Canister Filters

[zave2340]

i am thnking about change my Hydor filter on my 30 gallon over to a canister filter..... I was looking at the Hydor CAnisters.... anyone use them? even fi you ahve not what canisters do you use and how do you like them. I am on a budget.

[w6wat]

Howdy Zave,

Well, I've never used the Hydor Canister, nor have I even seen one. I have used and continue to use Fluval Canisters. I have four of the 04 series, and they're great. I like the "Aquastop" feature and the ribbed hoses. They offer flexibility with choice of media. They're nice and quiet and do a great job. They can be a little finicky when it comes to reassembly after cleaning, but after a time or two, no problem. There are four models. Prices range from about 50 bucks up to $180.

I have a couple of Kangde brand filters, that come under various other brand names as well. They are quite large with huge media baskets. There are 3 models available as far as I know. They operate quietly (silent; I have to put my hand on it to feel it running)and efficiently. The hose connection is a match for the Fluval hose connection valve assembly. The intake and outake hose valves have idependant off/on; different than the Fluval Aquastop. However, the valve assembly from "Kangde" and clones is interchangeable with Fluval. I can't recommend these units yet, as I'm testing them, and have no idea as to longevity. I can say that so far, I like them. I've no idea what these are priced at average, as I've seen them priced at all levels. Mine are on loan from a wholesaler/reseller.

I've owned a couple different models of the Eheim Classic. They're a complete and total mess to clean. They're a huge pain to get primed, started and continue running. I'll never own a Classic again. I understand the Pro II models are quite good, but I've no experience with them. Way overpriced for a molded plastic box, with a few plastic racks or baskets, and a $10 motor.

The Rena Filstars are very popular, but it seems they develop a leak problem at around a year of operation, give or take a few months. They're also noisy in comparison to most of the others. Still, most seem very happy with them. I think pricing ranges from about $80-180.

The PennPlax canisters don't seem to be very popular, but I've read comments from several users who are pleased with them. I've also read a few negative comments. Judging from what I've seen in the store, they're well constructed. Price?

The Marineland Magnum canisters do a good job, but aren't up to the task when compared to other larger canisters as above.


My favorite filter is the Jebo Odyssea CSF4 (838). It comes filled with media; nothing to buy. It has a spraybar, as well as intake and outake siphon tubes and hoses. The valves are independant and pivot. It contains four media baskets, and has no bypass. The motor is quiet, the priming button large, and moves about the same amount of water as the competitors. It is my understanding this unit is a knockoff of the Eheim Pro II. These are available from many retailers and online for as little as about $50 shipped.

There are also some HOB and overhead wet/dry filters that do a great job, and I use a couple of those independantly as well as together with a canister on larger aquariums. However, as far as just a canister goes, my vote is with the Jebo.

[Snowboarder2711]

something you might want to check out
http://www.aquaticsbykr.com/DIYCanisterFilter.htm
I havn't tried it but i has detailed instuctions and I think it won't be to hard

[Kissofthegorami]

Get an eheim. They are the best. I am selling an eheim 2213 and a eheim 2215 right now

[ceatwood]

I have always heard that teh Eheim's are the best quality but they can be a bit fussy when reassembling after cleaning, which does make me want one seeeing that tight specs are usually a good thing.

I have heard that Fluvals are excellent as well for the flow and canistermedia options.

Right now I am using Filstar's as I find them just as or more adapatble than Fluvals, they're a bit less expensive than Eheim (O.K. that alone was the major factor as I am strapped most of the time) and so far I ahve no complaints with them, but my wife says that they are a little noisier than Fluvals

[merky161]

I recently bought a filstar xp3, where do they start to leak after a year?

[w6wat]

I've read various isolated instances of leaking where the power cord goes into the motorhead. On another fish forum, there was a lengthy thread with a lot of the respondants experiencing this problem, and it seems there are some seals that can be replaced to correct the leakage.

I believe this to be an isolated problem, affecting a small percentage of the overall products sold. However with so many people experiencing the same failure, I can only conclude this to be a design or material flaw that should be considered before purchasing.

Most people agree the filter does a great job, and is easy to service, albeit with slightly more noise than other filters in the same class.

I have some other imported filters (marketed under various brand names and mostly sold in Austrailia) that I'm testing and so far, they've routinely blown 3 clamps. They're also somewhat difficult to prime. Once running they do a spectacular job, but......with the clamps failing, I'm sleeping with one eye open. I would much rather have a slow leak develop such as the Rena problem, rather than have a tank drain due to clamp failure.

Of all the problems discussed with canister filters on forums, blogs, etc., I would suspect failures affect less than 1 or 2% of all filters sold. Of that small percentage, I would also think some problems have to be attributed to owner misuse or improper assembly. Also, most hobbyists don't participate in forums, and those that do generally discuss problems, rather than trouble free operation.

[partsrep]

Get an eheim. They are the best. I am selling an eheim 2213 and a eheim 2215 right now

Yup! I've got 3 Eheim Pro 2322 Thermofilter cannisters and an Eheim 2028 Pro2. The Eheim 2322's are absolutely silent and provide crystal clear heated water. The 2028 is more filter than I'll ever need on any tank I can fit in my house and barely makes a whisper.

The drawback is they are expensive. But you can have a Mercedes or a Chevy. Both will get you there time and time again, but the Mercedes is still the Mercedes.

[zave2340]

Thanks for all fo the advice.... i was at BIGALS the other day..... I check out the Enhims i really like. BUT they start at 100CDN. So it will hold for now. need some more money