FishProfiles.com Message Forums

Ok when you first looked at this, I'm sure you are thinking, Eheim of course! But, let me fill you all in first on why I'm asking about these two particular brands.

I am going to buy a cannister filter for my new 55g planted tank sometime this week.

I was recommended the Rena XP3 before because it is a good filter and is fairly inexpensive. Well I was looking at the Drs. Foster and Smith site and the Eheim Classic 2215 is the same price as the XP3. I will be ordering from Drs F&S because of other things I need to buy from there.

The 2215 is rated for 93 gallons. Would it be alright to have it on a 55g? I know overfiltering is better. The XP3 is rated for 175g though.

Which one is quieter? Which one is more efficient? Does anyone have problems with either? Which one do you suggest?

Thanks in advance for all my questions. I want to make sure I buy the best one!

*Kristin*

As a die hard Eheim addict i would normally say go Eheim however in this instance the XP3 even though rated far above your needs i think would be a better bet as it is more modern technology and allows for more combinations of media plus it will always be ready should you upgrade the tank.

Gibson SG you know you want one!!

Good point. In the future I do plan to have a 125g tank. Years away of course, but i have plans./:'

*Kristin*

i have an ehiem pro 2 cansiter and it works just great.

just remember u get what u pay for, but again i have never had a rena.

go with an ehiem

I run only eheim pro2's so if you can afford these then go for them but as your first post said you were only choosing between the rena and a classic 2215 then the rena is the better of the two.

Gibson SG you know you want one!!

Yes I was only looking at the Eheim classic. I'm going for something around $100 and the Rena seems to be my best bet. Its more up to date I guess you could say, than the Eheim classic.

Anyone know what kind of media I should get for the XP3?

*Kristin*

I have the RENA XP3 on my 55gal. tank and it works great. I have never had a Eheim so I could not make an honest opnion.

Doesn't the Rena come with media? I when I bought my Eheim all media was included? If not included how much are you going to have to spend on that in addition to the price of the filter?

---

Those who say they cant, Never will !!!

You might also want to check what sort of warranty period you are given with the Rena. From memory the Eheim has 3 years but I have never dealt with Rena so I know nothing about them.
I personally like Eheim and will unlikely use any other cannister as I am very pleased with them.

---

Before you criticize someone walk a mile in their shoes. That way you're a mile away and you have their shoes.

i've had my xp3 for three years in a gold fish tank i,ve changed over to tropicals and i love my xp3 room for plenty of media easy to clean. gold fish are messy xp3 did a great job . if i bo
rought agin it be a rena

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v91/bruce187/fish/trops/

I just got an Eheim Pro II from Big Al's and it included all the media and both upgraded install kits...all for $160...excellent deal.

I just got my XP3 hooked up...so far so good. Thanks for all the advice!

That thing is big...I didn't think they were that huge. It took me like an hour to get the thing hooked up....glad its done!

Oh and it came with media...I didn't know that and bought some extra. None of the websites I looked at mention that it comes with media.

*Kristin*