Which filter for 30g planted tank?

J

jzkmom

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What filter would be the best for a 30 gallon planted tank? Right now, I have an Emperor 400, but from what I have read these are not recommended for planted tanks because of the surface agitation. Well, I am ready to get rid of the Emperor 400 now, so I need help so that I don't choose the wrong filter again.
I am considering an Ehiem ecco 2233, but I have also seen Fluvals and Filsters. Which filter would you recommend?
 
thumbs up on the ECCO 2233! I'm using one on my 20 gallon planted tank,but I have added additional media. It only comes with 5 coarse and one fine pad, as well as one carbon pad. I'm very happy with the results.
 
What kind of additional filter media have you added? I read that the filter media was included when you buy the filter, but I've never seen one of these filters in person, so I don't know what kind of media they use.
Also, does the ecco 2233 come with the hoses that go from the filter into the tank?
I found a lfs (1 hour away) that carries this filter, but they sell it for $135. Looks like I'll be ordering it from Big Als Online (74.99).
 
I ordered EHFIsubstrate PRO (1 ltr), 3 pack extra fine filter pads (for ECCO), and a cut to fit 30"x36" sheet of Pure Flo micron filter pad.

My typical running setup (for general use) is two coarse filter pads in the bottom, full tray of EHFIsubstrate PRO in the middle, and two fine filter pads in the top. When needed, I have removed one of the fine filter pads and added micron filter pads or carbon pad. You could also add any other type of chemical media in the top tray, as needed.

This filter comes with everything you need to start running it. It says it comes with media, because the media they come with is only filter pads....just all three trays full of them! I'm sure it would work fine like that too. I just wanted the versatility I now have;)

For info.....none of the Eheim filters come with a spraybar....that can be bought separately.
 
I use the eheim classic 2213 for my 29 gallon, and I love it. It's easy to maintain, and really quiet (I used to own a power filter). The filter comes with everything that you need, especially hoses. I believe I even had to cut mine down because there was a bit too much for me.

As far as the filter media goes. The media they usually include allows for all 3 types of filtration. But since you are running a planted tank you won't need all 3. In fact I asked the same question a few days ago, you might wanna check out that post for answers.
 
Do you need to use a spraybar? I checked at BigAlsOnline for a spraybar, but came up only with the spraybars just like the one on my Emperor that I'm getting rid of.
Wouldn't the spraybar cause too much surface agitation on the Eheim too? Or is this something different.
Please help... I don't know anything about canister filters.
 
If the spray bar is submerged (underwater) then it won't cause too much trouble with the surface. As long as you don't break the water surface ie. air stones, trickling water filters. Rippling across the surface is perfectly fine.

HTH
 
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