55g filter question...

[Aj86]

Im getting what i believe is a 55g 48" x 14" x 20" tank soon and im just wondering what sort of filter would i need to run it? Canister?

 

[Lateral Line]

I'd use an Eheim 2215.

 

[fraservet]

I'd use the eheim pro2 2028

-lateral line, which model is the 2215?

 

[Lateral Line]

http/www.eheim.com/

Click Products -> Heating/Pumps/Filters -> Filters

Filters are listed on the left, or at least they are for me, it is an asp page so it may display differently n different locations. For the same reason, I can't give you a direct link. They are a damn nuisance.

With the levels I stock at, a 2215 would suit. People that prefer a fish soup might be better off with a 2217, but that is overkill by quite a long way IMHO.

 

[konrad05]

If you have the extra money, get the professional or two 2213's. The cleaning method for the 2215 is just horrible. HTH

 

[Lateral Line]

Most of my display tanks have 2 part rated Eheim classics on them, so I would agree, that splitting the load is very advantageous, especially with cleaning. The reason I adivsed the 2215 is that for the majority of board members, cash is the limiting factor.

 

[Aj86]

Thanx for your help guys! Yea your right lateral money is the limiting factor for me... Is there any other filters i could get? Jus trying to compare the prices...

 

[Lateral Line]

There are a lot filters around. The Eheim Ecco filters are cheaper, but the build quality matches, they introduced the Ecco range to compete with the Fluvals, frankly I believe that was a mistake, people buy an Ecco, have trouble with it and assume Eheims are bad. An Ecco 2233 would do.

You might get away with a Fluval 204 although a 304 would be better, depends on your stocking level, a heavily stocked tank needs more filtration. I've always found Fluvals fiddly to use, they seem to have an inevitable slow leak. They are probably better now, but 15 years ago, you needed to keep the filter inside a bucket to catch the leakage!

There are dozens of other makes, not all are available everywhere though. I don't know what else would be in the shops/mail order in Aus.

 

[Bangin]

I have a Rena Filstar XP3 canister filter on my 55 gallon. It works great.

 

[rvm]

I have a Rena XP3 as well, I got it with my new tank, and it is a B****** to prime!!! I was ready to throw the damn thing out of the window at 4am on sunday!!! I've got it working now though!
I'd go with either the Eheim (better but more expensive) or a fluval. I've got 3 fluval cannisters, and not had any problems wih them!

 

[Bangin]

That's strange, rvm. I found it very user-friendly.

Did you follow the instructions? You're supposed to fill the filter intake tube up with tank water and then screw the top back on. After that, you press the filter lever down. Voila, you've got flow!

 

[canarsie11]

I did not find the xp3 difficult to prime at all.

 

[rvm]

did all that, damn thing still wouldn't go. Honestly, I was really mad at the damn thing. I was probably doing something wrong, or maybe it's job is made a little harder as it has a UV steraliser on it as well, but it's working now, and doing a fine job!!!

 

[swampcat]

All you would need for a 55 gal is an aquaclear 300 or preferably a 500. Much easier to work with than a canister. Have 2 aquaclear 500's on a 100 gal works great. Can put any media you want in it . I use lava rock and ceramic cylinders for bacteria growth. also have bio chem stars in them. My 55 gal has 1 aquaclear 500.

Do not know if they will ship out of the USA but at www. petsmart.com you can get the 500's for $32 american money. Go for $72 american in stores. They changed model # to 110 same as the AC-500.