3 Filters, Which One?

[This Old Spouse]

I posted this question in the hardware section but haven't gotten any responses, so I thought I'd throw it out there in general discussion.

I got both these filters within a week of each other ... free. I also have a Marineland Magnum 350, for that matter.

All need parts to get them working right. As I don't have a world of experience with canister filters, which one do you think is the best to invest money and time to get it working properly? What's your experience with any of these? I have a Fluval 204 and Eheim Ecco and Odyssea that all work decently, but I need more current in one of my tanks so I'm going to graduate filters up to the next tank. I really could use some advice!

 

[tomtomtom1230]

It's between the Eheim and the Fluval in my opinion. If I had to chose just one... Hhmmm... Probably the Eheim.

 

[The Taffy Apple]

Fluval for me, although i've never used that particular Eheim model you mention, but yes..Fluval for me.

Terry.

 

[tomtomtom1230]

Fluval for me, although i've never used that particular Eheim model you mention, but yes..Fluval for me.

Terry.

I'm a big fan of the '06 Fluvals. Not so much the 04's. The build quality is somewhat lacking in that range and they have a problem with leaky rubber feet on the bottom, I think (could be a different model). This time, I'm for Eheim.

 

[m_attt]

I have an eheim ecco, its great, very quiet and very cheap to run. also has a good flow rate and hardly needs cleaning. Its about five years old now an never had any issues.

 

[This Old Spouse]

I have an eheim ecco, its great, very quiet and very cheap to run. also has a good flow rate and hardly needs cleaning. Its about five years old now an never had any issues.

I have an Ecco up and running on another tank. I was wondering about the 2015. I like the Ecco as well, but it doesn't have enough flow for my 20g tank. Did you get yours new, and is it supposed to come with some type of spray bar?

Thanks to everyone! So far I'm leaning toward the 2015, but of course that's the one that needs the most parts!

 

[TwoTankAmin]

I have never used a Fluval. I have acquired them as part of a used tank deal and moved them out as fast as I could and replaced them with Eheim. I can not imagire there being a better canister out there than Eheim. My two are hitting their 9ths and 10th anniversaries on my tanks.

For power filters I prefer AquaClears.

If you can't find Eheim parts anyplace else, Eheim sells them (but not cheap) here http/parts.eheim.com/

 

[This Old Spouse]

I've been to their site, and they don't list any replacement parts for the 2015. What I really would like to find is an exploded view of the 2015 with a labeled parts diagram to see if there are other interchangeable parts. The one I got doesn't have any hoses or shutoffs.

 

[This Old Spouse]

Eheim just replied to my e-mail:

"The EHEIM 2015 is a filter that was discontinued over 20 years ago. This unit uses the same hoses, valves and pipes as model 2215 therefore you can refer to the 2215 diagram. Please note that impellers and shaft for model 2015 are no longer available. This should be considered before investing money into this unit."


So, I guess that leaves the Fluval and Magnum. Since nobody even mentioned the Magnum, it looks like I'm going with the Fluval.

 

[tomtomtom1230]

I don't think there's anything wrong with Fluval filters, I really like them and they're up there with Eheim as far as I'm concerned They've never let me down.

 

[This Old Spouse]

So, after getting all your wonderful opinions and doing my own research, I decided to go with the Fluval. I thought I should set it up and run it for a while to make sure everything was working, and wouldn't you know, it started leaking from the top. Took it all apart, greased the main gasket, but it still leaked. Long, long story short, and after ordering 2 new gaskets and 2 impeller covers, I finally found a cracked O-ring and that solved the leaking problem! It's now up and running on my 29g. The flow is really too strong wide open, so I have it at about half capacity. It's working great! My only problem is that it's a bit noisy, but I can live with that if it's not leaking.

Thanks for your help everyone!

 

[big_sw2000]

Im running a Fluval 204, and the 205 model. Nothing wrong with either filter, although the 204 is a sod to get started
Had a small leak on the 204, after 3 years of use, simple large oring from that auction website everyone knows, and working fine again now.
Steve

 

[This Old Spouse]

My 204 is a sod to get started too. Once it's going it's fine, but I'll bet it takes me 15 minutes after I clean it to get it going! The 405 is much easier, but it's noisier. At this point I'm just glad it works at all

 

[big_sw2000]

My 204 is a sod to get started too. Once it's going it's fine, but I'll bet it takes me 15 minutes after I clean it to get it going! The 405 is much easier, but it's noisier. At this point I'm just glad it works at all

Its strange, my 204 being a sod to prime and start. But my 205, which looks the same, infact ive looked and looked, and other than the colour is exactly the same. It needs no priming, and starts as soon as you plug it in.

Steve

 

[This Old Spouse]

I guess I'm not going to complain, since it cost me nothing but the spare parts, and I already had the O-ring. The 405 is much easier to get going than the 204.