George, would this help any in your decision?
http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS...canisterfilter
LOL, you can get an XP3 for less than $100! I must admit my XP3 is the easiest to set up and clean. I agree it does slow down when dirty, and you have to make sure there are no kinks in the hose, but other than that it is a work horse! Another feature I like on it is that you can adjust the output on the filter (more or less flow) which I didn't have on my Magnum or Eheim.
I still haven't taken the FX5 outa the box, Yeah Larry, I'm into maximum filtration! At least 5x the tank volume per hour if you please
. The tank is supposed to be a 135 gallon I believe, but it is still holding air at the moment
. Cost me a lot of in store credit at the LFS and then a little bit of change but it was only $10 more than the XP4 at the store. The store clerk also suggested it would probably be better for my size tank since the XP4 had a lower GPH (up to 450 gph). (still in the box, I could change my mind).
One note though, make sure you have your spray bar above water level to agitate the water and replenish oxygen. I made the mistake of having the bar below water one time and woke up to gasping fish
(pre discus era)
more info on XP3:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...fm?pcatid=3602
Tina