damn so many modelsl

I use an Ehiem right now, I think it is the 2210? I might be wrong. I use it with my Freshwater tank right now.

Has never caused me a single issue.

[bulletsworld]

Hey thanks Chad. Damn Ehiem way more expensive though. Really seems to be no difference in product though.

Any thoughts anyone on the Rena FilStar xP3 Canister Filter?

[Beverly]

Originally Posted by RobbAdams

I have always used EHEIM canisters, and NEVER had any problems, but this was in FW tanks, but with high bio load(African cichlids) I would only have to clean it 3 or 4 times a year.

3 or 4 times a year So all the crap it traps stays in the system and the thing becomes a nitrate factory I don't see anything positive about that, if you don't mind saying so.

[bongy]

Originally Posted by Beverly

3 or 4 times a year So all the crap it traps stays in the system and the thing becomes a nitrate factory I don't see anything positive about that, if you don't mind saying so.

Hi Beverly,

But he is using it in FW. You WANT it to be a nitrate factory! Not that I am saying cleaning 3 or 4 times is good or bad, it just depends on what he is using it for.

Hi bulletsworld,

Yes, eheim is a lot more expensive. But for me, it does cost cheaper to get a eheim right away than to buy a 403, 404 and end up buying a eheim anyway.

Here is my objective (atleast try to be) comparison between Fluval and Eheim Professional 2026.

Flow rate:
The initially flow of Fluval is greater but it does slows down significantly especially if you are using it on planted tank. The Eheim is able to maintain the flow a whole lot better.

Filter Media:
I think both contain roughly the same volume. However, fluval does offer more compartments and places for sponge. My eheim only have two compartments.

Cleaning.
Although 404 has a big improvement in ease of cleaning over 403, it still doesn't even come close to the eheim. If not close properly, my fluval will sometimes leak.

Priming.
My fluval takes a long time to prime after each cleaning. I sometimes need to shake the filter to get the air out, etc. I does take a while for the fluval to get going again, most of the time, there are lots of bubbles. I never have this problem with my eheim as long as my water level is full.

Quality.
My old Eheim 2222 just seem to out lask the two fluval. I got two friends who also own 2 fluval 404. Between us three, we have problems with sealing, motor, the plastic locking thing, etc. The eheim is a much better build.

The two filters does look similar and do the same thing but so does BMW and Ford.

I think the best way is to go to the store and play around with the filter to try it yourself.

Bongy

[Beverly]

Originally Posted by bongy

But he is using it in FW. You WANT it to be a nitrate factory!

What am I missing here??

In neither fw or sw does one want high nitrates, unless it was a planted tank where the plants would utilize the nitrate (and phosphate) from the decomposing crap. My sw tanks all have some sort of macroalgae utilizing nutrients and even with weekly media cleaning/15% water changes, I still have detectable nitrate, usually about 10-15 ppm.