Canister filters

[plecoperson]

Whichever one you choose, in regard to not wanting to flood the downstairs neighbor....

Clean it when you'll be home for a while afterwards (Saturday AM for me). I did have my XP3 pump water out of the tank after cleaning; just once, and I think I was careless when putting it back together after the clean.

I feel better if I am there after I play with anything that might cause a flood.

[degbowl]

Flooding is my main concern. I don't have a problem putting the time in maintaining my tanks. I had an xp1 years ago that I bought used off ebay. I had a problem with it leaking alot of water after cleaning it. But to be fair it was used and not in great condition. Everything I buy now is new. I can't go cheap when I have other people to worry about. Just from looking through magazines I like the XP or the Fluval. Thanks for all the replies.

Jim

[supermazz9]

You're going to get a lot of responses on the XP's; bought at Petcetera, making them give you their online price (bring a printout of their online ad), they can be very cheap.

I personally own a XP3 and an Eheim (don't remember the model off hand, haven't been home for a month), and while I don't have any problems with either, I prefer the Eheim. It runs quieter, and I find it a little bit easier to strip and clean.

[severum mama]

There's pretty much no difference in the maintenance between the XP, Fluval, or Cascade canisters. It's all really easy once you do it a couple of times.

[Sidi]

Flooding is my main concern. I don't have a problem putting the time in maintaining my tanks. I had an xp1 years ago that I bought used off ebay. I had a problem with it leaking alot of water after cleaning it. But to be fair it was used and not in great condition. Everything I buy now is new. I can't go cheap when I have other people to worry about. Just from looking through magazines I like the XP or the Fluval. Thanks for all the replies.

If you were really concerned, and I would say this is well into the paranoia range, you could set the filter up in a rubbermaid container or bucket with a pump and a float switch. If the water level rises in the container the switch activates and turns on the pump to return water back to the tank.

It would require some basic wiring, and the cost of a decent pump (it could be a cheap submersible model as long as the float switch is set at a higher level than the pump itself). You'd be giving up a bunch of room under your stand, but that should be nearly foolproof. The only way it could fail is if you had a large enough leak to overwhelm the pump, and that would probably take a massive hole in the pump itself and the intake being set very low in the tank.

Edit: I take back the wiring part. You could pick up a bilge/sump pump with a built in switch for not too much more than a pump itself.

[patryuji]

I have an Eheim Ecco. Great filter (though I have not tried other canister filters) that is easy to maintain and very quiet.

The hoses disconnect quite easily and have individual shut off valves. Opening the filter for maintenance involves pushing in the red button and swinging the big handle downwards which causes the whole lid to pop up.

I have been using it for just under 3 years.

[degbowl]

Just to give you an update. I bought a couple of XP1's for $59 each from big als. They were very easy to set up. I will let you know when it is time for maintenance.

[Lonewolfblue]

Originally Posted by degbowl

Just to give you an update. I bought a couple of XP1's for $59 each from big als. They were very easy to set up. I will let you know when it is time for maintenance.

Aren't they great? hehe...
Just so you know, maintenance is a breeze.
I have an XP2 and 2 XP3's. Love the XP's. Glad my neighbor is changing from Eheim to XP, lol. They aren't as great as some say, he loves changing out my XP's with me, lol. Says it's a breeze compared to his Eheim, lol. XP's do just as good in my opinion, but maintenance is a tad easier. Just remember, it's not the canister (XP or Eheim) that does the job. It's what you put in it.

[Jchillin]

I happen to have an XP3 as well. I do find the maintenance a bit easier than the Fluval I had previously. Priming is simple (as you have already discovered no doubt). It's pretty much a snap to maintain. I would suggest putting a lot of filter floss (the white ones) over the black sponges. It will help trap more gunk. If you haven't already done so, get the micro pads, they are worth it.

[Lance M.]

I have two rena XP1's and I love them. They are so easy to clean and never any problems with leaks.