Fluval vs. Eheim.

M

Mr. Bill

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Dec 10, 2003
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Well, years back, I used to have a Fluvel external canister for my 40 gallon, and loved it! It was the old "round" canister in which you could pull the WHOLE 3-stage media baskets out at once, for super easy maintenance and cleaning.

But the new Fluvals look more complicated and appear to be a pain to clean, even the sponges are separated in their own "side compartments" that need to be stuffed down to the bottom.

I'm wondering if I should move to the Eheim canister this time. It's for a small 20 gallon freshwater. Money is no object though, and I'm wondering what is the best external they offer for a 20 gallon. The Eheim "Pro Series" appears to start at 92 gallon tanks, which is overkill. I want a nice water flow, not a typhoon.

I wish Fluval stuck with simplicity in design, because now I'm considering to look elsewhere for something that's as efficient, but simple to clean. I guess I'm just a clean freak when it comes to my fish, with often cleanings. But, maybe the new Fluval designs have an advantage that I'm just not seeing.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. I've just been out of the aquarium loop for about 8 years now, and not sure what is best now-a-days.

Thanks again.

Bill in San Deigo
 
The 2 canisters I suggest, are the Rena Filstar models and Fluvals. Ehiem is 'harder' to find and more expensive.

There's nothing complicated about the filters and the newer models have been improved.
 
Eheims are definatly the best models to go for, they're leaps and bounds over the competition.
If money is no object, then go for the eheim wet/dry series, it is overkill as to the filtration power, but they are the best.
other wise it's the pro and pro 2 series, both of which are very good, the ecco series, which is more suited to the smaller tanks, and the classic series, which is bog standard.
pop over to eheim.com and take a look at their comparision charts for the filter that you think will be best.
 
Yup, nothing wrong with the "new" fluvals imo. They're still easy to clean and less $ than the eheims...and as mentioned more readily available.

I see no problems with the fluval I have (304)
 
Eheim, nothing but Eheim, always Eheim. They are the best engineered, the quietest, and the longest lasting. I have individual Eheim canisters older than the aggregate total life of all the other brands named, still in daily operation without a hitch.

But I also have a LFS which is an Eheim dealer, which makes life easier for me.
 
Originally posted by RTR
......always Eheim. They are the best engineered,.....But I also have a LFS which is an Eheim dealer, which makes life easier for me.
Click to expand...
I still wonder how the Eheim that has less GPH flowing thru it can filter better? :scratch:
 
Eheim, hands down. The 2213 would be nice filter for a smaller tank. The smaller of the Professionel series, the 2026, would be OK, too.

Jim
 
Originally posted by 125gJoe

I still wonder how the Eheim that has less GPH flowing thru it can filter better? :scratch:
Click to expand...

Its more efficient ("They are the best engineered").

Doesn't have to work as hard…
;)
 
flow rates

Actually, slower flow rates might be better. Contact time for the media is important.
 
Eheim sounds good

Though Fluval makes a great filter, which I loved for many years, the general consensus is pointing me towards the more expensive Eheim this time around. It's tough to argue against German engineering I suppose.

The Eheim Professional II 2026 does indeed look like the model to get. Though it is for up to a 92 gallon tank (vs. my 20 gallon), there is apparently a new "flow adjustment" feature, so I can trim the current down a bit if the fish start to "give me that look" that something better change. There are always ways to slow down the current anyhoo, and the larger space for media is never a bad thing.

The wet/dry model was tempting, but with a 20 gallon "long", there's plenty of surface space for this freshwater tank, and I can save the bucks for other things, such as a small "No Swimming" sign in the gravel. I hope the new fish will appreciate my sense of humor, but it would be a first. They will likely just give me "that look", as they swim past it.

I found the barebones (no media) Eheim Pro-II 2026 for $149 at thehiddenreef.com, but if someone knows of a cheaper price, free shipping, or maybe a discount coupon code, please let me know! :)

Stay cool people.

Bill in San Diego :cool:
 
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