Eheim

[Sasha the breen]

I have now decided to buy a new externaly filter for my tank(because my fluval 2 is "unreliable")It's 19-21 gallons(uk) and i am wanting an external filter for it.I have be quoted 4 options

1.An Eheim Ecco 2234

2.A Rena xp2

3.A fluval external!!! (sorry i dont want to offend anyone out their who has one!)

4.An Eheim Pro 2222

Bear in mind though that i do not have limitless amounts of money, but i am open to suggestions as long as they are within price range(£100)

 

[Sasha the breen]

And i will accept any of your opinions on what filer to get aswell!(But they have to be quiet!)

 

[CFC]

The pro 2 models are by far the best filter on the market IMO, but come at a cost. The smallest model i know of in this range is the 2026 which you should be able to pick up for around £100 if you shop around, if you would rather spend a bit less then go for the classic range , a 2213 which is big enough for your tank can be got for around £45. The ecco's are designed with lightly stocked planted tanks (Dutch style) in mind so IMO are not as good for the english style hobby.

 

[Cheese Specialist]

I have 2 Eheim Eccos in my largest tank, silent and works like a dream.

 

[thecichlidaddict]

If you want the quality of the Pro with the price closer to the Ecco go with the Classic. Eccos are not the same, IME - you may as well keep the fluval. The Eheim classics are my favourate, simple, effective, not too expensive, reliable, completely silent. It just lacks the features of the pro.

 

[Cheese Specialist]

Eccos are not the same, IME - you may as well keep the fluval.

My Eccos are totally silent, I have to touch them to know they are on properly!!

 

[CFC]

eccos have a much slower flow rate than the classic and pro models, this makes them ideal for planted tanks but not great for those with high fish stocks.

 

[crazie.eddie]

The pro II is the best, but you don't have it listed. The Pro you listed is jsut as good, but does not have a self priming, compared to the Pro II. The Ecco models have a self priming, but the motors aren't as strong as the Pro/Pro II models. I like the Pro II models, with the built in heater. I have the 2128 and I love it. The filter has the heating element inside the filter and a temp probe that sits in your tank. The temp probe for the heater acts as a thermometer and as a heater on/off indicator.

I don't have any experience with Ren or Fluval. I have heard the Fluval canisters are good also, but not as great as the Eheims. Fluvals also come with a self priming. I would stay away from Hang on Back filters.

FYI, Eheim filters provide the best canister filters and they always seem to try to improve on them.

 

[thecichlidaddict]

I never understood why priming was a problem in the first place.

 

[jaywings19]

I just hooked up an Eheim Pro II 2026 to my new 72G Tank that is cycling right now. The flow power on this thing is great... and it's completely silent.

I picked mine up brand new on eBay for $134.99 back in December... it was a buy-it-now. Check out the eBay store of seller: foryourfish

 

[crazie.eddie]

I never understood why priming was a problem in the first place.

This is my first canister filter, so I can't really comment on the priming issue on them. I do have 2 Hang on Back filters and I sometimes have to prime the filters, by constantly adding water inside it, for it to run. Otherwise, the filter just force the water out, before it gets any water in.

When I first looked into the Eheim websites prior to getting the 2128, they had a self priming kit, which basically puts water into the hose. I remember reading somewhere that some filters you had to use the good 'ole' lung power to start suction on the hoses.

 

[Sasha the breen]

What does "priming a filter" mean?

 

[crazie.eddie]

What does "priming a filter" mean?

Filters cannot run dry. In order for them to suck water in and expell water out, the impellers must have water in them. Without adding water "priming" the filter, all the water will be expelled, before any water can be drawn in.

I guess it's like filling a gas can with fuel from a car using a siphon. You can't just put the hose in the fuel tank of the car and the other end into the gas can and expect the gas to automatically be drawn to the can. You have to suck the gas through the hose to start the flow going.

 

[thecichlidaddict]

Yup, my classic takes good old lung power, and not much at that, a quick suck and it fills right up. It doesn't matter anyway bacause I just fill the canister up with water before putting the lid on - instant prime

 

[maestro]

go for a classic 2213, quality and good price, will do just as good job for ur tank as the others and u can save money for other purchases