Eheim canister filters

G

GopherBlue

Registered Member
Apr 4, 2007
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Hi all. I am about to make the switch from HOB filter to canister, and hope to learn from your experience.

My tank: 46gal bow-front with freshwater, fake plants, and real fish :).

My questions:

1. I've narrowed down to Eheim Ecco, but which one - 2234 or 2236? The 2234 is rated to 60gal, while the 2236 is rated to 80gal? Any harm in going with the 2236 (80gal), other than the slightly higher cost?

2. What other supplies should I be looking at getting? This filter appears to come with a starter kit of media. I'd prefer to stock up on any supplies that I will need in this coming months, since I am placing this order online (save on shipping by bundling). What media will need to be replaced, and at what frequency? Are there generic versions that work well, or do I need to purchase the Eheim media.

3. What accessories, if any, should I consider? I've seen mention of some sort of spray-bar outlet. Is this needed and why? If you have experience with the Eheim canister filters, I'd appreciate hearing what additional accessories you've needed to add.

Sorry for the multiple questions, but I thought it would be best to squeeze all of these into a single post. Any feedback would be appreciated!
 
Hello there i currently run a eheim 2217 and a fluval 404. my opinion would be to go with the bigger of the 2 for the reason of the more filtration the better. the spray bar helps to reduce the amount of return flow in one place the spray bar distributes it better it may not be needed depending on the fish you are keeping. as far as filter media you could purchase the filter pads and the substrate, the Mech i belive it is, does not need to be replaced just cleaned out every so often with TANK water.when i bought my eheim it came complete with everything i needed including the spray bar. as for the media itself i would stick with ehiem's stuff i even use it in my fluval becuase i find it much better. hope this has helped you out any other questions just pm me.
Ciao for now
Pennach
 
The only thing you will need to replace, assuming you will use the Eheim media, are the fine filter pads.

I do run one of my Eheim pro II 2026s with sponges in the bottom basket.
 
I recently switched from HOB to eheim pro2 2026. The ecco was a candidate too, but it seemed that people have had issues with breaks and noise. I found a very good deal on the 2026 at petsmart.com so the difference was not huge. Read some more about the ecco before you decide. I'm not saying it isn't good - I almost bought it myself - but be sure you are aware of possible problems.
I asked a similar question here, was told not too worry about over filteration If the current is not too strong, you should be fine. My tank is 38g, running the 2026 which I belive is rated for 90g.
Eheim recommend replacing the fine pad every 2 weeks, the coarser one every month. I intend to just clean them in tank water, use them until they fall apart. The media is supposed to last for a while. I don't think there's really much you need to get now in terms of replacements, unless you do intend to follow eheim's recommendations.
 
2236 or 2215

In looking a bit closer, the Eheim Classic (2215) and Ecco (2236) both appear to be good options for my 46gal tank. According to the Eheim site, the major differences are:
-2236 has self prime
-2236 has adjustable flow rate
-2215 has back-wash (what is this?)
-warranty: 2yr (2215) vs. 3yr (2236)
-cost is similar - I've seen it within $10 of each other (2215 was $10 more).

Does anyone have practical experience and a preference for these two?

BTW, there is a nice comparison chart of the various Eheim filters here:
http://www.eheim.com/Images/Images/chart.jpg
 
I bought a 72 gallon bowfront several years back that came with a 2215 that had been running it for a year. It was doing a great job but I upgraded that one to a 2217. I currently have the 2215 running in a 50 which had 6 peacock cichlids in it and it kept the tank crystal clear. I got rid of the peacocks and now have angelfish in the same tank and the current does not phase them at all.
 
The ecco has media baskets that you can remove and replace each individual basket or pad within each basket. If I remember right, the classic has no baskets, the media is just layered in the cannister. You cant really backwash filter pads, they need replaced occasionally. That would be much easier to do in the ecco. I have the 2234 in my 36 bow. I would definitely recommend the 2236 for your 46.
 
I recently fired up a 2236 on a 75 gallon tank. I wasn't aware that the flow was adjustable! I do know that the rated turnover (185 GPH) is with no media and no lift (head).

Parked under the tank in the stand, with all the "marbles" it's more like 110 GPH...

At any rate, so far (2 weeks) I have had no issues and it seems pretty well built.
 
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