Filstar vs Eheim Canister filters

nanahachi

nanahachi

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Mar 25, 2003
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I currently have a 20gallon tank going and am looking for a new filter. At my LFS I was recommended the Filstar XP1 or 2. However, on the phone with BigAls, I was told the Eheim 2213 or 2215 might be the way to go because in the long run, the cost would be less. Supposedly the Eheim requires that its filters (or some of parts within) be changed every four months as opposed to the XP 1/2s filters needing to be changed every month. Is there any truth to this?

Also, with 20 gallons, is it recommended to get a slightly bigger filter if I upgrade tank sizes in the future, or just deal with that issue when I come to it?

I've only read a tiny bit about redundant filtration, should I bother with 2 filters myself? recommendations would really help!

I've read many a glowing comment on both Filstar (even with the leak problems) and Eheim canisters, and would appreciate any input you guys and gals have to offer.

I plan on having live plants (unless I become permanently scarred by my current tank problems -- see newbie forum), so I think I should avoid HOBs due to accelerated CO2 loss. Actually, at the moment my only filter IS a Whisper 1 HOB, since its the only thing I have handy and the LFS approved it.

thanks so much!!
 
I have an eheim and I really like it. I have a sponge prefilter on it and rinse it out about twice a week. I only rinse the canister out if my tank starts really looking dirty (every 2-3 months). In one year I have bought more ehfimech and ehfisubstrat one time. And I still have plenty of it, I only bought it to fill the trays up more.
 
I have an Eheim as well, but I don't even use the bio-media that is suposed to be used with it. I use fluval's bio-media ;)..lol. Though I agree Eheims are top of the line, that filstar is very close if not equal or better to an eheim you might use on a tank that size. Not to mention, probably much cheaper. Either one would make a fine filter.
 
The changing of media is dependant on what media you put in it. Since you can use any media in either filter, it's really a moot point. I believe the recommendation on changing the media comes from the sinstered glass or porous type media, which in time, becomes clogged and needs replacing. If you simply use other types of media, like sponges and solid ceramic rings, you won't need to replace any of the media every "x" months.
I have the XP3 and think it is great! I did push an elbow onto the inlet hard tube too hard(maybe?) and it cracked. Still not sure if that's design/quality issue or if I just "hulked out". Regardless, for the $ difference, I can be a little more careful next time.;)


HTH
 
thanks guys!!

the options I am considering right now are based on the reading I've done here at AC today. I would love to save money, but dont want to have to upgrade needlessly later if I can do it now.

Again, I have a 20 gallon, freshwater, with live plants:

1) Use an HOB Aquaclear 300 ($20 @ BA) as mechanical filter, and either XP1 ($60) or Eheim 2213 ($70 with media) as biological
Total: $80-90

or

2) Use HOT magnum (mech) - $40, & XP1 or Eheim 2213 (bio)
Total: $100-110 minimum

or

3) Eheim 2026 ($150 with media...WAY more than I was planning to spend) and maybe AC 300 ($20)
Total: $170

Now, I dont mean to be another anooying newbie, but I'm asking you, more experienced, aquarists: Is it worth spending the extra $50-80 upfront? Can I just get by with the cheapest option, #1?

Please make any suggestions you see fit.

My friend is recommending keeping it simple with just a HOB with biofilter...but I'm the type who splurges and tends to buy the best...even to the detriment of my wallet.

thanks :D
 
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Any of those are viable options. I would prefer #1, with the 2213 option. I think a HOT Magnum will be too much for a 20 gallon tank (an AC 300 might be, too...). A lower powered AC with the 2213 would be fine, I'd think, especially if you put a prefilter sponge on the canister intake.

Jim
 
I agree...an AC 300 wouldn't be needed...besides, an AC 300 on the lowest setting is no stronger than an ac 200 on it's highest setting..go with an AC 200 and the Eheim 2213.
 
after doing a search for "Eheim," I wasn't able to get the best idea how the Classic Series of Eheim's work, eg the 2213. The 2026 seems to be similar to Filstar's XP series, with two large hoses coming out/going into the top of the canister. All of the pictures of the 2213 and its family are bereft of hoses, so I was hoping that someone could possibly provide a tiny explanation how it works.
Picture from superfishstore.com, where it happens to be $67.95 (although i will probably order from bigals)
Eheim29.jpg


***EDIT***
After a call to BigAls, I was told how the 2213 works, and that the Classics now come with media trays and quick valve shutoffs, which supposedly make them easier to use. I guess the question now is whether it is worth spending $40 more for the 2222 or 2026 (which is the Pro II series with Push Prime--"suckless priming :P ) thanks for the 2222 idea Hatton

Also, the BA rep stated that he didnt recommend the AC200 (and said the AC300 was not too powerful for my tank), but rather the Magnum 220 for mechanical filtering. If anything, he said go with the Penguin 170 or Emperor 280. I'm not sure I'm buying into that, mostly since I dont want to spend more than I have to, and ppl here are recommending the AC200.
[end edit]

The Filstar XP1 and Eheim 2026 seem super easy to use, and I am somewhat leaning towards something like that...but two votes are already cast for the "cheap" option of AC200 and the 2213. KISS (keep it simple, stupid) perhaps?

It seems that the 2026 is truly overkill. the 2026's 251gph is double of the 2213's 116gph...and i dont want the fish swept away...
 
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2213 is a good option. Have you looked at Eheim's 2222? It is a similar filter as the 2026 and works on the same principle, just smaller. Very easy to prime. The 2222 is around $100 with the media.
 
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