Canister Filters

[Philtre]

Filters okay! FILters.

:D

anyway .... any comments/ inputs on canister filters

#1 Ehiem
#2 Atman
#3 Fluval

fluval is by hagen
http://www.hagen.com/usa/search.cfm?searchstring=filter&CAT=1

... anyone use that before? comments on any of the three or care to share your experience?

thank!

[art]

Even within those 3 brands, there are many models of canister filters.

Have tried a couple of Eheim filters , which one you have in mind/considering ? :)

The rest no personal experience with them , though from what i read in US based forums, Fluval seems another favourite alongside Eheim.

[damnit]

ya lor phil which one you considering? ... easier to discuss if we know which ones :) ... buying for your cories ah? :p

[Philtre]

about fluval being a favourtie, that's the impression that I got too.

I kinda surprised why it's not as popular here. actually, I really wonder why not.

anyone?

oh btw, no particular model in mind, for discussion sake. any aspect. ;)

[art]

Well for one, not many distributors of Fluval here.
Also not as many place stock spare parts , unlike Eheim.

Also talk about filters, people tend to say Eheim, kinda by word of mouth on its durability and quality.

As for the canisters by Eheim:

Pro series: 2222 , 2224, 2226 , 2228. 2226 and above suitable for 3ft and 4ft respectively, decent flowrate and medium capacity. Uses the basket system also like the Pro2 for easier media management. Overall pretty much similiar to the Pro 2 series , but less capacity , flow rate and no priming.

Classic series: Few models here which include 2213 , 2215 , 2217.
Good flowrate on the 2217. 2215 and 2213 more for smaller tanks like 3ft and below, while the 2217 should be able to handle a 4ft provided relatively stable bioload. Filtration medium capacity is the highest as compared to the Pro and Pro2 series and the way the filter flow works internally is also slightly different. The water flow direction goes from the bottom inlet thru all the media inside the canister and then out thru the top outlet tube. In a sense this is good cos it ensures no bypassing of filter medium. In the pro and pro2 series, this is not the case, water CAN bypass media if the rubber bung at the inlet portion ( must see inside to get what i mean ) starts to harden. However one big setback is the lack of priming unit....meaning you either suck on one end of the pipe to get it going if there is airlock , or use an external hand pump or powerhead to fill up the inlet tubes first to get it going. Filtration medium capacity is also larger, for eg comparing the 2217 and the 2026 Pro2, 2217 can put more medium.

Pro2 series: An improvement over the Pro lineup in terms of output flow rate, slight increase in filter medium capacity and the magical Priming unit ( which imo isnt all that fantastic , can be quite hard to prime -- but it beats sucking up tank water i guess haha ). Available everywhere now, comes in 2 models, the 2026 and the 2028 , 2028 being one with higher flow rate and one more additional basket for which to place filter medium in. If not wrong , basic medium included in the package is filter wool ( white ) , filter pad ( blue ) and eheim efisubstrat ( 2 bags for the 2028 and 1 for the 2026 ).
Overall, good flowrate, might be too strong for anything under 2.5ft and even in bigger tanks which are planted. But good for tank buster setups like cichlid tanks. Personally running dual 2026s in my 4ft cichlid tank :)

[art]

Eheim also carries the following in SG:

Wet/dry series : 2227 and 2229
Have never personally used this , but i know someone ( lsz ) who has used them and swears by them. Basically they work by breaking down the ammonia and nitrite and whatever nasties by using the wet dry effect in the front portion of the canister. Heard its pretty difficult to get going.... probably need someone with more experience on it to explain more.

Also has the Ecco series , no experience again with them .... but i feel from the look of them , for me at least , they are useless hehe :D

[stormhawk]

for the wet/dry series they're no longer in production i think and a new set would set u back by a few hundred bucks, provided if u can find one. someone with some technical knowledge of the filter involved could give u some tips on how to maximise the biofiltration capacity of the filter. there's one drawback though, there's less space for other filter media. and if i'm not wrong, a set of the 2227/2229 comes with only Eheim Ehfisubstrat. thats just about the only media u get when u buy one of these wet/dry models.

there's other canister filter models out there too such as Hydor (which i think is the filter that Biotope is using for the showtank), Rena Filstar range of filters, Atman, and another brand from Taiwan. there's even a range of canisters out there that basically look like carbon-copies of the Eheim filters.

art, the Ecco series come with self-priming levers. they primarily suited for smaller tanks. however, there's a design flaw that comes in the form of the lever. from what i've read so far from other Ecco users in other forums, the lever easily cracks under pressure. i'm using an Eheim 2026 now but i'm looking for a H.O.T. Magnum filter. seen it just once but never saw it again. a superb hang-on-tank filter if u can get your hands on one.

[Callichthyidae]

Ecco series are useless to Art cos he's only got huge tanks!:eek: :D

Yeah, Ecco are only good if you want a canister filter for a small tank, like when I use a 2231 for my 1.5ft tank, and a 2233 for a 2ft planted shrimps-only tank.

Other than that, I'd go for (probably) 2224 for a 2ft 'fish tank', though I'd like it better if it's self-priming function.

Tanks bigger than 2ft, I'd go for the Pro II.;)

Me? An Eheim fan.:wavey:

[fishgeek]

Hi,

Basically I have tried Atman, still using Eccos and Pro II and IMO I like Pro II cos

1) very user friendly
2) Parts r easy to get

Atman
Used it before and sold it to Bluebeard cos I always have difficulty priming this fellow. Create lots of mess when cleaning filter. If not this is quite a good filter.

Eccos
Like what ART say very sucky (considering to offload mine), the "motor" does not sit properly when priming and thus when u on the power it will be like a fountain, broke the handle a few times due to frustration. Overall sucks.

[Philtre]

hi all,

thanks very much for all your comments .... still digesting everything .... kinda ... erm ... don't know where to start. heheheheh.... maybe I should just take the plunge!

;)

[cloud79]

Haha if u got the resources go for eheim as they r lasting and durable! :)

[jh888]

:wavey: I am using Atman 3335 and EF2 for nearly a month or two, so far no problem. Priming is not that difficult after getting some tips from fellow forumers.

[art]

storm, i actually know someone who ordered a HOT Magnum from the US. According to him , it seems to work well.
I recommended him to get it with a Biowheel Pro 30 to complement on the bio filtration bit..

Never seen it in Sg though ..

[markyen]

Recently just received an Ehiem Catalogue from Ehiem GmbH. The following ,models are still current:

2213
2215
2217
2222
2224

all Ecco
All Liberty
Wet dry filters

All pro II i.e. 2026, 2028


On the other hand FLuval has an agent and sole distributor in Singapore. Will update when a find the reply from Hagen.

Hope that helps.

[damnit]

i saw a hot magnum 250 filter in soon heng today ... wats so good about the HOT magnum filter + biowheel?

[art]

Oh so they also stock those.

Well that model seems to be widely used in the US.
They like that combi for the supposedly efficient bio filtration it can provide.

But the cost ( not sure how much it retails in Soon Heng ) but personally i think most canisters can do as good and better a job and probably cost about the same or less.

[stormhawk]

art, it's more a combination of a diatom filter with a biological filter.
thats why it's supposedly good for biofiltration. the biowheel is constantly in contact with water and air and basically that's a wet/dry effect. i wouldn't mind having a diatom filter to keep the water particle-free. :D

[art]

Actually corresponded with a fellow aquarist there and he mentioned the diatom bit wasnt really so , the mesh they used was more like normal filter sponge but in thinner sheets....he even sent them to his chemical lab to test for polymer strengths etc and found that it wasnt really considered to be diatomic level hehe :D

So in the end is more like the normal mech filtration.

[subxero]

Hi Nim75sg,

Thanks for the review. Algae appears after installing the eco-aqualizer.. but I could not say if it lies with the eco-aqualizer because I raise the temperature of the tank and added medication for ich (my clown loaches are sick:sweat: ) Can't seem to cure them...:bangwall:

The increase in algae could be due to the raise in temperature ( about 29+ degree C)

[Philtre]

seems like quite a number of "new" canisters lately ... anyone notice "matrix"? anyone tried it?

Cheers
phil

[A.Rashid]

i'm using the matrix 'elegance' $80 meant for 3-4 feet tank...
so far no complain.. been using it for 2 months now and been working 24/7 ever since... quite canister.. and cheap too...the agent Adec located in Woodlands area.

Matrix filter (http://www.adec.com.sg/productsimages/Filters/matrixfilter/matrixfilter.html)

[Frontosa]

Hah...how timely....I was just about to start a thread on canister filters and I came across this ...:)
Ok, me have a Atman (for my 3ft), a Dymax 7 (the biggest of the series) for my 4ft and a Jebao for a 3ft (based on some bro's recommendation). Jebao's still going very well cos only few months usage. However, recently discovered that the Dymax flowrate has dropped drastically! Used to be very strong but now I think less than a yr (or coming to 1), performance has become so weak ....sigh!
Atman also....found that the performance also dropped after 1 yr or so. Do you guys have the same problem? Or is it time to clean the motors??

[nim75sg]

From past experience, the cannister filtration will deteriorate in if the filter wool is not clean regularly or replace, if necessary, and this includes the impellor as well.

This applies to any cannisters to ensure consistent filtration but however some needs more attention than others.

[nim75sg]

Cleaning the cannister on a strict regiment & timing will definitely prolong the life of the unit and won't deteriorate the filteration flowrate.

But over the years, the performance will drop due to lifespan but at what rate? ....... I don't know.

[anaconda]

With regards to canister filters, will there be any degrade in performance if instead of placing it at a level lower than the tank, I place it on the same level as the tank??

[Frontosa]

Originally posted by anaconda
With regards to canister filters, will there be any degrade in performance if instead of placing it at a level lower than the tank, I place it on the same level as the tank??

Good question! Does the canister level affect the performance? Will it make the motor work harder?

[anaconda]

Not sure if the motor works harder, because if you put it lower it is harder to pump out easier to pump in . you put it on the same level, the reverse should happen

if you put a short inlet/outlet tube, the flowrate would be much faster.....

[Desmond]

damnit, which Soon Heng are u refering to where u c the HOT magnum? there is two Soon Heng BTW

[Callichthyidae]

Desmond, that's way back in April. :biggrin:

Try Soon Heng 88 in Henderson - 62222990. :wink:

[damnit]

hahahha thanks fav ... i was wondering where the hell the magnum filter question came from :D :D ... yeah saw it at Soon Heng at henderson road ...

[Desmond]

Actually I am looking for canister filter which can be hangs onto the tank. I dun have cabinet for the tank so leaving canister filter on the floor looks a bit messy. ( I actually have a 2213 and 2224 eheim filter). When I saw ART discussed on the HOT magnum and saw the picture from the site, I feels that it fits into my requirement. BTW, anyone know the price for the HOT magnum or other canister that is hang over tank type? Thank

[damnit]

Desmond, Soon Heng at Henderson Road sells the Magnum filters. And if you wanna sell your 2213, please do pm me :)

[Desmond]

not now. However see Petmart selling at S$85

[vinaykan]

I have been in the fish hobby for years now and I have learnt it the hard way. I now buy only filters made by Eheim. The are made to last. I have had a couple that are now running for over 10 years try and beat that with a Atman or some other make. I agree the Eheim filters are expensive but the work and that too without complaining. I had a Magnum 350 which after 1 month started groaning and moaning, the Atman lasted 1 week. I am told that the Rena filters are also good especially the Filstar series but have yet to try them out . Shall get one soon and keep you all posted.

[kenkht]

Yep, Eheim's good. Can't argue with that. I find the Classic models the best. Simple, basic, no bells and whistles and it works!

[nim75sg]

Agreed eheim is both reliable and efficient in terms of performance even though it cost more than the others but you can rest assure of spare parts.

Recently, I just replaced the cannister cover (15 years old) which was accidentally cracked due to a fall from my negligence.

[corydorus]

Agreed eheim is both reliable and efficient in terms of performance even though it cost more than the others but you can rest assure of spare parts.

Recently, I just replaced the cannister cover (15 years old) which was accidentally cracked due to a fall from my negligence.

How much u pay for the spare ?

[nim75sg]

About S$22 from QianHu the distributor for Eheim.

[corydorus]

thanks. Is relatively cheap for the cost of the eheim canister comparison.

- Dennis

[vinaykan]

I have been using Eheim filters for years but what I saw recently is very disturbing. I checked the 2213, 2215 and the 2217 Eheim classic filters. In all three models the Made in Germany embossing that is supposed to be there below the label was missing also all the spares i.e. hoses, suction side pipe, spray bar etc did not have Eheim written on them. Is this a new cost cutting measure or are these filters being made elsewhere for Eheim. Can someone help clear this mystery. A local fish shop told me that the Classic series of filters are now being made in China under license from Eheim Germany, is this correct.

[Callichthyidae]

Can someone help clear this mystery. A local fish shop told me that the Classic series of filters are now being made in China under license from Eheim Germany, is this correct.
I think Eheim themselves will be the best people to advise you on this. It may or may not be Germany and the 'Made In' countries may differ from markets to markets. Have you tried contacting Eheim, like sending them an email or something?

I've already observed such 'disappearance' of the 'Made In' label in other non-fishy products like cellphones. Instead of 'Made in Country', I've come across 'Made for Brand'.

[vinaykan]

I did send a mail to Eheim Germany and am yet to receive a reply. I am curious to know if anyone else has also noted this.

[cloud79]

I have been using Eheim filters for years but what I saw recently is very disturbing. I checked the 2213, 2215 and the 2217 Eheim classic filters. In all three models the Made in Germany embossing that is supposed to be there below the label was missing also all the spares i.e. hoses, suction side pipe, spray bar etc did not have Eheim written on them. Is this a new cost cutting measure or are these filters being made elsewhere for Eheim. Can someone help clear this mystery. A local fish shop told me that the Classic series of filters are now being made in China under license from Eheim Germany, is this correct.

Very interesting observation. Just check my 2217 and the "Made in Germany" wording is embossed on it.

Dun mind me asking, where did you buy your stuffs from? I remember seeing all the accessaries on sale in shops have Eheim printed on it. Maybe you can give me more details, i rem checking with them some time ago prior to some rumours that i heard too and the relevant staff from Eheim have claimed that their filters are still been made in Germany.

[Callichthyidae]

Very interesting observation. Just check my 2217 and the "Made in Germany" wording is embossed on it.
When was this bought?

[vinaykan]

Very interesting observation. Just check my 2217 and the "Made in Germany" wording is embossed on it.

Dun mind me asking, where did you buy your stuffs from? I remember seeing all the accessaries on sale in shops have Eheim printed on it. Maybe you can give me more details, i rem checking with them some time ago prior to some rumours that i heard too and the relevant staff from Eheim have claimed that their filters are still been made in Germany.


This filter was bought last week from the official Eheim Dealer who is an all India dealer located in New Delhi - "Aquazone Exports". He is infact even listed on the Eheim website as their India dealer. I also checked some 2213 and 2215 filters and they too do not have the "Made in Germany" embossing on them nor do they have Eheim written on the accessories. Though I am still awaiting a reply from Eheim.

[vinaykan]

Just received the following mail form Eheim themselves. This just clarifies the made in china issue. As stated by Eheim themselves when we are purchasing a Classic series filter we are infact buying a product made in China.



Dear Vinay Kanodia

Thank you very much for your inquiry by email. The classic filters 2211 - 2217 are produced in china, with the same quality standards and controls like in germany.

All other filters are still produced in germany.

I hope that this information is helpful for you.

If you have further questions please don't hesitate to contact us again.

With best regards

i.A. Cornelia Veith
Service

EHEIM GmbH & Co. KG
Plochinger Strasse 54
D-73779 Deizisau

Tel / phone: 0049 (0)7153 7002183
Fax: 0049 (0)7153 7002111
internet: www.eheim.de

[scarlett]

How come nobody mention the big classics like 2260 or 2250? They are my personal favourite!

[Callichthyidae]

How come nobody mention the big classics like 2260 or 2250? They are my personal favourite!
Are those the 'pond filters'? :)

Why not ProIII? :p

[vinaykan]

The reply from Eheim very clearly states that only the classic 2211 - 2217 are made in China the rest are still made in Germany as of now. So I presume the 2250, 2260 and the pro filters are all made in Germany.