Cannister Filter Recommendation for 4ft planted tank

[Retnar]

Just want to get some recommendations for a 4ft planted tank.

Physical Dimensions: 4ft x 2ft x 2ft (300 liters)
Water Dimensions: 4ft x 2ft x 1.5ft (tank had a space at top for the top filters but I decided not to go for it, this also impaired me somewhat since the glass braces force my lights to be 6" above highest water level)

What Eheim cannister filter would be recommended?
Or what is the recommended flow/turnover rate?

If not, any other recommendations?

Budget: $<180

[leafhorn]

4X2X2 should be 120 gallon/450 litres right?

[cloud79]

That is a huge tank and i suggest eheim 2028 but it cost bout $290. :(

[art]

Originally posted by "Retnar"

tank had a space at top for the top filters but I decided not to go for it, this also impaired me somewhat since the glass braces force my lights to be 6" above highest water level)


not just tat but then top filters arent rreally recommended for planted tanks too cos they cause too much surface turbulence which results in co2 being released from the water column too fast

[Retnar]

I got an Eheim 2217 for it but I fear(misplaced maybe) its not enuff. Water is slightly green but is like one of the tanks inside Nature's Aquarium green level. There appears to be some particulates at times after feeding but not sure if it means not enuff power.

Btw what's the difference between Eheim Classic 2217 and Eheim Professional II 2228(besides the easier filter media management/maintenance & price), specs below?

Eheim 2217 : for 600l, pump 1000l/h, circulation 790l/h, volume 6l
Eheim 2228 : for 600l, pump 1050l/h, circulation 750l/h, volume 7.3l

[cloud79]

Basically there is not much difference. The few differences i can think of is that 2228 is much more easier to maintain than 2217 and also, for 2217, the water has to go through the whole canister but for 2228, water may leak in the canister which may leave some water unfiltered. The leak is not water coming out of the filter but what i meant is that water fr the input escape through the basket to the output which may undermine the efficiency of this filter. :)

[Avery]

As you can see there's a slight difference in the powerhead. From your post it seems that Eheim has rated both of them to be good for tanks up to 600l, which means only a 1.67-1.75x pump rate for a 600l tank.

I don't use a canister but I would recommend that powerheads should not be less than 2x, which means both models to serve only up to 500l tank size. I use up a 5x rate in my IOS filter. With higher filtration, your tank water will be clearer faster. With higher filtration, your tank will also be able to support a higher fish population, not recommended, but true.

The major difference I see is the canister size. With a bigger canister, you can stuff more filter media types, thus making your filtration more effective. Other than that I would figure is the design.

My 2 cents.

[art]

Originally posted by "Avery"



The major difference I see is the canister size. With a bigger canister, you can stuff more filter media types, thus making your filtration more effective. Other than that I would figure is the design.


yep i agree , also the shape/design of it also plays a part as to how you can arrange your media better.