New 29G, Eheim Classic 221?

[mellofone]

I've just started with a new 29G tank that is just about finishing it's cycle. I purchased it as a starter kit from Petsmart. To be very blunt, the TopFin 30 HOB filter that came with the kit is just not doing a good job. The water is cloudy and it doesn't seem to actually filter out larger particles. What do I expect from something that came bundled in a kit

So I want to upgrade to something better, and all fingers seem to point to the Eheim Classic series. Again, this is only a 29G tank, and I don't want to overfilter. Will a 2213 be enough? Could a 2215 be too much? I don't mind paying extra money if the larger filter will do a better job. But I also don't want to create a huge whirlpool in my tank

Any suggestions?

 

[Marinemom]

There is no such thiing as overfiltering in my opinion. Filtering the water oxygenates the water and provides ciculation in the water to provide surface aggitation. I think in the eheim classic series you will be fine. I think the eheim classic 2213 will be fine for your aquarium. I have an eheim classic 2215 on my 46 gallon bowfront tank and it filters 90 gallons. I don't think that it is being overfiltered. The fish seem very happy with this filter and the water is pristine.In my opinion, you will be fine with the eheim classic 2213.

Marinemom

 

[fish_freak]

This filter should be fine for your tank. It wont create a whirlpool effect and ehiem is top of the line in terms of quality. I personaly use aquaclear because of the large amount of media surface area.

 

[mellofone]

I just wanted to double check; the larger 2215 shouldn't be too much?

 

[plah831]

no, the 2215 at 164 gallons per hour is definitely not too much for a 29 gal tank. I personally strive for 10X my tank volume circulated per hour. So on my 29, which I calculate to be about 25 gal (minus space at top and gravel), I have 250 gph of filtration. As long as the current isn't so strong that your fish are getting knocked around, or your plants being torn out of the gravel, they're golden!

by the way, Eheim is a great brand, and I wish I could afford their Professional II series!

 

[mellofone]

I purchased the Eheim Classic 2215. Easy install even though the instructions weren't the best. I rinsed everything really well and installed part of the filter from the old HOB for the bio filter.

I had to check the thing a few times to make sure it was running. It is that quiet!

How often should I take it apart and clean everything?