Canister filters drawbacks/recommendations?

lee914

lee914

Makena, Hawaii 2001
Dec 31, 2003
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I am debating a new filter purchase for a 90 gallon cichlid tank. I have never used a canister filter before and was curious are there any drawbacks compared to a power filters? I know the cost factor is a consideration but besides that. Does anyone have any experience with the Lifeguard inline canisters? I was debating those, Eheim, Filstar XP, or maybe the newer Fluval 400 series. Thanks for any advice.
 
I put the life guard double inlines on my pond. One chemical module, one mechanical module and one heater module. Don't like them. Need more then regular maintance. On my 125g tank I put a Ocean Clear 340 cannister with a quiet one 6000 inline pump. Works great. Been up and running for four months now and the flow is still excellant. I also used eheim 2217's and fluval 304 & 404's with great sucess. The 404 and 2217 will be cheaper then the ocean clear and an inline pump. Both are very effective and easy to maintain. ( The lifeguard makes it easy to get to your media as long as you have enough height. If you put them under a cabinet it becomes a pain which is why I put them outside in the open.)
 
Hey Lee,

I am in a similar boat. Hope you don't mind sharing the thread. ;) One of my HOB filters just died on my 75G Cichlid tank and I am thinking of going with a canister this time. I had an AC500 paired with a Whisper3. The whisper died.

Anyhow I think I have it narrowed down to a Filstar XP2 or an Eheim ECCO 2235. (I was looking at the Eheim ProII series but that is too much $$ for me) If anyone could comment on these two I would appreciate it. I am between the Eheim b/c of their track record and the Filstar b/c it's $20 cheaper and seems to have gained popularity and praise recently. Apparently the Eheims are a little quieter also.

One other question I have about canisters is can I set it up out of the box or will I have to buy hoses, fittings, spray bars, etc before it is a complete filter system.

Thanks
 
eheim 2028 pros get my full thumbs up. they are great filters and have never given me a problem. 2217 has a little less capacity but as long as you clean it regularly, like once every second month. if you can afford the dosh, go 4 the 2028, if not, def go with an eheim. they are by far the best friend of any aquarist.
Justin
 
No problem sharing and thanks for the link Glenstorm!
 
Glenstorm,
Go with the XP3 rather than the XP2 if you decide to go with Filstar. I know its rated for about a max of 75 gallons, but I think its better to go up one model, especially if your tank size is at the max end of the filter ratings. I just got an XP3 for xmas for my 72 gallon and LOVE IT!! I had a wet/dry trickle filter that I hated....and switched to a canister. I always had a little cloudiness with the trickle filter and within 24 hours of setting up the XP3, it was sparkling clear. I was going to by a Magnum HOB filter along w/the canister for further water "polishing", but the canister is so good, I don't need it. The setup was easy (compared to my trickle filter) and maintanance only needs to be done once/month. Next week I'll clean the filter for the first time. I know everyone says Eheim, but I'm extremely happy with my Filstar...and its cheaper. Plus, with the XP3 you get extra room for filter media so you can optimize your media for your tanks needs...MUCH more so than any HOB power filter. I run power filters on my small tanks...30 gallons and smaller, but I'm even considering upgrading my 30 gal to an XP2.

HTH,
Melanie
 
IMO- on a 90 gallon tank I don't think there would be drawback to a canister filter vs a HOB (power) filter other than cost. If you buy a canister that is easy to maintain. But, I prefer having more than one filter on my tanks that size to be safe. The advantages of canisters would be less frequent maintenance, better bio-filtration, and IME they are quieter. I have never owned the lifeguard filters. But, I own Filstars, a Fluval and owned two Eheim "classics". I prefer the Filstars by far. The qualilty seems great, they are quiet, very flexible and very easy to maintain. The Eheims were OK, but much more difficult to maintain and they much more costly in startup and future accessories. IMO- the Fluvals are not worth it. The build quality seems cheap, the tubing is terrible, and you are pretty much stuck with their media layout. I would always suggest a Filstar to anyone and on a 90 gallon, definitely go with the XP3.

I don't think you would be unhappy going with a canister. I hope this helps.
 
Canister are more expensive up front, but tend to be longer-lived than HOB filters, at least if you buy a quality canister (e.g., Eheim). Many folks have Eheims running daily for several decades.

Canisters are somewhat more flexible in how they're packed and used. You can have canisters packed per manufacturer's specs, in which case they provide mechanical and biological filtration (and chemical filtration, if you choose). In these cases, maintenance may be an issue because the solids that get trapped in the canister really should be removed (by cleaning the canister) or they can break down and contribute to nitrates and other dissolved compounds. A prefilter can help prevent solids from entering the canister, thus extending the time between maintenance.

Canister packed as bio-only filters (i.e., packed only with bioballs or ceramic noodles, prefiltered with a sponge) provide great biofiltration, a little mech filtration, and require very little maintenance.

In general, canisters are quieter (my Eheims have to be touched for me to be sure they're running) and less visually obtrusive. You also have a bit more flexibility on how intakes & outlets are configured.

I'm sure there are other points, but that's what I can think of at the moment...

HTH,
Jim
 
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