Eheim 2217 or Rena XP3?

[superjohnny]

They're about the same price. Anyone have experience with both? Can I adjust the flow on either? This would go on a 45H tank. My thought is that down the road, when I upgrade my tank, I won't have to upgrade the filter.

I'd really like to have the Eheim Pro 2 2028, but that's $200 :rolleyes:

[125gJoe]

The Filstar xP-3 costs less, is adjustable, and has many options on setting up the return tubing, or spray-bar.

Have you compared the GPH on the two filters?? (GPH = Gallons Per Hour)

[nimbusv]

I'd go all the way the EHEIM

[Nighthawk]

Eheim

[superjohnny]

Ok here's what I've found from their websites:

The Eheim:
for tank size up to 150g
Pump output 260gph
Filter circulation 205gph
Delivery head 2.10 m Ws
Filter volume 1.5g
Power consumption 20 W
Dimentiones approx. ~7.5 inches x ~14 inches
Compartments ???

The XP3:
for tank size up to 65-156g
Pump output 351gph
Filter circulation
Delivery head 1.6 m
Filter volume 2.4g
Power consumption 19 W
Dimentiones approx.
Compartments 6

Two very comparable filters from this information. Anyone have knowledge of both? I must say, both Eheim & Rena really don't know how to put product information on the web. You can't even find out what the box contains, much less get a look at everything that is included. :rolleyes:

It doesn't look like the Eheim is self priming. The XP3 might be too much for my 45g tank, espeically considering it's heavily planted and I have Angels.

[steve_bkk]

Eheim, Silent and reliable. People use them to water cool their CPU's in their PC's.
I only have one, but it's been running since the late 1980's. Haven't replaced any parts yet. (Mod 2011)

Priming really isn't a problem when cleaning the cannister.
Steve

[JSchmidt]

Eheim, no question. Priming a 2217 (one of the old Classic series) really isn't that hard. It's a bit more involved than with newer version that have an integrated starter. The difference in quality, craftsmanship and longevity of the Eheim would more than make up for the slight increase in hassling with priming.

Jim

[superjohnny]

Yea, I always thought using an Eheim water pump was overkill for a water-cooling system. I used to use a little generic pump that worked great. The 1048 & 1250 were very popular among enthusiasts. Still are actually.

I'm just so sick of sucking on my Fluval 304 to get a mouth full of not only water, but fish-tank-sludge. EWWWWW!

What I really need is a hefty discount on a Eheim 2128.

[125gJoe]

Maybe an xP-2 then.. also extremely quiet...:)

[DIYMatt]

I think I might be of help here. I have had two "classic Eheim's", and I currently own a Rena XP1 and XP3. I found nothing from a quality standpoint between the canister/ motor assembies that makes the Ehiem superior. In fact, the Eheim canister slipped out of my fingers from less than 6" above the sink and it cracked, thats why I say "had" an Eheim, and sold the other which I never really used. Also, a friend of mine was looking at a used Eheim in a LFS and he broke a latch on it, I don't know how either, he is a big Eheim guy. From a features and layout perspective the Filstars are more comparable to the Eheim Pro than the classic anyways. The Filstar does have adjustable output, but I don't use it. But here is my long take on the comparison:

Things I liked about my Eheim:
1. Quiet
2. One piece inputs/outputs
3. You always know you will be able to find parts for it, Eheim reputation.
4. Media, their media seems to be superior to others I have seen, but it doesn't come with the canister, so its kind of a mute point.

What I didn't like was the following:
1. No integrated shutoff on the tubing, makes cleaning a lot more of an issue. Yes, priming is an issue because you almost have to empty the tubing to clean the filter.
2. All the media is just dumped loose in the canister. So, if you want to clean the media or change something, it is a chore.
3. The tube that comes out of the bottom of the canister makes it a little awkward in tight spaces, I know, the Rena's have a larger footprint to start off with.
4. Proprietary tubing that almost requires you buy Eheim accessories($$)

Filstars:
Likes:
1. Integrated shutoff/disconnect, I unplug, flip the lever and grab the canister, run water over the media in the baskets, put it back, flip the lever and it refills, plug it in and done.
2. Filter Media Baskets: Media is in seperate media baskets that lift out of the canister easily. This makes cleaning, media changing, etc very easy. Also, you can use any brand media, I do.
3. Quiet as Eheim IMO.
4. Easy impeller maintenance
5. Standard size tubing, I use generic surface skimmers with mine and they work great and fit.
6. Many different input/output options come standard saving cost at startup, but see below.

Dislikes:
1. Input/output options are just press fit togther in many peices. My filters becoming fountains are a big worry for me. I ended up siliconing the first two pieces that go over the side of the tank to make sure. Never actually had a problem, but just to be safe.
2. plastic on in/outs fade, my XP1 is over three years old and the top side of the spary bar is a little faded, probably from the 350 watts MH that was baring down it:)

Obviously, my vote is for the Filstar XP2 or XP3. I know Eheims have a great reputation and you can't really go wrong with one. But, the added features and ease of maintenance at less overall cost make all the difference to me. Also, it seems like a lot of the people who prefer the Eheims, have never owned a Filstar. For years, I could see that it was the only option.

Disclaimer: None of this is to be taken as hard facts or insults, it is just my humble opinion from my experience.

[superjohnny]

Wow Matt, thank you. With an adjustable flow and a spray bar I think I'll be alright. I really appreciate your help.

thank you everyone for your input... that's what makes this a great forum :)

[125gJoe]

DIYMatt, excellent write-up on the two filters!
I'm sure superjohnny will be satisfied.

One more thing about the high price of Eheim is that it comes from Germany..(?) Count on paying more for that..

[superjohnny]

Yea Matt that was really nice of you to share like that... *applause*

That said I ordered the XP3. If I have too much water movement the angels will just have to get in better shape ;) With a spray-bar it shouldn't be a big deal. We'll soon find out.

[chefkeith]

Filtstar XP3 gets my vote. I have 1 and am getting 2 more. To slow down the flow rate, you can just add more sponge/foam media in the baskets. The flow rate lever on the spray bar makes a whistling noise. I took off the lever from the piping.

www.bigalsonline.com

is the cheapest place to get one.

[Gunnie]

I am pretty new to the hobby, and when I got a 110 high tank, I started looking at canister filters. I chose the Filstar XP2 first, loved it, and got an XP3. I really like the media baskets which make cleaning much easier. Another feature I read about when comparing filters was that it has an automatic shut off so the motor won't overheat. I also was sold on the price which was much cheaper than other filters at the same gph rate. I got both of them on ebay. I got my XP3 for $90.00 including shipping! I think you will be very happy with your decision. The technical support is also excellent.

[DIYMatt]

You're welcome everyone. Superjohnny- I think you will be very happy with that filter. I want to second Chefkeith's advice about the flow adjustment thingy on the Renas. Also, it's just another peice that could possibly leak. I wouldn't use it either.

[jdheff1982]

I have a Rena XP3 and love it! About the flow adjuster, you have 2 options with it. 1, use the venturi setup and let the bubbles flow. Or 2, Rena supplies a plug for the flow adjuster. In this case, if you don't want bubbles, but want flow control; just plug the hole!! I have never had any problems with mine in any catagory. Maintnece is a breeze, priming is easy. You can't go wrong with this filter. Have fun!!! My only, only complaint about the XP3 is the mounting problem I have with the intake/outtake tubes. Anywho, you will enjoy your new filter!! Ciao!

[chefkeith]

Thanks silver_ shark.

I didn't even know there was a plug for the flow lever. I looked around in my spare parts bin and there it was. I hooked up the lever with the plug in the hole and whistling sound is gone.

Thanks again for correcting me.

[NJ Devils Fan]

I just got my xP3 yesterday and set it up a few hours ago. It's awesome. The media compartments are great and they threw in a thing of ceramic rings for free. I will definitely be buying more of them for my next tanks.

[125gJoe]

Originally posted by NJ Devils Fan
I just got my xP3 yesterday and set it up a few hours ago. It's awesome. The media compartments are great and they threw in a thing of ceramic rings for free. I will definitely be buying more of them for my next tanks.
Great! It's a real nice design!!
I'm getting another for my new All Glass 125 gallon. I may still use the Fluval 404, or retire it with the sale of the 80 gallon.. ! :cool: :)

[NJ Devils Fan]

Nooo, don't sell the legendary 80g tank. Then you would no longer be 80gJoe, you'de be 125gJoe which doesn't have a nice ring to it like yours does now. Why not keep it and try something like cichlids or something? Or, breed discus?

[JSchmidt]

The Fluvals and Renas may have nice convenience features, but that's only half the story. Longevity of the filter is another consideration. Stories of Eheims running for 30 or 40 years are not uncommons. Not many other filters can make that claim.

Jim

[DIYMatt]

Jschmidt - you are right there is little in this hobby that has a consistantly positive reputation like Eheim. I think I covered that in my write up of both filters. If he was trying to compare the Filstar with the Eheim Pro, I couldn't make the same arguement for the Rena. But, I haven't actually owned an Eheim Pro. But, I think if price wasn't an issue I would always go for the high end Eheims.

BTW- I also own a Fluval 304. They don't compare to either the Rena or the Eheim - IMO.

[JSchmidt]

My comment about longevity wasn't so much directed at your fine review, but was to add to the subsequent comments that seemed to not be considering that factor.


Regards,
Jim

[superjohnny]

So I got my XP3 yesterday. I love Bigalsonline, but it takes ~1.5-2 weeks to get my orders. That's a tough wait.

I was a bit surprised by the XP3. The build quality is excellent. It's got everything I really need in a filter, but but but it's huge. The water level in my tank went down 3" when I got the siphon started (no kidding). When I turned it on a few of the otto's got pealed right off the glass they were sucking on. This sucker is powerful. I can't imagine using the "jet" return... at least in a FW tank. Luckily they have a valve that allows you to slow it down a bit.

It's a bit noisy. I can't hear it a room away, but I can hear it when I stand in front of the tank. It's not loud, but it's not silent. If I had to guess i'd say it's about 30-35dB. It's not an unpleasant sound so it won't be a problem.

It's got all the features and accessories a person could want for a $100 filter. Unfortunately for my wife it's just too darn big for a 45g tank.

[JSchmidt]

Does the canister maybe have some air in it, making it loud? (You can try turning it upside down while running to expell the air.) I don't think Rena are as quiet as Eheims (which are truly silent; I have to place a hand on mine to tell if it's running), but it shouldn't be that loud. Perhaps other XP3 owners will weigh in.

Good luck with your new gear!

Jim

[Gunnie]

I agree. It shouldn't be that loud. I have to touch mine to make sure they are on if I'm not looking at the tank. Try rocking it back and forth while it's on to dislodge any air bubbles. I've had to do this a few times.

[beviking]

I thought I received a garbage can when I got my XP3! With all that media, lots of air gets trapped when initially setting up or cleaning it. You can try shimmying it back and forth (quick short shakes) while it's running or fill it near full with dechlorinated water (same temp as tank)put on the top and shake (in a twisting way so you don't invert the filter and allow the air back into the media!) before connecting the hoses. I prefer the latter since I'm paranoid about something else coming undone if I were shaking it while everything is connected. Once it's done expelling all the air, they are extremely quiet.
Another bonus. The snap connecters that close the lid on are not permanently affixed to the body of the filter. I hit one once and it flew off. I thought it was broke but it just snapped back on. Now that's cool!:cool:

[superjohnny]

Originally posted by beviking
I thought I received a garbage can when I got my XP3!

LOL :D

This filter might just not like that I'm injecting CO2 into the inlet. My bubble rate is so low that it really shouldn't make that much difference.

My wife will kill me if I spend any more money. I just bought this filter and a new set of headphones. I'm spending money like a drunken sailor!