Fluval 405 or Rena XP3???????

runningforyou · 07-24-2006, 09:57 PM

I have (had) a Fluval 403 I bought 5+ years ago and I have been very happy with it, but had a power outage yesterday, and it stopped working. I have taken it apart and put it back together, plug it in, and still no sound from the motor. I'm pretty sure it's dead. So time for new canister. It appears both the 405 and XP3 have gotten praise, but the Rena XP3 is cheaper. I also have a pair of Powerhead 802s for water movement. What is your recommendation on which canister and why? I am looking something that has been as quite as my old 403 (couldn't hear it with the cabinet doors closed). Thank you for your input.

Puffer Pita · 07-24-2006, 10:00 PM

I highly recommend the Rena XP series. Easier to set up, easier to maintain, imo. Price is cheaper and it works just as well, if not better. The only sound I hear is the water movement from the spray bar (I have it opened to full and have it aggitating the water quite a bit).

**Damon** · 07-25-2006, 07:53 AM

I own both (well a fluval 204) and I also have an eheim. From my personal experience and others I've come to this conclusion...............
Rena - Best waterflow and biggest media baskets
Eheim -Better quality pump and impeller. Pricier but the best.
Fluval - A mix of the 2 above

It depends on what you want the filter for.
For waterflow I'd go Rena (actually I did)
For mechanical filtration I'd go Fluval
For the best of both worlds and price isn't an object, I'd go Eheim

flamingo · 07-25-2006, 08:58 AM

Like said, if you have the money Eheim is definitely the way to go. It handles large bio-loads and pretty easy maintenance.

But, if you want to go a little cheaper, i'd go with the Rena Xp series. I have one xp1 on my 65 gallon, that's kinda getting overstocked lmao, and it handles the mess quite well. The only thing I hate about it is that the filter intake tube is kinda weak and the grating is so close together that it doesn't suck everything up. On mine I just took off the spray bar an dmade the water shoot out in one straight stream across the top of the water. Having the spraybar on just reduces water flow too much and oxygen levels get lower.

Puffer Pita · 07-25-2006, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flamingonhot

Having the spraybar on just reduces water flow too much and oxygen levels get lower.

Interesting. I have the opposite experience. My water flow is very good and the fish love swimming in it. Its very obvious from watching the plants that there's quite a good current in there, all the way to the bottom of the tank (its a 55g).

runningforyou · 07-25-2006, 04:14 PM

I just purchased a new Rena Filstar XP3 to replace my Fluval 403. Start up was a breeze and directions seem clear. It appears that it will be easier to restart than my old Fluval after each maintenance. The noise level is practically none existent, as even my wife commented that she didn't know if it was on or not. Hopefully this filter suits the need of my 120 gallons. Thanks to all for the input. Oh, by the way, I printed out Dr. Foster's onlice price of $89.99 and went to my local PetSmart and they matched the price. PetSmart had thiers for $179.99. PetSmart did not even hesitate to sell it to me for $89.99.

aykfc · 12-27-2006, 09:13 AM

Petsmart is great with matching prices. A lot of stuff on petsmarts website is cheaper in the store also. Check the website before you go to the store. If you find something cheaper on the site just print out the page and bring it in.

Jgray152 · 01-17-2007, 11:47 AM

Before you say the fluval is dead, make sure the propeller is just not getting stuck.

I have a fluval 304 and its about the same age if not older, Anytime I plug it in I either have to plug it in and unplug many times to get the propeller to start spinning or bang on it a few time on the top to get it to spin.

The motor is almost impossible to burn out, the propeller is magnetically driven. Try remove the propeller, cleaning it out and putting the cover of the propeller back on LOOSLY. Then plug it in while the motor is in your hand and plug it in and see if it spins.

railinsp · 01-23-2007, 04:31 PM

Have a xp3 for 4 years now the only problem I had to replace the cannistor o ring and the motor o ring. Does a great job

Jgray152 · 04-05-2008, 07:31 PM

Posted in old thread.... oppsss

Please Delete.

07-24-2006, 09:57 PM	#1
runningforyou Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 3	Fluval 405 or Rena XP3??????? I have (had) a Fluval 403 I bought 5+ years ago and I have been very happy with it, but had a power outage yesterday, and it stopped working. I have taken it apart and put it back together, plug it in, and still no sound from the motor. I'm pretty sure it's dead. So time for new canister. It appears both the 405 and XP3 have gotten praise, but the Rena XP3 is cheaper. I also have a pair of Powerhead 802s for water movement. What is your recommendation on which canister and why? I am looking something that has been as quite as my old 403 (couldn't hear it with the cabinet doors closed). Thank you for your input.

07-24-2006, 10:00 PM	#2
Puffer Pita Puffer Enthusiast Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,677	I highly recommend the Rena XP series. Easier to set up, easier to maintain, imo. Price is cheaper and it works just as well, if not better. The only sound I hear is the water movement from the spray bar (I have it opened to full and have it aggitating the water quite a bit). __________________ Tina Puffers: Auriglobus silus x2 Colomesus asellus x1 Tetraodon travancoricus x1 Tetraodon biocellatus x2 Tetraodon nigroviridis x1 Tetraodon baileyi x2 Tetraodon lineatus x1 Tetraodon palembangensis x1 The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way in which its animals are treated. - Mohandas Gandhi

07-25-2006, 07:53 AM	#3
Damon Aquatic Naturalist Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Dayton, Ohio Age: 32 Posts: 14,982	I own both (well a fluval 204) and I also have an eheim. From my personal experience and others I've come to this conclusion............... Rena - Best waterflow and biggest media baskets Eheim -Better quality pump and impeller. Pricier but the best. Fluval - A mix of the 2 above It depends on what you want the filter for. For waterflow I'd go Rena (actually I did) For mechanical filtration I'd go Fluval For the best of both worlds and price isn't an object, I'd go Eheim __________________ For in much wisdom [is] much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow. Member of the AGA (Aquatic Gardner's Association) Member of the IBC (International Betta Congress)

07-25-2006, 08:58 AM	#4
flamingo One Word: Croutons. Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Wisconsin Age: 17 Posts: 1,899	Like said, if you have the money Eheim is definitely the way to go. It handles large bio-loads and pretty easy maintenance. But, if you want to go a little cheaper, i'd go with the Rena Xp series. I have one xp1 on my 65 gallon, that's kinda getting overstocked lmao, and it handles the mess quite well. The only thing I hate about it is that the filter intake tube is kinda weak and the grating is so close together that it doesn't suck everything up. On mine I just took off the spray bar an dmade the water shoot out in one straight stream across the top of the water. Having the spraybar on just reduces water flow too much and oxygen levels get lower. __________________ If you put "u" instead of typing out the actual, shocking, three letter word... i'm not going to read your ramblings. I'm so behind it's not even funny.

12-27-2006, 09:13 AM	#7
aykfc Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Age: 18 Posts: 41	Petsmart is great with matching prices. A lot of stuff on petsmarts website is cheaper in the store also. Check the website before you go to the store. If you find something cheaper on the site just print out the page and bring it in. Last edited by aykfc; 12-27-2006 at 09:16 AM.

Members currently in the Chat:2
	Users In Chat Room: wm_crash, Gump Come On In!

07-25-2006, 04:14 PM	#6
runningforyou Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 3	I just purchased a new Rena Filstar XP3 to replace my Fluval 403. Start up was a breeze and directions seem clear. It appears that it will be easier to restart than my old Fluval after each maintenance. The noise level is practically none existent, as even my wife commented that she didn't know if it was on or not. Hopefully this filter suits the need of my 120 gallons. Thanks to all for the input. Oh, by the way, I printed out Dr. Foster's onlice price of $89.99 and went to my local PetSmart and they matched the price. PetSmart had thiers for $179.99. PetSmart did not even hesitate to sell it to me for $89.99.

01-17-2007, 11:47 AM	#8
Jgray152 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Age: 24 Posts: 106	Before you say the fluval is dead, make sure the propeller is just not getting stuck. I have a fluval 304 and its about the same age if not older, Anytime I plug it in I either have to plug it in and unplug many times to get the propeller to start spinning or bang on it a few time on the top to get it to spin. The motor is almost impossible to burn out, the propeller is magnetically driven. Try remove the propeller, cleaning it out and putting the cover of the propeller back on LOOSLY. Then plug it in while the motor is in your hand and plug it in and see if it spins.

01-23-2007, 04:31 PM	#9
railinsp Fishy Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: south carolina,usa Posts: 22	Have a xp3 for 4 years now the only problem I had to replace the cannistor o ring and the motor o ring. Does a great job __________________ http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v9...87/fish/trops/MY FISH http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v9...ps/FISHYEL.jpg

04-05-2008, 07:31 PM	#10
Jgray152 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Age: 24 Posts: 106	Posted in old thread.... oppsss Please Delete. Last edited by Jgray152; 04-06-2008 at 08:34 AM.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Fluval vs Aquaone filters	polerz	Equipment & Technologies	4	01-27-2006 09:08 AM
Media Filter for Fluval 404?	Mr Fish	General Freshwater	3	10-30-2005 04:34 AM
Fluval 404 Rattling	Ben'sFish	General Freshwater	2	04-28-2005 02:03 PM
Fluval 404 canister filter questions....	fishfrenzy	General Freshwater	3	03-05-2005 11:32 AM
Changing Fluval 1 cartridges	hippo	General Freshwater	1	02-20-2005 08:19 PM