The company API claims that their Nexx doesn't need to be primed, is completely silent, and can be fitted to filter a 55 to 165 gallon tank. Are these claims too good to be true, or does the Nexx filter actually live up to its name, and represent the next generation of canister filters?
Nexx Filters Can Accomodate 55 to 165 Gallon Aquriums
If you are in the canister filter market, then you have been bit by the aquarium bug. You are no longer a hobbyist with a simple betta bowl on your coffee table, but an aquarist. As an aquarist, you know your current tank is just temporary. Whether it is cichlids, saltwater fish, or just a really nice community aquarium, you know that eventually, you are going to go bigger and better, with all the bells and whistles you can afford.
The problem is, either because of monetary or space constraints, your dream aquarium is a little ways off. Every aquarist has done it - bought a fish today that will need a bigger aquarium tomorrow, or overstocked a tank with hopes of buying a bigger one in the coming weeks or months.
API understands people who have been bitten by the aquarium bug, and designed the Nexx filter accordingly. The basic filter costs around a hundred dollars, and can accommodate a 55 gallon aquarium. Yet, one or even two extensions can be added, to accommodate up to a 165 gallon aquarium. This way the aquarist can grow the filter with their budget, and doesn't have to keep buying a new filter, or shell out the money all at once.
Nexx Filters Do Not Need to be Primed
This is probably the single most attractive feature of the Nexx filter. Anyone who has ever had trouble getting a canister filter to start flowing knows how much time can be wasted priming a filter.
The motor and impeller of the Nexx filter sits inside of the tank, so as soon as the filter in plugged in, it starts working. The filter cartridges pop right out with the turn of a handle, which diverts water flow and allows the filter to remain running while the cartridges are changed. This saves the aquarist countless hours of maintenance, and also provides the fish with constant filtration. The box of the Nexx filter says the cartridges can be changed in four minutes, but with practice, it can probably be done in two.
Nexx FIlters are Almost Completely Silent
This should be no surprise from the company that has brought us the Whisper aquarium filters, but when you plug a Nexx filter in, it is truly remarkable. It chugs and glugs and starts pumping so hard, it seems like it might explode. Then, nothing. Just pure and silent filtration.
The silence of the machine is probably due to its sturdy base, and the fact the filter doesn't touch the aquarium, which eliminates any vibration. The outtake tube also sits lower than many other canister filter models, meaning that there is no turbulence at the top of the tank, and none of the associated trickling noises.
Premium Filtration Media
API has always produced top quality filtration media. Their Bio-Chem Zorb has been a go-to product for eliminating harmful aquarium pollutants for at least a decade. API has now introduced handy filter inserts for the Nexx filter of their Bio-Chem Zorb, which used to come in a bag, and their Phos-Zorb product as well.
These filter inserts aren't cheap, but they do last for two months. Do the math. You will spend four minutes every two months changing filters. If you value your time, the extra couple of bucks are well worth it.
Questionable Filter Mounts
The idea API had behind the Nexx filter was bang-on, its just too bad they cheaped out on the system to hold the filter in place. This system is nothing but some clamps and suction cups. These suction cups will probably wear out long before the filter, and replacements will most likely be needed.
Sleek Design
Though the filter mounts are questionable, the filter design is gorgeous. The sleek design looks like an air tank that a diver would strap on to explore the depths of the ocean. Also, the Nexx filter's bright, deep blue body, and yellow accents are a welcome addition to an industry that usually only does black and gray. No matter what the color though, the Nexx Filter by API definitely is the most revolutionary canister to come out in a long time at this price-point.
Sources:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLcuY240NKg
www.aquariumpharm.com/Products/Product.aspx?ProductID=601
The author runs an API Nexx Filter on his 25 gallon reef aquarium.
Ian Shoust - With a degree in Communications and a certificate in Digital Video Editing, Ian Shoust has worked as a freelance videographer, editor, and ...
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