fluval 404 or eheim 2214?

[rnocera]

Edit: GAH! Darn this new laptop with a funny spaced keyboard. I meant Eheim 2213, and hit 4, but didn't notice until I'd already hit post. Sorry.


Now that I'm using my Eheim 2217 instead of various HOB, sponge and internal filters, I've absolutely fallen in love with it. I've only had it a short while, but it's already outperforming any other 2 filters I've run put together. I'm looking to replace other filters with more canisters, and I've found that I can get a Fluval 404 or an Eheim 2213 for pretty close to the same price. The 404 is on ebay for $85 w/ free shipping, the 2213 on Drs. Foster & Smith for $75+shipping, but I'm about to place another order with them, anyway.

This filter is going to go on a 30 gallon for my axolotls right now, and will eventually be moved to a bigger tank, probably a 55. Either way, it'll run primarily biological filtration, and have the intake covered with a sponge.

Which filter would work better for me, and be a better deal in the long run? The 404 is rated for bigger tanks, but it's already an outdated model. Add in all the pieces for it (I heard 25 removable pieces?), compared to the 2213's simple, sturdy construction, ease of use, and 3 quart media space seems better than the Fluval's awkward container. But does the increased water flow make up for this?

Also, axolotls are sensitive to too much water flow. They need great filtration, but it's not good for them to be have a current, or they stress out. I want to get the filter that will work best for them, but that isn't necessarily the one with the highest GPH. I know Eheims in general handle bigger tanks than other filters with the equivalent GPH because of how the water flows through so much media with no bypass.

I've had a couple people tell me Fluvals are great filters, and I should just go with one of those, but I've also read a ton of reviews pointing out problems with Fluvals- less adaptability, problems with spraybars & intakes, and that they clog a lot faster than Eheims and lose GPH.

But, the Fluval is rated for a 100 gallon tank, where the Eheim is only rated for a 66 gallon tank, making me think maybe it would be better to go with the bigger one. . .

Any input? Thanks!

 

[smitty]

I love Hagen products, I also love Ehaim products. I currently have both. It is a no brainer Eheim. Mine is 15yrs no problems.

 

[Bk718]

i would go for fluval 404 only because you plan to upgrade to a larger tank in the future. Attach a spray bar and the flow will be evenly distributed throughout the tank.
I have a fluval 404 and eheim 2215 on a 55g and even with that the tank doesnt get "great" flow (have some dead spots)

 

[toddnbecka]

It simple depends on which is more important, flow rate or overall quality. IME the Eheims are somewhat better quality overall than Fluvals, but don't pump nearly as much water.

 

[smitty]

The Fluval does not have nearly the durability as the Eheim. I have both. My Ehaim is 15yrs running with no problems. Also forget the flow rate. The media in the Eheim cleans better

 

[Riiz]

I dont this is about quality or durability, the 404s are cheaper, because they are a discontinued model, but most parts are compatible with the 405 though.

So, the 404 would be superior to the 2213, since it is a lot larger filter, it has more media space and more flow. Its equal would be a 2217 or 2026, but their prices are higher since they are still being produced and supported.

 

[maxthedog123]

2 comments about the Fluval - and as a disclaimer, I am a Fluval fan.

First of all - I love the Fluvals. Not sure about the Eheim model you mentioned, but I much prefer the media baskets in filters rather than the "pack" method of Eheims. You can argue that some water may flow past the baskets, but that is what I prefer at cleaning time.

If you get a used x04 Fluval model - it is the same as the x05 models. The difference is the brackets used to clamps the hoses on the top of the aquarium. The 404 will have these goofy rubber band attachments. A 405 will have the improved clamps that snap down. You can find the x05 brackets on the internet if you look around. I'll try to find the link I have to the place I got them.

 

[maxthedog123]

ELMER'S AQUARIUM -- WWW.ELMERSAQUARIUM.COM
4005 WILLIAM PENN HIGHWAY
MONROEVILLE, PA 15146
(412) 372-6535
EMAIL: ELMERSAQUARIUM@AOL.COM

I ordered this about a year ago:

Qty: 2 SKU: 130026 Desc: FLUVAL 105-405 RIM CONNECTOR Price: 10.59/EA Ext: $21.18

 

[Riiz]

Only the Eheim classics, do you pack in the media, everything else is basket too.

 

[Nora]

This filter is going to go on a 30 gallon for my axolotls right now, and will eventually be moved to a bigger tank, probably a 55. Either way, it'll run primarily biological filtration, and have the intake covered with a sponge.
the Fluval is rated for a 100 gallon tank, where the Eheim is only rated for a 66 gallon tank, making me think maybe it would be better to go with the bigger one. . .

disclaimer: I almost always choose eheim classic canisters, other than some 20 gal set ups they are all I use.

I don't keep axolotls - never have, but I remember researching them some time ago and if I recall, too much current was a primary cause of stress/death followed by something about actual overfiltration with bio-media & bene-bacteria leading to 'spring water' syndrome or some such....
All of that being said, I'd still go with the eheim, not just for the durability but also because the prefilter for the classic canister works great in a partial set-up and in shallow water tanks, and the canister is able to maintain the water column well in low water tanks. Another aspect I really like about these filters is the ability to change media types and amounts, granted for the most part I work to increase the efficacy of the filtration as a whole but it seems you could use the canister with a different media set up depending on what your needs are.