Don't let your Eheim Ecco get clogged, not thermally protected

[jmhart]

In September I purchased a new Eheim Ecco 2236 from Petco. This weekend, my prefilter became clogged. Now, it does not work.

I've had many Eheims over the years, mostly the Pro II series, and from time to time the prefilter module has clogged, causing the flow to drop to zero. Normally, I just unclog the prefilter and presto everything returns to normal. This time, I unclogged the prefilter module, and nothing, nada.

I placed a call to Eheim and was disappointed to learn that the Ecco series is not thermally protected. The impeller housing easily melts and warps if the prefilter clogs. I wish I had known this before I purchased the Ecco series. I would have purchased either a classic or another Pro II series.

Eheim suggested I return it to Petco, and tell Petco that I spoke with Eheim and was advised to return it to the store. He said that if I have trouble returning it, Eheim "may" be willing to replace the pump under warranty, but typically it is not covered under warranty.

I'll update this when the matter is resolved, but I wanted to share my recent experience with the Ecco series and advise people to consider this if considering an Eheim Ecco series filter.

 

[bazil323]

Thanks for posting! Definitely makes me rethink getting an Ecco, or at least keeping a close eye on it should I get one.

 

[Eupterus]

Reminds me the internal eheim in my syno tank is in need of cleaning.

 

[jmhart]

I suppose I should be more preventative on the cleaning of my prefilter, but depending on what's going on in my tank, sometimes it needs cleaning weekly, sometimes monthly.

And in a shrimp tank, I insist on a prefilter.

I'm very disappointed with this filter.

 

[CWO4GUNNER]

Sorry to hear that, I have never heard or seen such a thing and I have had a few motors cavitate clog and run dry, my last was the Chinese sump pump in my sump which ran dry for hours and still worked later.

Im real careful when it comes what media and the way I place it in the baskets section in my Fluval 404's and FX5. I have gotten away with a layer of small bio balls covered lightly with expanded polyester wool. Pulled and stretched apart into cotton ball size but more like spider webbing in consistency. Even though the mesh is looks light and porous it still snags and collects allot of dirt but doesn't clog. I would stay away from the pads which are too dense IMO.

I think either the Eheim or the retailer will make it right but If you have the chance to get your money back for an exchange that would be the way to go.

 

[RodInCALIFORNIA]

that sucks hope petco replaces it

 

[Bubbles2112]

Ouch. That's good to know since I am running a couple of eccos. One of mine was making a funny noise the other day due to a clogged prefilter/line. I pulled everything apart and cleaned it all up--it worked after. A word of warning should come somewhere in the instructions at the very least.

 

[basenjib123]

Yeah Eheim does do some questionable things at times. I just literally put 2 Eheim 2028 Pro 2 canisters out on the curb with a "free" sign on them. The primer O ring failed yet again and flooded my stand! This was the 4th o ring failure in 8 years..no more for me! I will replace them with Eheim classics because they are that good and that is all I will ever own again. Sorry didnt mean to rant. Its just annoying when people pay good money for products and get screwed. The worst part is that the part that is needed to thermally protect that filter would cost Eheim next to nothing in the big picture. Please let us know if Petco replaces that filter for you.

 

[Squawkbert]

Sorry to hear it. I'd be surprised if Eheim doesn't generally take care of this sort of thing.

My take is that they really got it right w/ the Classic series and all models since are the result of their own marketing and development people trying to justify their jobs... and that there is really no room for improvement on the Classics.

 

[jmhart]

Well, got some conclusion:

Took it to Petco, told them I bought it two months ago, it stopped working, and Eheim told me to return it to the store. They let me exchange it with no issue what so ever.

I went with an even swap, 2236 for 2236. I considered going with a 2215 or 2217, but I really like inlet/outlet both being on top of the filter.

I'm not worried about future overheating....it's now going to be running on my 60-P with lilypipes, so no prefilter.