Eheim Ecco 2231

[jread]

I'd like to eventually put one of these on my 10 gallon planted tank. Has anyone used the 2231 before? Do you think it's small enough to use on a 10 gallon?

My little Penguin H.O.B. filter is ok for now, but I'd like less surface agitation. I did put a sponge in the outflow and that almost completely stopped, but I'd like to have a spraybar :)

[750t]

I plan on getting one for a 20 gal planted same reason as you. With the output control you should be able to tone the current down for a 10. I will be getting one in a week or two let you know how it goes. Timl

[Kagh't]

er, by turning down the flow rate down, it'll be fine to use on a 10 gal.
i used one for a year or so on my 10 gal (uk), and it was fine, the slow flow rates that the filter produces don't make it to hard to close it down ever further.
the filter itself is great, i've never had any problems with it, i'd advise switching the foams for the media reccommended by eheim (efimech and efisubstrat) as otherwise it becomes a nightmare cleaning all the foams, plus it works a lot more efficiently with the normal media.

[100guy]

I too was considering a 2231 until I found out that they don't come with spraybars! I emailed Eheim to make sure and this is their reply:
The Ecco doesn't come with a spray bar and it is not designed to be used with one.
I think I'll get an XP1.

[750t]

Wow 100guy thanks a bunch that was one of the main reasons I was going to get one. I thought all eheims came with a spraybar. Well I guess its an xp1 for me also. Man thats the pits. Tim

[jread]

So it doesn't come with a spraybar AND you can't use one one it? I've seen spraybars for sale.... why couldn't I just buy one to attach to it? Does it not have enough pressure or soemthing?

[J&JsTA]

I just setup a Filstar XP2 tonight and put it on a 20g with the spray bar(that comes with it) facing the back with the flow control turned down some and it works perfect :) My Mollys waited all of 10 min before they were swimming back and forth through the spray bar current :D

[JazzyB]

I have an Eheim 2231 and it works great. I think it may be overkill for a 10G though. You may have more water agitation than needed.

Question: How do you turn down the flow rate on the Eheim Ecco 2231? Are you tightening the hose clamp at the filter head?

[Kagh't]

basically slightly close off the 'out' valve, and the flow rate decreases.

[750t]

Well the xp1 arrived yesterday its perfect for the 20 gal. I have the flow set at full and the spray bar pointed to the the back glass. No surface movement. So I think this filter would be fine on a 10 just turn down the flow a bit. Great filter by the way.

[JazzyB]

Kagh't,

About turning off the output valve... I really wonder if Eheim would recommend that or if it would have some sort of future consequences on the wear and tear of the valve??

[Kagh't]

it doesn't seem to do any damage, as long as you keep the thing vaselined properly, the valves themselves are quite strong.
i've got mine turned down on my axolotl tank, and running a spray bar with no real problems. i've tried various combinations, input, input and output, but output is really the only one i'd recommend.