Which Canister Filter Is Best ?

[bert]

I have a 100 Gallon fresh water tank equiped with a Magnum 350 canister filter ( mechanical/ chemical filtration only ) submerged powerhead with foam filter on opposite side of tank. I have been looking at 2 other canister filters as a new replacement. they are--

1--FLUVAL 405 $210.00

2-- RENA FILSTAR XP4 $250.00.

Which one of these filters is the best ? for filtering, ease of cleaning & servicing the filter, AND the reliability and the least problems with parts? PLUS, the ease of operation ?
thanks :D

[Rbishop]

That is a pretty loaded question! :grinyes:

I don't think you can just eliminate them out on the criteria you listed, since it involves personal preference.

What I would consider ease of maintanance may be someone elses nightmare. In general, the canister filters out there are pretty much the same with capabilities though most have capabilities you do not even need.

I do not prefer either of the two filters you listed. I have basically all Mags, and am amazed that you consider them mechanical/chemical only. I have several that are just mechanical/biolgical.

If I had to pick from your choices, I would go with the XP.

[echoofformless]

I would buy a Rena XP4, a Fluval 405, a Marineland C360, an Eheim 2217, an Eheim 2236, and an Eheim 2224. I would connect them all to the tank. Then over the course of the next few months I would keep them all running and do the normal maintenance on them.

Over time I will start liking and disliking several things about each filter. Then in the end when I realize that they're all doing basically the same thing while being both good and bad in one way or another be it cost, reliability, ease of cleaning, efficiency, effectiveness, etc I would come to the conclusion that which filter I chose really didn't make much of a difference so long as I set it up properly and kept up with my normal tank maintenance routine.

In other words, either one of those would be a wonderful choice. As would all the others I mentioned and probably even more that I didn't mention.

As long as it's a quality product (all of them are except crap like Penn Plax) any canister filter of the proper size will do just fine.

[Squawkbert]

If you're willing to spend that much, I'd look at a 2217 (Eheim).

[bert]

Thanks, I heard on forums that some canister filters are prone to having small parts break easily during normal maintenance routines, but I do not recall which brand of filter they were speaking of.

[loaches r cool]

1--FLUVAL 405 $210.00

2-- RENA FILSTAR XP4 $250.00.


Hmm, you may want to shop around. The only Fluval I'd buy would be the FX5. I've heard many get em for around $200, for example look here (http://cgi.ebay.com/Fluval-FX5-CANISTER-FILTER-External-Aquarium-Hagen-New_W0QQitemZ110169903981QQihZ001QQcategoryZ46310Q QcmdZViewItem).

As for Rena, I'd look into two XP3's instead of one XP4. The 4's seem waaay overpriced. You can get the XP3's usually around $90 for example look here (http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp17290/si1380030/cl0/aquariumpharmaceuticalsrenafilstarxp3canisterfilte r). Two of those would be ~the cost of an XP4 but more total flow and more media volume total, plus the redundancy of having 2 filters, customization, etc. etc. if your really willing to spend $250 though maybe you might want to look at some of the Eheims (2028 maybe? or pro3e for a little more). Just some ideas.

[Mgamer20o0]

my vote is with loaches r cool..... i would never buy a rena xp4 when you can get 2 rena xp3 for cheaper. if you want to spend more money go with the Eheims or Marineland C360 (still waiting on reviews)

[TwoTankAmin]

There are other canisters besides Eheim? :-p

Look into the Eheim Pro II line. You would probably need to het the 2028 for 100 gal tank.

I have a pair of the 2026s, one has been up and running close to 6 years without a problem and it doubles as my co2 reactor.

BigAls has it one sale, with medis, for $220- http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp17290/si1382890/cl0/eheim2028professioneliicanisterfilterwithmediavalu epack

[echoofformless]

I feel Eheims are overrated. They don't do anything that other canisters don't do just as well. The only real argument in their favor is the supposed longevity/durability. And that too is debatable.

I would never suggest against them, but they are overpriced and I find the dedication to them a bit humorous - sometimes I picture Comic Book Guy from The Simpsons being an Eheim type of hobbyist.

"Oh that water is really clear - are you using a Rena?"

Comic Book Guy: "No, and please refrain from dealing me further insults with your pathetically ill-informed references to those far inferior products. As you can see kind sir I use strictly EHEIM filters on all of my tanks and nothing less. Now if you are finished insulting my intelligence I shall bid you a good day."



Okay back on topic - I have read some reviews of the Marineland C series and according to almost all of them, Marineland has just produced what is possibly the best canister filter available today as far as cost coupled with effectiveness.

[loaches r cool]

I feel Eheims are overrated. They don't do anything that other canisters don't do just as well. The only real argument in their favor is the supposed longevity/durability. And that too is debatable.


And dont forget how quiet they are. That is very significant to many (and the main reason I went that route on my bedroom tank). And they do have many features that the others dont. For one example my Eheim has a flow meter built in. My Renas do not. Overpriced maybe, but the same argument would be a cadillac is overpriced compared to Kia - they both perform the same role, and in many cases the Kia will work for just as long, just as well.

[legendaryfrog]

For your tank, I'd get an Eheim 2217, as its cheap, quiet, and reliable. I really dont find anything special about the more expensive, professional eheim filters

[bert]

I think the 405 is for up to 285 Gallons which i would go for since i plan on getting another tank someday, much bigger than my 100 G. I don't remember which, canister filter gripes were going around for awhile concerning small parts breaking after cleaning and putting it back together. That and leaks. I wish i could remember which brand they were talking about.

[Mgamer20o0]

lol my fluval 404 was like that lol...... it claims its up to 285 but they over rate their filters. you have to look for the GPH with media to really get a idea of these things.

[loaches r cool]

I havent heard many complaints on the FX5, but many on the 405. being that the FX5 is much bigger anyhow... and you thinking about a bigger tank... thats where I'd be lookin.

[Flaringshutter]

I wouldn't buy a fluval if my life depended on it. I've heard too many horror stories about tubing popping off and flooding the room. Plus, I had my old fluval pop hoses and dump about 10 gallons of water, too.

That's when I chucked it, bought an XP3 and never looked back. It's the easiest to maintain, most efficient, nicest filter I've ever owned. Fantastic. I highly recommend it.

[WeeNe858]

i run 2 fluval 404 on my 125 and they been behaving. everything seems to be mediocre to good in performance.. but the rena is a bit easier to customize and itll still do the job

its up in the air on which one you prefer

[Philgo]

I've never tried a Rena but if you compare a Fluval to a Eheim then the Eheim takes it every time in my book. I tried a Fluval a couple of years ago and it was twice as loud as the Eheim, the hoses were horrible and you could just see the construction was not as good. Also worth mentioning that a lot of people have been using the same Eheim filter for years, doubt many have had a Fluval for any length of time.

End of the day it's peoples personal opinions and mine is Eheim.

[echoofformless]

There is nothing an Eheim does that a Rena can't do for far less money.

Fluvals I hear stories of bad things. I have a 104 that has been perfectly fine for two years. But still, with the amount of negative press I feel shaky recommending one. Plus I hate those kinky crap hoses.

I have an Eheim Ecco and it's the loudest filter I own. I like it, but I don't see any strong reason why I should buy another Eheim product even though I likely will. Not because they aren't good; they just don't seem to do anything to merit that price. I feel as though it's a name people like to pay for. If you get a tremendous deal, go for it. Otherwise the Rena is by far the most cost effective, easy to use and dependable choice.

However those new Marineland C series are getting some fabulous reviews and have even converted a few dedicated Eheim fanatics. My next canister is for sure going to be one of those. One of the guys who reviewed it says he owned Eheim Pros and that those were a "joke" compared to the new Marinelands.

[echoofformless]

This site is excellent:
http://www.cichlid-forum.com/reviews/category_display.php?CatID=104

[loaches r cool]

I have both XP3's and Eheim Pro 2's. I do like the XP3's but I'd never say they were better or even on par with the big E. The only thing that I can say is better on the XP3 is that it self-primes easier.... but that might not be due to the XP3 but possible due to the inline UV on my Eheim that might be trapping air. Oh and the Eheim manual was a PITA so thats 1 more negative on the big E. There are many aspects of the Eheim I like better. If cost is a concern, I'd go the XP3 route.

[bert]

Thanks everyone, come to think of it, it WAS the fluval that i heard bad things about. small parts snapping preventing the filter from being able to start up until the part got replaced, and the leaking hoses.:lipssealedsmilie: The RENA and Fluval are sold by petsmart and the RENA and Marineland filters are sold at petco. My Magnum 350 is doing a great job but without the optional bio wheel i am not getting any biological filtration from it it says on the box mechanical/ chemical filtration.

[Mexican Racoon]

Not that it is even in the running, but on the off chance you are thinking of getting a Cascade canister filter (penn plax), DON'T.

I did, and every time I do maintenance on it, I feel like a entered a drag race with a tricycle. It is crap. I wish I had done more research, cause it really is a hokey pokey, Fisher Price My-First-Canister piece of junk.

[bert]

I lucked out when i chose the Magnum 350 for my first canister filter, it has been good. I want to go to something that has what my Magnum doesn't, an area for Biological filtration. The Bio-wheel helps the Magnum but my 100 Gallon Plexi tank has only the narrow slots on the rear top and the bio-wheel attachment won't fit. besides, i would like to get something that will handle a lot more than 100 Gal. because there is a larger Aquarium in my future plans

[bert]

Forgot to add, I will really do my homework on this one. nothing like a holiday, aquarium supply store closed and a chinsey made part just broke and the filter has to remain off until repaired. I want something strong, dependable, reliable, and VERY WELL MADE with high quality parts & workmanship !

[bullseye69]

you can't go wrong with a rena xp3, been running one for 6 months strong. i love it. very easy to clean and lots of media choices. but if you have the money people say go for ehem

[echoofformless]

I still don't see what Eheims are doing any better than Renas besides making people think they're so special due to a name. It's just like you wrote - "people say go for Eheim." And that is why I take issue with the whole thing.

I'm sold on the Marineland C series even though I haven't personally used one yet. The reviews are very solid and the prices on them compared to Eheim are significantly lower.

Lastly the idea of comparing Eheim to Cadillac and other filters to Kia doesn't wash with me. Cadillacs are huge, powerful cars with far more luxury appointments and frills than a tiny, bare bones Kia - not to mention the fact that Kias are known to be of poor reliability and Cadillacs are a little above average in that department. Eheims aren't more powerful or feature-laden and luxurious than Renas or Marinelands.

The only real and solid notion that I have been able to gather from the Eheim crowd is that the filters are supposedly long lasting and very reliable - something far more akin to a Mercedes than a Cadillac. But still grossly overpriced when you consider that Honda and Toyota are actually the most reliable of the four. Way off topic...but I love to debate. Sorry.

[loaches r cool]

Actually Eheims are often referred to as the Cadillac of filters. Thats the only reason I picked them (Cadillac I mean). Substitute in you luxury car of choice (I however, would never put in Mercedes though, bad personal experiences). And I do stand by Kia as a good comparison. Look at the new Kia Amante's. Half the price, almost as much performance. You seem to be judging your opinion of Eheim based off the Ecco I am guessing. I think the Ecco is a waste of money personally, so I am guessing you didnt do your homework before purchasing it (well unless it was given to you or something). Yes the Eheim is more powerful (like a Cadillac). The Renas are way overrated, and even though they no darn well the actual flow is much less (read the fine print on the box) they advertise the big numbers everywhere and dont mention the actual flow in any of there advertisements:nono:. They are rated even higher than the Eheim but the Eheim actually out flows it, and draws less power doing it too. Options wise... Eheim has many features the Rena does not. They also have a lot more choices in the big filter department. As you can see, I dont mind debating either. The difference is I have relatively equivalent filters from both (pro2's), and all you've said you had from E is the ecco. Nor am I biased, as I have said more than once I like both, and would recommend the XP3 to anyone.

[Philgo]

Least we all agree that Eheim are the best :D

[echoofformless]

Eccos aren't so great for sure...I picked mine up on a half price deal. I'm happy enough with it, but no I wouldn't judge Eheim on the whole by an economy market product.

Anyway,
As long as the filter runs, holds media, doesn't leak and is easy to use I see no reason to spend any more money just for a name. Of course we're all entitled to opinions and mine is that Eheim is largely a name that gives some people a certain sense of "ah I have an EHEIM!" It just seems very Comic Book Guy to me. And many people will shell out the unnecessary cash for these just because they're said to be "the best." Yes they might offer certain features, but are they needed features? I just want my filter to do a good job, be easy to maintain, and reliable.


I'm placing my bets on those Marineland C series models. Reading the reviews online got me interested; and asking around amongst the people at my local fish shops and other forums has confirmed that several dedicated Eheim fans have either switched or will switch to Marinelands.

Okay I sound like a commercial. But see one of my little personal vendettas is towards things that have been given overrated reputations. So when something comes up to rival them, I cheer it on. Especially when it undercuts the more popular company's price line. It undoes that whole untouchable thing that allows companies like Eheim to overcharge for their products. Hence my distaste for that whole "Eheims are the best" routine - it shuts out competition from potentially better products in a sort of mind control-like fashion.

And in the end it is we the consumers who suffer. Why? Because the more we just say "Eheims are the best" without really considering the alternatives, the longer they can overcharge for their products.

Consider the whole PS3/Xbox 360 deal. The PS3 is the more usable and technologically advanced unit for sure - but it's not selling because there is something far cheaper that even though may not be as good, is good enough to make people steer away from Sony. And because of this, Sony is being forced to drop the prices considerably in the near future in order to stay in the game.

That is why I am rooting for these Marinelands to catch on; it just may force Eheim to bring their prices a little lower in order to be more competitive. (Have you ever noticed how ridiculously overpriced their media can be? Ehfimech for example - come on it's the same crap that you can buy under the Fluval name for less than half of that price.)

But that will only happen when people stop blindly chanting "Eheim!"

So it's not the filters and the features themselves that agitate me - it's the brand name mentality that all too often goes with it.


And please don't get me started on Hikari....hehe
:)

[Philgo]

Very little price difference in the UK between Eheim and Rena, so it's Eheim all the way for me. Never tried a Rena but from what I've read they are a tad noisier than Eheim.

[TwoTankAmin]

echoofformless - it is not a good idea to rate products you have never used or done some longer term comparison tests on.

I know folks who have had Eheims running for 20 or more years on tanks- how long have you had yours?

A would also note your site for rating canisters: There are 5 reviews for the marinelends all by folks who have had them for a grand total of 1-3 months, The Eheim Pro II has 69 raters many of whom have had them for years.

[Mgamer20o0]

There are 5 reviews for the marinelends all by folks who have had them for a grand total of 1-3 months

to be fair they havent been out long. its a new filter.......

echoofformless
for someone who always pushes it doesnt matter what filter you get you sure are pushing the new Marineland C series.....

[tankboy_taylor]

In my opinion even the Ecco seems to be built pretty well I own one and have recently bought a mag 350 to use along with it and Id have to say the Ecco is better built.

The Ecco definatly primes easier.

[Rbishop]

I have several Mag 350s that are over 20 yrs old...hard to beat that durability.

[legendaryfrog]

wow, thats amazing rb. I heard magnums were good filters, but daaaaang. 20 years is great for something that runs 24/7.

[loaches r cool]

Anyway,
As long as the filter runs, holds media, doesn't leak and is easy to use I see no reason to spend any more money just for a name. Of course we're all entitled to opinions and mine is that Eheim is largely a name that gives some people a certain sense of "ah I have an EHEIM!" It just seems very Comic Book Guy to me. And many people will shell out the unnecessary cash for these just because they're said to be "the best." Yes they might offer certain features, but are they needed features? I just want my filter to do a good job, be easy to maintain, and reliable.

I personally dont go by brands, else I wouldnt own 4 different brands of filters. I dont feel like some kind of super human because I own an Eheim. I often recommend Rena. Needed features? Its completely up to the user to decide what features he/she needs and wants. How may people on earth really need an automatic transmission or cruise control in there vehicle? Very few, But people still want them and shell out over a thousand bucks at least for those two features alone. You cant tell people they dont need a feature thats not your place.


That is why I am rooting for these Marinelands to catch on; it just may force Eheim to bring their prices a little lower in order to be more competitive. (Have you ever noticed how ridiculously overpriced their media can be? Ehfimech for example - come on it's the same crap that you can buy under the Fluval name for less than half of that price.)


Ehfimech is pretty cheap... I bought it for use in other filters as well. bigals 6.99 for a liter or 29.99 for 5 liters. Most of there other media is reasonable as well. The only expensive stuff I think is worth the money too... the stuff that came in Pro2 (I forget what its called -the cocoa puff stuff) since its designed perfectly round for optimal flow, no compaction, yet high surface area. But unlike Rena which only came with mechanical pads, my Pro2 came with all the media, ceramic, bio, and coarse and fine pads.

I dont believe there are any issues with competition, Eheim has plenty of competition. I bet if you poll every filter owner in the world Eheim would be well under 10%. Even on the forums, with more dedicated and experienced users I doubt it would be over 25%. Personally I only own 1 Eheim canister while I do several other brands. Not everyone is blindly buying Eheims... in fact there higher cost has for sure reduced there sales, as people all the time asking for filter advice say Eheims are out of there budget.

[Ulan]

Very little price difference in the UK between Eheim and Rena, so it's Eheim all the way for me. Never tried a Rena but from what I've read they are a tad noisier than Eheim.
The point is the current exchange rate. As the dollar is incredibly weak at the moment, imports from the euro zone are naturally more expensive than stuff built in the dollar zone. The company gets nothing from the alleged overcharging.

That said, I don't have much experience with canister filters. I have a PennPlax one, and that one is crappy. I bought two Eheim classics in a sale, and I really like them. No idea how they compare to Rena, Fluval or Marineland filters. I guess the price advantage of the Marineland filters only kicks in for the larger models. In my case, the Eheim was cheaper.

[DISCIPLE]

for the money you are about to put out then why not fluvals fx5? 900gph plus you have a three tray bucket that you can load how you wish. add a emperor 400 and you should have what you need. petsmart ad online is 39.99 take it into store you save 40.00. go onto ebay fx5 are 189 free shipping ! good luck hope this helps you out!

[FISHSHROD]

That is a pretty loaded question! :grinyes:

I don't think you can just eliminate them out on the criteria you listed, since it involves personal preference.

What I would consider ease of maintanance may be someone elses nightmare. In general, the canister filters out there are pretty much the same with capabilities though most have capabilities you do not even need.

I do not prefer either of the two filters you listed. I have basically all Mags, and am amazed that you consider them mechanical/chemical only. I have several that are just mechanical/biolgical.

If I had to pick from your choices, I would go with the XP.



RB, what media are you using in your mags for bio filtration. I have 2 that I want to use as my primary filtration on my 120 that I'm going planted?

Thanks,
[\[\ark

[loaches r cool]

Not to stirr up more Eheim debate, but since I dug up this post on another forum I thought it would be good to post here too, since its a head to head comparison of 2 big canisters for big tanks IMHO (Eheim 2080 & Fluval FX5)....

http://www.discusforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=7080

[Rbishop]

RB, what media are you using in your mags for bio filtration. I have 2 that I want to use as my primary filtration on my 120 that I'm going planted?

Thanks,
[\[\ark

I just fill the the inner cartridge that normally holds carbon, with any small media like cylinders or beads.

[IrishMak]

Personally, I would go with the Rena XP series over the Fluval. I had one of the older Fluvals on my 90 gallon tank, and one f the locking clips on the lid broke fairly soon after I bought it. I know they have redesigned much of the filter since then, so that may not be an issue now. The Rena has been a great filter- easy to set up, maintain and super quiet. I also have a Classic Eheim on my 55 gallon tank. It's also a good filter, tho it can be a bit of a pain to deal with. But, as stated above, what is a pain to one person is likely to be no big deal to another. I would recommend the XP filters to anyone, tho.

[12 Volt Man]

That's when I chucked it, bought an XP3 and never looked back. It's the easiest to maintain, most efficient, nicest filter I've ever owned. Fantastic. I highly recommend it.

agree totally.

although the only other canister I have owned is the Eheim 2217. The rena blew it out of the (aquarium) water! :)

[FISHSHROD]

I just fill the the inner cartridge that normally holds carbon, with any small media like cylinders or beads.

Thanks as usual , that is what I figured.

[TwoTankAmin]

Interesting post. Too bad it doesnt include a test of reliability and durability.

When it comes to filtration, media capacity outweighs flow rate.

It seems to me the fluval had two things going for it- price and a lot of sponges. I run my Eheims with extra pads and they do a bangup job of mech filtration. I even have one with the lower tray filled with sponges.

[silentskream]

how do you know how many gph you need?