Eheim External Filter Users Please Advise!

[jrussuk]

Hi,
I want to upgrade my Fluval filter to an eheim external and i would like some feedback on these filters. The models im looking at are the 2213 canister, the 2232 ecco canister filter or the 2222 professinal filter. i have a 90lt tank. Are these filters easy to clean and prime before starting? which model is the best for ease of use?
many Thanks

 

[waterdrop]

I use a 2222 and am a believer that the Pro, Pro2 etc. model lines do indeed result in more ease of use, but I'm sure there are those that would think this was silly and the good ole' Classic line would be good enough. The Ecco line has generally not been well recommended by the members here on TFF.

The 2222 has been an awesome piece of machinery for me. Its so silent I've always had to check the spraybar outlets to figure out if its working, even in a silent room. When it was new I couldn't even figure out if it was running by putting my hand on it and yet it would turn out to be running full force. The hoses flip out of the way with a simple turn off of the flow levers and a flick of the release lever and then they wait at the tank for you to bring back the filter box and simply flip the lever down. The media baskets are large, simple and have nice handles to hold when dunking the media in the old tank water. The impeller is straightforward to clean and all the silicone parts can be quickly lubricated with each filter clean. Individual parts are readily available by web and I've had good response to emails. I combine mine with a hydor inline heater so that just about all equipment is out of the tank.

~~waterdrop~~

 

[jrussuk]

cheers for that im gonna have a measure up as my filter is in a cupboard under the tank so i see if it fits. sounds a good piece of kit. I was wondering when i get my new filter if i fill it with my old ceramic filter material it should be fine to start up straight away as this holds most of the bacteria? Is this correct or should i run both filters for a while so i dont get any nasty surprises with ammonia!

 

[waterdrop]

If you move all your media across intact then your biofiltration should still handle the same bioload. Always start or increase your testing (and use liquid kits of course) when doing this sort of thing. If there -is- a problem then you just need to be prepared to do some "fish-in" cycling as per the reference article in the "New to the Hobby - Beginners Resource Center."

When measuring a cabinet for an external cannister filter I always like to add one of those "rubbermaid" (etc.) plastic kitchen holder type things for the filter box to sit in as a bit of extra insurance. I found one the just fits around my filter box and has fairly high sides, so it could catch a fair amount of leaking water, which, of course, mine has thankfully never done.

If you can afford and fit one of the Pro2 models (Pro2 2026 for instance) then I would recommend that too. I went for 5x turnover as part of my plan but since then have become much less worried that up towards 10x turnover would not be too much.

~~waterdrop~~