Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm debating between the filstar xP3 and the fluval 404 for my 75 gallon tank. I was wondering if you have to buy replacement parts for either of these often. I looked online, and I saw all the replacement parts, but no mention on how often you need to replace them. (Or do you just replace things when they break). Also, do these two come with everything needed? For some reason, I 'm leaning towards the fluval, but the filstar is made for more gallons of water, so I'm still unsure. Any help or input is appreciated.
Thanks

I have the fluval, it has been running for two years and the only things I have had to buy are new charcoal media and foam inserts. I haven't had any parts break or anything. They do come with everything you need to set it up, including the media. I take it apart and clean it every three months or so, other than that it is pretty much maintainence free.
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Mom to:

1 little boy born 7/19/04
2 male RES, born 2001
1 ribbon snake, age unknown
3 FBT, ages unknown
1 female bearded dragon, born 5/2002
1 male lab mix, born 5/24/03
1 female calico cat, born 6/7/04

I agree... Fluval is the way to go. No replacement parts on my 304 or 404 for almost 4 years now. (well other than the media)

I don't have a Fluval but I say the same thing for my XP3. I clean it once every 2-3 months and only replace the media. I did have to replace the canister itself but that was my fault. I put it on my bathroom sink and turned around to hear it crashing down onto my tile floor. I tried to fix it but it leaked when I put it back together. It's nice to know that the replacement parts are out there if you ever break one part, you don't have to buy the whole thing again.
Before I got my XP3 I had a really small fluval but it wasn't a canister filter and it only had a foam cylinder you had to clean once a week. It really did a bad job so I got the XP3 and my water has been crystal clear since. Even after 2-3 months when you can tell the bottom of the tank is starting to get a little dirty, the water is still crystal clear and it doesn't smell. I hated the smell of my turtle tank until I got my XP3. Still the choice is yours.