Which Canister Filter should I purchase

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Phoenixjoni

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I am replacing and upgrading the filters on my 55 gal. Planted tank. I am currently running an UGF w/2 powerheads and a Whisper Ex70 HOB. They do a good cleaning job, but probably too much water turbulence for a planted tank. I was planning on keeping the HOB running as a 2nd back up filter.

My husband bought me a Fluval 306 (70 gal.) Canister Filter, but I am not sure it's okay for a 55 gal. My other choice would be the Eheim Pro 4+350 (for 48-90 gal.) Canister Filter. If you had to choose between these two what would you pick?
 

Rbishop

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Canisters seem to have a following. Most folks will swear by the ones they have and hate the others, usually ones they had issues with when first venturing into them. Kind of like car choices.

I prefer Marineland ones and have used them for years without any issues, numerous models and sizes. Of the two above choices, a lot of folks will say the Eheim as it is pretty popular here on this forum.
 
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myswtsins

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And I am not of the Eheim fan club. :) For the price they cost I have had way too many issues but just like said above, I had problem so not gonna be a fan. Not even gonna get into brands I do like because I say go with what you already have (if it works). You have the fluval not the eheim right? I think that fluval will be just fine on your 55. Circulation is important in a planted tank to distribute nutrients so you want a good amount of even flow.
 
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fishorama

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Unless you're doing co2, turbulence isn't a problem for most plants. I use 2 filters on all my tanks. I have a 404 I'm using now & an HOB. It's ok, I had Renas first & liked them ok. Canisters are more of a pita to clean but you don't need to it as often as HOBs.

I've never had an Eheim, I'm too cheap. & I don't think they're as good as they used to be from what I hear. They also tend to have a lower flow rate than others.
 
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FreshyFresh

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For a 55g, I'd mail-order a Sunsun 302 for ~$40-50. The only canisters I have time with are the 302s and Marineland C-360s
 
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smitty

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For me as long as Eheim is on the market, no other filter gets considered, unless it is a gigantic steal. I don't care what anyone says. The Eheim quality is unsurpassed. I have been running some of the same filters for over 20 years with no problems.
 
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FreshyFresh

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^ Smitty, I hear you, but have you purchased a recent Chinese made Eheim filter? (most, if not all now) Just curious to how you feel they compare to your 20yr/old Eheims
 
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smitty

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No, I have not purchased a Chinese made Eheim filter. I am also aware of the low quality standards associated with Chinese made products, and there is some validity there. I believe that the Chinese can make things to the quality standards of what a manufacturer wants. The same knock was on products made in Korea. Remember when Hyundai was considered the worst vehicle to be sold in America, but yet they were making engines for BMW, and Mercedes. Have you purchased a Chinese made Eheim, and if so did you notice a drop off in quality.
 
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Phoenixjoni

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Okay, the Eheim 4+350 canister filter won out. Just installed it yesterday. I inspected the parts thoroughly, and they seem to be of very good quality. Liked that it was very easy to prime the canister. Love the black look on all the parts. Really like the spray bar, but I never had one before. Is it okay to have it installed below the waterline?
 

Rbishop

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Place it where you need the desired effect...surface agitation, additional circulation or just a quieter tank.
 
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