Canister Filter Qs

justahannah

justahannah

Fascinated newb
Jul 29, 2008
649
0
16
Tacoma, WA
www.myspace.com
Real Name
Hannah
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!
 
Bump
 
Marineland C-360, you can get some pretty cheap on E-bay, and really 2 360s on the tank would work well, in conjunction with the HOB filter you have.

I really never go by the tank size ratings ever, unless I'm looking to try and kill my fish. Granted I had (will have) a C-160 on a 29g (rated for 30) but its really low end, and two would have worked better really.
 
My mantra is "if it works, run with it"…unless it’s a pair or scissors!:nilly:

I have a 125 and, quite honestly, I’ve never looked at the flow rates on the filters I have on that tank. When I got the tank, it just struck me that one filter wasn’t enough. So I’m using a Cascade 1500 and a Fluval 304. I don’t know if I’m over-filtering or under-filtering. I do know that everyone and everything is happy. Why did I pick these two filters…they were two filters that currently weren’t being used on one of my other tanks.
 
Have you looked at the fluval FX5 at all? I bought one for my 125 gallon recently and love it.

I also own an Eheim 2128. It's a great filter but IMO, go with the 2028(Same filter but without the heater. ) and an inline heater something like this one.

If you go with the 2128, keep in mind that more then likely the heater control unit WILL fail at some point. If it's out of warranty, eheim wants $180 for a new one. I know from personal experience.
 
Thanks for all the advice, the link to all the filter reviews is especially awesome! I'll probably go for an FX5, I just need to track down whoever has them for cheap. I remember reading somewhere that an eBay seller has them for $200, but cheapest I could find that route was $239. Sounds like it would still be worth it though, and loads cheaper than other vendors. Thanks again!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom