Filstar vs Eheim Canister filters

[nanahachi]

I currently have a 20gallon tank going and am looking for a new filter. At my LFS I was recommended the Filstar XP1 or 2. However, on the phone with BigAls, I was told the Eheim 2213 or 2215 might be the way to go because in the long run, the cost would be less. Supposedly the Eheim requires that its filters (or some of parts within) be changed every four months as opposed to the XP 1/2s filters needing to be changed every month. Is there any truth to this?

Also, with 20 gallons, is it recommended to get a slightly bigger filter if I upgrade tank sizes in the future, or just deal with that issue when I come to it?

I've only read a tiny bit about redundant filtration, should I bother with 2 filters myself? recommendations would really help!

I've read many a glowing comment on both Filstar (even with the leak problems) and Eheim canisters, and would appreciate any input you guys and gals have to offer.

I plan on having live plants (unless I become permanently scarred by my current tank problems -- see newbie forum), so I think I should avoid HOBs due to accelerated CO2 loss. Actually, at the moment my only filter IS a Whisper 1 HOB, since its the only thing I have handy and the LFS approved it.

thanks so much!!

[Skittyfish]

I have an eheim and I really like it. I have a sponge prefilter on it and rinse it out about twice a week. I only rinse the canister out if my tank starts really looking dirty (every 2-3 months). In one year I have bought more ehfimech and ehfisubstrat one time. And I still have plenty of it, I only bought it to fill the trays up more.

[Slappy*McFish]

I have an Eheim as well, but I don't even use the bio-media that is suposed to be used with it. I use fluval's bio-media ;)..lol. Though I agree Eheims are top of the line, that filstar is very close if not equal or better to an eheim you might use on a tank that size. Not to mention, probably much cheaper. Either one would make a fine filter.

[Flohrie]

I have an Eheim 2213, no problems thus far.

Oh and don't let anyone tell you that priming it is hard, its really very simple. :D

[beviking]

The changing of media is dependant on what media you put in it. Since you can use any media in either filter, it's really a moot point. I believe the recommendation on changing the media comes from the sinstered glass or porous type media, which in time, becomes clogged and needs replacing. If you simply use other types of media, like sponges and solid ceramic rings, you won't need to replace any of the media every "x" months.
I have the XP3 and think it is great! I did push an elbow onto the inlet hard tube too hard(maybe?) and it cracked. Still not sure if that's design/quality issue or if I just "hulked out". Regardless, for the $ difference, I can be a little more careful next time.;)


HTH

[nanahachi]

thanks guys!!

the options I am considering right now are based on the reading I've done here at AC today. I would love to save money, but dont want to have to upgrade needlessly later if I can do it now.

Again, I have a 20 gallon, freshwater, with live plants:

1) Use an HOB Aquaclear 300 ($20 @ BA) as mechanical filter, and either XP1 ($60) or Eheim 2213 ($70 with media) as biological
Total: $80-90

or

2) Use HOT magnum (mech) - $40, & XP1 or Eheim 2213 (bio)
Total: $100-110 minimum

or

3) Eheim 2026 ($150 with media...WAY more than I was planning to spend) and maybe AC 300 ($20)
Total: $170

Now, I dont mean to be another anooying newbie, but I'm asking you, more experienced, aquarists: Is it worth spending the extra $50-80 upfront? Can I just get by with the cheapest option, #1?

Please make any suggestions you see fit.

My friend is recommending keeping it simple with just a HOB with biofilter...but I'm the type who splurges and tends to buy the best...even to the detriment of my wallet.

thanks :D

[JSchmidt]

Any of those are viable options. I would prefer #1, with the 2213 option. I think a HOT Magnum will be too much for a 20 gallon tank (an AC 300 might be, too...). A lower powered AC with the 2213 would be fine, I'd think, especially if you put a prefilter sponge on the canister intake.

Jim

[Slappy*McFish]

I agree...an AC 300 wouldn't be needed...besides, an AC 300 on the lowest setting is no stronger than an ac 200 on it's highest setting..go with an AC 200 and the Eheim 2213.

[nanahachi]

after doing a search for "Eheim," I wasn't able to get the best idea how the Classic Series of Eheim's work, eg the 2213. The 2026 seems to be similar to Filstar's XP series, with two large hoses coming out/going into the top of the canister. All of the pictures of the 2213 and its family are bereft of hoses, so I was hoping that someone could possibly provide a tiny explanation how it works.
Picture from superfishstore.com, where it happens to be $67.95 (although i will probably order from bigals)
http://www.superfishstore.com/Images/Eheim29.jpg

***EDIT***
After a call to BigAls, I was told how the 2213 works, and that the Classics now come with media trays and quick valve shutoffs, which supposedly make them easier to use. I guess the question now is whether it is worth spending $40 more for the 2222 or 2026 (which is the Pro II series with Push Prime--"suckless priming :P ) thanks for the 2222 idea Hatton

Also, the BA rep stated that he didnt recommend the AC200 (and said the AC300 was not too powerful for my tank), but rather the Magnum 220 for mechanical filtering. If anything, he said go with the Penguin 170 or Emperor 280. I'm not sure I'm buying into that, mostly since I dont want to spend more than I have to, and ppl here are recommending the AC200.
[end edit]

The Filstar XP1 and Eheim 2026 seem super easy to use, and I am somewhat leaning towards something like that...but two votes are already cast for the "cheap" option of AC200 and the 2213. KISS (keep it simple, stupid) perhaps?

It seems that the 2026 is truly overkill. the 2026's 251gph is double of the 2213's 116gph...and i dont want the fish swept away...

[hatton3]

2213 is a good option. Have you looked at Eheim's 2222? It is a similar filter as the 2026 and works on the same principle, just smaller. Very easy to prime. The 2222 is around $100 with the media.

[goldfish freak]

I would go with option #1 as well, I don't like the HOT Magnum and the Eheim 2026 would defintely be overkill on a 20 gallon. Option #1 with the the XP1 would be the easiest to service and would be the least expensive. I would personaaly go with the Eheim 2213 with that option because Eheims are such high quality, but since you want ease of maintenance and good quality, the better choice overall would be option #1 with the XP1.
Also stick with the AC300 as opposed to the AC200 since it gives you more room to upgrade and it will fit over the rim of more large tanks. An AC200 will not fit over the rim of my 40 gallon Hagen tank.

[famman]

I have a 2213 classic on a planted 20gal freshwater and I love it. I haven't touched it for nearly 4 months. The new ones with trays and quick shutoffs sound even better.
good luck
:)

[Heady]

If you want to buy the 2213, place your order through BigAl's and tell them you need their price guarantee on the following site:

http://www.superfishstore.com/Eheim2213.htm

I have done this twice and come up with $64.55 US since BigAl's beats anyone else's price by 5%. Good deal!

[Heady]

BTW, the 2213 doesn't really look like that, the housing was made colorless just for demonstration purposes. It is dark green and clear.

I had a bit of a time setting up my 2213 a few weeks ago; it was my first canister filter and I'm not mechanically inclined at all. Anyway, after you set it up and get it going, turn it upside down. If you see bubbles, it is not done priming. Wiggle and tilt it back and forth and everyways until you get the bubbles out and it's not making any more noise. Then you're in business...

[DLeung10]

AC300 is way TOO MUCH CURRENT for a 20 gallon tank. Worse
if you are getting a second filter on top of the AC300.

I tried a Penguin 330 on a 20 gallon tank...The poor fish
were FIGHTING too swim in the tank. Even the active giant
danios were struggling.

The XP1 should be enough for the 20 gallon tank. If you get a
larger tank in the future.....keep the XP1 and then add a second filter for coverage on both ends of the larger tank.

Maybe a single XP2 is needed if you have messy fish like goldfish
and cichlids.

[nanahachi]

thanks for the input everyone.
keep it coming!!

i'm out of town til tues, so I'll have to do more investigating then.

I guess the AC300 is out then, for sure. now its just a matter of deciding btwn the XP1 and 2213...

I'll probably order the AC200 unless anyone has a better suggestion.

you guys have been an enormous help, thanks, really