FX5 vs. 2262

[davemonkey]

As I read more about proper flow and capacity needs for filters on a given size tank (planted tanks), I begin to see that I REALLY need a better filter. The tank is a 125 (standard 72" in length). The filter I have now is rated at 290 gph and it requires the use of a Koralia to assist in flow, otherwise the water only flows 3/4 the length of the tank, leaving the last 1/4 near-motionless.

One option is to build my own. But, the purchase of the pump, the canister, and then the hoses/parts will end up costing me just as much (almost) as buying a decent filter.

My other option is suggested in the title of the thread.
The Eheim 2262 is a large filter with, to my best guess, about 4-5 gallons of filter capacity and a 900 gph pump.
The Fluval FX5 is equally large with a 925 gph pump.

The Eheim pump is rated with filter media taken into account, where the Fluval is probably not. The Fluval costs significantly less than the Eheim. I know someone currently using the Eheim, so I have some knowledge of it...the Fluval, no knowledge of its reliability/use/etc...

Even if I only end up with 600 gph actual flow, that is still sufficient to filter my tank properly (especially considering that my current filter might only be giving me 200 gph or less).

Does anyone have experience with the Fluval FX5?

Other thoughts or opinions?

[myjohnson]

Personally, if I had that set up....

I would go with the eheim and spit the return. One on each end of the tank.

[davemonkey]

Personally, if I had that set up....

I would go with the eheim and spit the return. One on each end of the tank.

I've considered doing it that way (multiple outputs), but in the past when I've done that I've ended up with 'hot spots' that seem to just circulate within themselves. I could follow a particle in an area and watch it twirl around and around and never make it to the filter intake. That (and reading a thread from the DFW forum on APC about laminar vs turbulent flow patterns) prompted me to put my intake and output at one end of the tank. I need a flow pattern and force that will get all the water (and particles) into my filter...no hot spots or dead spots.

[myjohnson]

I had the same problem on my tanks.

I found that putting the two spray bar on the back glass and have them pointing towards the front glass fixes this problem.

Or just get a vortech to add flow.

[jhenry]

I've had both filters and I liked my fx5 but the amount of media in my Eheims is so much more and the pumps are bulletproof the fx5 imperlor goes out do to the fact that the incoming water and sand hits the imperlor first which is inevitable cause both filters suck up sand like nobodys business

[supadave]

Both filters are great...you can't go wrong either way . Just keep in mind if you do decide upon the 2262........that you can get two FX5' for that price . (As great as the 2262 is.....there is no way that it will out perform two FX5s' ). This will eliminate your dead spot issue . Just put one on each end of the tank . As for the sand issue.........just cut the intake tube to where it is at the mid point of your tank . I have been using the FX5 for over three years with the shorten intake tube and have never had an issue with sand .

[tattoo]

Both filters are great...you can't go wrong either way . Just keep in mind if you do decide upon the 2262........that you can get two FX5' for that price . (As great as the 2262 is.....there is no way that it will out perform two FX5s' ). This will eliminate your dead spot issue . Just put one on each end of the tank . As for the sand issue.........just cut the intake tube to where it is at the mid point of your tank . I have been using the FX5 for over three years with the shorten intake tube and have never had an issue with sand .

+1......diy spraybars for the fx5 are the nuts.....

[davemonkey]

Thanks for all the info! By the way, a guy at APC directed me to this thread here on HFB from 2008...with nearly the exact same title: http://www.houstonfishbox.com/vforum...eim-2260/page3

Clearly I'm not the only one to put these 2 filters head-to-head.

[stevenallenbarnard]

instead of the fx5 or 2262 why don't you go with 2 2217's, your price will work out the same after media is included (2217 come w/ media) and that eliminates your dead ends. on my 72" 120g i currently run one fx5 with one 2215. the fx5 if packed with media but no pads. the 2215 is packed mostly with carbon, puriged and extra filter pads. the fluvals don't have quick disconnects, so it can make cleaning them out a pain, where as the eheim cleans out in a snap.

[supadave]

instead of the fx5 or 2262 why don't you go with 2 2217's, your price will work out the same after media is included (2217 come w/ media) and that eliminates your dead ends. on my 72" 120g i currently run one fx5 with one 2215. the fx5 if packed with media but no pads. the 2215 is packed mostly with carbon, puriged and extra filter pads. the fluvals don't have quick disconnects, so it can make cleaning them out a pain, where as the eheim cleans out in a snap.

I disagree with the above statement in bold . The FX5 does have quick disconnects . At the end of each hose there is a valve . By turning it either clockwise or counter clockwise you are opening or closing the valve . Squeeze the valve's center and they pop right off .

[Suelovesfish]

I currently have two FX5's and two 2262's, so I had my share of experience with both. As mentioned in other reply's, they both have there pros and cons. If i was Queen for the day, I would like to have the FX5 canister and tubing with an 2262 pump. The pump on 2262 is noticeably better built. But, like others have said you can get two FX5's for 1 2262. So, for me I will take the FX5. The FX5 quick connects are easier and the tubing is much much easier to install over the Eheim.

[stevenallenbarnard]

I disagree with the above statement in bold . The FX5 does have quick disconnects . At the end of each hose there is a valve . By turning it either clockwise or counter clockwise you are opening or closing the valve . Squeeze the valve's center and they pop right off .

let me rephrase, the me, the quick disconnects on the eheims are easier to work with and easier to clean out than the fx5 (i've never owned a 2260-62 and all of my experience is based off of the 2215 & 2217)