Eheim

D

davidtcb1

AC Members
Aug 20, 2004
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Nashville TN area
I am getting a 125g tank to begin a Malawi cichlid aquarium. Am considering getting my first eheim filter...probably the 2028. This filter returns about 200 gph, do you think I'd need two of them or what are your additional filter suggestions?

Thanks
 
Flow rate

The rule of thumb for cannister filters is the accumulative flow rate should be 5 times the tank volume. Therefore you should have an accumulative flow rate of 625gph. I run 2 Rena xP3's on my 125g. It is more than the rule but overfiltering is NOT a problem. I would add, as you are doing a chiclid set up you need extra filtration as a result of the normal (digging) behaviour of these fish. You may want to get to 7.5 times volume for the accumulative flow rate.
Cheers;
 
Just so you know, eheims are the ultimate filtration source becuase NO! water gets pass the filter media, but becuase of this, they have reduced flow rates so keep that in mind if you do get them.
 
Thanks....I am considering getting two of the Eheim 2028s...they are advertised as 198gph flow rate. So you think this would still not be enough? Some folks have told me to additionally put a HOB on the tank as well....probably an Emp 400 since I already have those. If I did that, would just use some floss and not worry about the carbon cartridges that are sold for that filter. That would make it cheaper. I had hoped to not have a HOB to reduce noise and make the tank more attractive, but I'll do what I have to do for good water quality. I take it you like your XP3s? I see they are rated at about 390 gph....certainly more than the Eheims and of course cheaper. Are they quiet? I've heard a lot of people say they are fairly loud.
 
I run two 2028s on my 90g and it is probably overkill. The water remains absolutely crystal clear with perfect parameters (ammonia, nitrite) and I rarely need to do any maintenance on the filters. With the large surface area of the mechanical media on the 2028s, it's almost to the point where the filters are decomposing the detritus as fast as it is accumulating. I do gravel vac and change 35-40 % of the water weekly.

Two 2028 would work well for a 125. Just don't overstock and do routine water changes.
 
Actually the 2028, according to the Eheim site, puts out 1050 litre/hour which converts to about 284 gph and is good for tanks up to just over 150 gal (600 liters).

What makes Eheims great filters are the size of the media baskets, their reliability and being super quiet. GPH is less important that media volume which is why Eheim Pro filters are rated for such bigger tanks at such seemingly lower flow rates.

I suggest 2 of the 2026 would be more than adequate for a 125 gal tank and would save you about $100. Check out BigAls- you can't find them cheaper and they come with media included.

I have two of the 2026 and absolutely love them.
 
BigAls- Eheim 2026 Professionel II Canister Filter With Media Value Pack - $179.99

FosterSmith - Pro II 2026 Kit includes:
Filter 2026, 2L Ehfisubstrat Pro, 1L Ehfimech, strainer, diffuser, tubing and hoses. For use in aquariums up to 100 gallons. - 2026 kit $199.99
 
davidtcb1 said:
Thanks....I am considering getting two of the Eheim 2028s...they are advertised as 198gph flow rate. So you think this would still not be enough? Some folks have told me to additionally put a HOB on the tank as well....probably an Emp 400 since I already have those. If I did that, would just use some floss and not worry about the carbon cartridges that are sold for that filter. That would make it cheaper. I had hoped to not have a HOB to reduce noise and make the tank more attractive, but I'll do what I have to do for good water quality. I take it you like your XP3s? I see they are rated at about 390 gph....certainly more than the Eheims and of course cheaper. Are they quiet? I've heard a lot of people say they are fairly loud.
Click to expand...
I have a 75 gal community tank and have an Emp 400 on one side and an Rena XP3 on the other side. I it is a lot of water turn over but it has a flow valve if I wanted to cut it back. ( I have it wide open) I wanted more filtration to keep my tank looking pristine and minimize maintenence. It also has the option of returning the water via a spray bar which I preferred and use. I love the filter. Easy to set up, take down and clean and it is extremely quiet especially compared to the Emp 400.
 
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