Canister filter recommendation

[owenodin]

Hi All,

I am looking to make the jump to a canister filter today. Could someone recommend a reliable / quiet canister filter for my 20 gallon long (for the short term) and soon for my 40 gallon long?

I see the usual suspects are Eheim, Fluval, and Rena. Are they all similar in terms of quality and ability? Are there other brands I should consider?

Thanks in advance!

owenodin

 

[iheartbettas]

there is a very recent thread to the same needs your looking for.
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?258349-Canister-filter-recommendation-(1-Viewing)

 

[dbosman]

If you like quality and the availability of parts being available for a long time, Eheim is the way to go. I suggest a 2217 which is part of the classic series. It's a bit over kill for a 20L, but you will be able to move it to your 40L with no issues.

If money is tight, one of the Chinese knock off canisters, such as Jebo, Jaebo, Sun-sun, or AquaXXXXX can be a real deal. Just be very, very careful with ceramic impeller shafts and the plastic at the sealing clips or sealing points.

 

[Hollygirl]

I have a Rena for my 30 gallon (the filter is made for a larger volume however) and I love it. It is super quiet and changing the media is easy. The baskets enable you to do whatever media YOU choose so you are not limited.

I do some ceramic media, as well as foam.

 

[Hollygirl]

Whatever you decide to buy, do some price shopping. Ask anyone here at AC and we highly recommend www.kensfish.com for your aquaria needs. I have a Rena on the 30 gallon, but we have a Fluval FX5 on the 100 gallon, and I can tell you that we got a great deal. He also sells media at a great price.

 

[owenodin]

Thanks all. I ended up going with a Fluval 306. I will report back when I have it set up... I hope it proves to be a wise choice.

 

[owenodin]

So I got the Fluval up and running last night -- starting it out on my 20 gallon long and hopefully soon transferring it to my 40G long, once I build / purchase the stand and get it set up!

It took me a long time to get it set up -- couldn't figure out some of the instructions (written poorly) but eventually scraped the instructions and put it together using common sense and logic

Once I got it working properly, am very pleased. The water looks very nice and clear, even with the flow turned down a bit, and I'm happy with the build quality. Although, one thing I don't like is how the output tube kind of sways back and forth due to the force it creates while pumping out water. I wish it would stay still. Also, I'd like to be able to tilt it upward more, so it stops moving my sand into a little hill.