canister filter

[super7]

I work at a fish store and a lot of people come back with the fluval fx5 because it creates a lot of bubbles, this is due to a computer chip or something, if I can remember correctly.
Super7

[bv_reefer]

ya i'm pretty sure i've narrowed it down to a rena filstar, looks pretty efficient, good amount of space for media, and hopefully not too loud

[super7]

the Reanas are a very good filter, and are very quiet. They are used on all the tanks using a canister filter at work, except for the planted tank. They also don't break down, unlike the fluvals.
Super7

[bv_reefer]

good to know, thats odd I always thought that fluvals were a great canister filter, they've been in use for quite a while have'nt they

[super7]

they have but all sorts of things go wrong with them. An example is that for extra filter parts at the store I work at most of them are fluval. Fluvals work great but are more likely to break than other filters.
Super7

[bv_reefer]

the main reason i'm rushing to get a canister or skimmer is my diatomes are getting out of control and i need something to help with getting rid of them, and now i'm trying to decide to get a aqua-c skimmer for nutrient export, as i've heard there great for smaller tank set-ups, or whether i should get a quality canister filter and pack it with good phosphate and silicate removal media and carbon, and at the moment i'm stumped as to what to get

[rdnicolas]

Originally Posted by super7

the Reanas are a very good filter, and are very quiet. They are used on all the tanks using a canister filter at work, except for the planted tank. They also don't break down, unlike the fluvals.
Super7

I have been using fluvals for several years now and I think they're great. My only beef with is that the primer sucks big time but I've found a way to reduce the chances of having to prime. I'm currently running three 404's in my marine tank.

[super7]

If you treat them perfectly they don't break, but I personally have had them warp, crack, clips break and primer shrivel. I have never had these problems with a Rena, but the Rena doesn't have a primer.
Super7

[bv_reefer]

what exactly is a primer and what does it do? also all four of the rena models say something about a guaranteed self-priming system and anti-airlock system, can anyone explain any of these features

[super7]

A primer is what starts the siphon, on a fluval it is a suction cup that you pump 5-6 times to get the flow of water going into the canister filter. On the Renas there is a cap that you unscrew and funnel water into it.
Super7