can u list all the pros/cons of various filters/systems? Welcome all to comment

[sushiray]

if you can include avg. initial purchase price ranges, cost of media replacement, cost of replacing other stuff/parts, ease of maintenance, issues/disappointments, etc. in your choice/option

add your choices if you want, comment on all or some, duplicate/add to others comments. the more frequency we see similar comments pros/cons the better feel we all can get on general experiences.

I think this will be helpful to many. Your experience will be valuable to others.
of course opinions will abound & welcomed but let's keep it friendly, no attacking other members opinions. it is what it is.

thks all



1. AC's - $23-$80
A) Pros - performance/water flow, reasonable initial cost, self priming - no pumping, ease to remove & clean, media lasts long time, quiet operation espec. if water level is hi enough

B) Cons - need 2 for tanks > 55gal (but that holds true for all types of filters), intake tube not long enough (AC110/70's comes with 2 tubes but still not long enough for larger tanks to reach the bottom), can be noisy if water level is too low, & air pockets can develop in elbow of intake tube if water level is not hi enough

2. penguins
A) Pros

B) Cons

3. emperors
A) Pros

B) Cons

4. eheim canister
A) Pros

B) Cons - expensive

5. fluval canister
A) Pros

B) Cons - expensive, crud accumulates in intake/return coiled tubes - backwashes upon priming/pumping, so duh - have to clean the tubes!, parts can break easier

6. sumps
A) Pros

B) Cons

7. UWG
A) Pros

B) Cons - to remove all crud must disrupt gravel/plant set up

8. sponge filters
A) Pros - great media for BB

B) Cons - not strong enough for larger tanks

9. box filters
A) Pros

B) Cons - not so efficient, can't catch heavy debris on bottom, not enough water flow, even for 2.5-5g tanks

 

[GuppyMan]

8. sponge filters

a. pros- you dont have to worry about any fish being sucked up or killed (or inverts)
- alot of space for bacteria growth

cons- cna be expensive (unless you make your own.

i make my own- i love em

 

[sushiray]

thks, many use sponge as BB seeder as stand alone espec. discus breeders or sponge with their main filters.

I use 2 /AC110's with a spongw filter in my discus tank.

 

[rocker92]

marineland C-series canisters

pros: they work very well, crystal clear water, plenty of room for media, nice valve block for quick relase of tubes

Cons: primer leaks sometimes, people have had problems with leaking gaskets

C160- $90-100 Ebay: 59-80

C360- $150-216 Ebay- 119

 

[sushiray]

marineland C-series canisters

pros: they work very well, crystal clear water, plenty of room for media, nice valve block for quick relase of tubes

Cons: primer leaks sometimes, people have had problems with leaking gaskets

C160- $90-100 Ebay: 59-80

C360- $150-216 Ebay- 119

I'd say your cons makes canisters not the best choice.

 

[Chrisinator]

Rena Canister Filters (XPs)

Price really depends where you get it from.
Pros:
Layers of different places for media, easy priming, easy maintenance, easy to assemble, customizable output with spraybars or jet nozzles, can decrease flow if needed

Cons:
Major flaw is the tubing. It's clear. When it gets dirty, it doesn't look nice. Especially mine comes on the side since I don't have a tank dedicated stand. Thought it should be fine with other stands where its hidden.

 

[jbowzer7]

Fluval 405 canisters

Price on E-Bay between $125- $235
Pros: Same as Rena Canister Filters(XPs)
Cons: Hose tubing is ribbed causing more crud to stay in tube after a period of time. Ribbing making line more difficult to clean than a smooth one. I have been using three of them for over 4 years and working great.

 

[Chrisk-K]

I own 2 Eheim 2236's, a 2217 and a 2215.

A) Pros
Silent operation, superior filtering, ultra high reliability, very low maintenance, high torque (meaning that they don't lose flow over time even when they are not cleaned for months).

B) Cons
Primitive intake/outlet pipes.

 

[blue2fyre]

Eheim Pro 2, (I have the 2028)

Price: $179-$270

Pros: Pretty much silent, good filtration, steady flow, little maintenance, easy to disconnect for maintenance, comes with needed media, has a lot of media options.
Cons: I find it's a pain to clean and it is pricey.

 

[sushiray]

so far pricing is more, fluval ribbed tubing I had same issues, espec. when surprised by couple nasty backwash, didn't realize till I cleaned tubing, which agree is tough to clean. soon after I sold it! clear tubing I think is a + since u can see when to clean unlike the fluvals.
I also found it was heavy to change since when shut down & turn valves off & disconnect, canister filled with water, prone to spillage.

so still convinced I like my ac's better, espec for price, performance filter cleaning & easier maintenance cleaning.

thks all for your pros & cons. hope we can still get more feedback.