Flow Rate VS Gallon Capacity

[helix13]

General question for my first post here.
When selecting a filter, do I purchase based on Gallon capacity or flow rate? Currently I have a 55g with two penguin 200's. If the boxes read correct, two of these should have about 400 GPH and the ability for a 100g tank. (I tend not to believe manufacturer claims)
Stocked in the tank are 3 Jack Dempseys (3-4 inch) 1 Oscar (4 inch) and 1 Pleco( 5-6 inch).
50% water changes every two weeks at best ( i know i should do more frequently ) and the water is relatively clear for the time being. I haven't been having problems with the load but as these guys get larger i think it could get worse. I was looking into gettting an XP3 which is rated for up to a 175g tank and 350gph. I have heard that the rule of thumb is 10x Volume for HOB's and 4-5x volume for a canister, so for a 55g I should be at 550gph for HOB and 275gph for Canister. If these numbers are correct, I dont have enough filteration useing the twin penguin 200's. So do i look for the proper Gallon capacity or GPH ? Everything that i have been reading is that the XP3 is excellent choice and that tank maintence is extended due to the large amount of media used. Am I comparing apples to oranges with these different products? Can someone give more technical advice rather then an endorsement for the product please.
Thanks in advance

[cichlidfish]

Hi and welcome!
I'm not endorsing but I had a magnum 350 (plus, max, hot or something, can't remember) and it did a good job but I still preferred the slower more complete setup I had with bio-balls, filter, carbon, etc...it had filter at the top with (coarse plastic screen around filter cloth which surrounded the sponge on top of hose) fine sponge which filtered any small particles from going down into the next filter which then led into the trickle through bio-balls box and then into activated carbon etc treatment compartment after which water was pumped back up into tank. I really think this kind of setup (lol, brain freeze, can't remember what you call this, --edit wait a sec, SUMP Filter system? ) is the best, though I later added the magnum 350 as well after going to a bigger tank. I think you have to keep in mind that if water just cycles at 500 GPH but is not really too well "purified" in the process, it's not so great but sounds good for "marketing"
My advice would be look for something that's efficient at what it does, "filtering", and not just go with the 'biggest GPH' number, in my setup I had the less efficient more powerful system on one end of the tank with its output on the other side of the tank where the slower more efficient filter suctioned from. I later even added one of those simple over-the-back whisper/penguin can't remember model but you get the picture....good luck with the decision and keep us posted.

[helix13]

Thanks for the input, and now for another question for you.
Lots of talk about the XP3 and very little about the XP4, was this due to when the XP4 became available?? or was it the cost? some folks are running XP3 and something else inconjunction. why not just run the XP4?? Would i be better off running one or both of the penguin 200's and a single XP3 or just one XP4 solo??
Thanks again

[cichlidfish]

Hi,
I'm hesitant to endorse or critique these in particular because I have not personally used either, what I can say is that I prefer using more, ie "two" versus "one". I must also add that with multiple filters/pumps and especially too many powerful "heaters" the electricity bill starts climbing up. If I were to buy one right now, between the XP3 and XP4, I would go for the XP4. But between XP4 solo and 2x Penguin 200's plus XP3, I'd go with the latter. Let us know how it works out once you decide...

[helix13]

well i went with the XP3 and left one of the penguins on for aggitation, which ill have to start a new thread on that subject. I have to say that this filter is sooo quiet and a pleasure to use.
The set up was easy but i took more time to read the guide then i should have (just to be on the safe side). All in all it took about 15-20 minutes to get it going. I choose to set up the media with the 20 pads followed by the 30's then added Biostars, BioZorb and topped it off with dual green/white polishing pads. I ran it for about 3 weeks at which the clarity of the water was amazing and all stats looking great as well. I wanted to check the media to see how crummy it was and low and behold it was filtering alot more stuff then i thought was in my water to begin with...lol
I simply rinsed the 20/30's out and replaced the green/white pads at the same time and so far i am very pleased with the performance. We are planning to get a larger tank in the near future (125g plus) and I will be purchasing the Xp4 at a minimum. ill keep everyone posted at a later date... thanks to all that helped with their input.

[cichlidfish]

Great, to hear, and thanks for the update and starting a new thread. We sometimes tend to stray all over the place in the same thread which isn't ideal