We're supposed to close on our house/move in either Friday or Monday, so I'm in the market for a 120-150 gallon tank for my community upgrade (which means I also need more filtration, heating, and lighting) . I'm checking out canisters in my latest Dr. Foster & Smith Aquarium Supplies catalog (going to continue using my AC 110 as backup/secondary filtration), and I'm rather confused. I've seen a lot of recommendations for Eheim on here, but also commentary that they are spendy...
Their model 2128 (Pro II) is rated at 275 gph and is recommended for up to 160 gallons for $380...but the Eheim classic canister (2217-37) is 264 gph, 159 gallons, and only $170. Looks like the difference is media baskets and an inline heater...but for a $200.00 difference, is it worth it? Does anyone have any experience with the Eheim Classic that could be shared? Just as a comparison, the Fluval 305 is also 260 gph, but only recommended for up to 70 gallons at $159, and the Rena XP1 is 250 gph but only recommended for up to 45 gallons, and $110.
Why are there such discrepancies in the tank size recommendations for similar gph flows? Since I'm confused, I would definitely appreciate some clarification and also any filter recommendations for a moderately stocked, well planted community 120-150 gallon tank with an AC 110 as secondary filtration. I need to be relatively frugal, so I'm trying to sort it out and get the most bang for my buck while sticking with a reliable brand. Thanks!
Their model 2128 (Pro II) is rated at 275 gph and is recommended for up to 160 gallons for $380...but the Eheim classic canister (2217-37) is 264 gph, 159 gallons, and only $170. Looks like the difference is media baskets and an inline heater...but for a $200.00 difference, is it worth it? Does anyone have any experience with the Eheim Classic that could be shared? Just as a comparison, the Fluval 305 is also 260 gph, but only recommended for up to 70 gallons at $159, and the Rena XP1 is 250 gph but only recommended for up to 45 gallons, and $110.
Why are there such discrepancies in the tank size recommendations for similar gph flows? Since I'm confused, I would definitely appreciate some clarification and also any filter recommendations for a moderately stocked, well planted community 120-150 gallon tank with an AC 110 as secondary filtration. I need to be relatively frugal, so I'm trying to sort it out and get the most bang for my buck while sticking with a reliable brand. Thanks!
