canister filter recommendation 75G tank - New to Planted Aquariums

jumboag99 · 03-09-2012, 06:00 PM

I'm in the planning stages for my first planted tank. I've had reef tanks for ages, but have always wanted to do a planted tank.

I'm going with a 75G tank with dual T5HO lighting.

The one area that I could really use recommendations for is filtration. With the tank size, I want to do a canister filter rather than a HOB setup, but I cannot decide which one to go with.

The Eheim's seem to be "ol' reliable", standard design that's well tested. I'd go with the Classic 2215 if I get one.

The other one under serious consideration is the Rena XP2. The concern I have there is that I'm not impressed with the design on their HOB units (My girlfriends freshwater tank has one.)

Also a possibility is the Fluval 406 (it looks like I'm just over the size recommendation for the 306).

Anybody with experience with any of these, I'd love to get your opinion.

I'm looking for reliability, functionality and ease of use. I'm not as concerned with the replacement filter costs. I'm quite willing to pay more annually for something that's easier to deal with and works better.

JeffyFunk · 03-10-2012, 04:24 AM

I have an Eheim classic 2215 and would not recommend it for anything over 30 gallons. It's a great filter, but the turnover rate is just too low for planted tanks that are 3' or more in length. Maybe an Eheim classic 2217 as that one is rated with a higher pump, but I am just speculating there. Sticking with the Eheims, I would go with one of the Ultra series canister filters. Yes, Eheims are more expensive, but (1) they're supper quite and (2) they have amazing support, even if you buy them used off eBay. I have no experience with any other brands...

Aquaticz · 03-10-2012, 05:02 AM

I've a eheim pro 3 on a 75 and augment circulation as it is loaded with plants

jumboag99 · 03-10-2012, 05:45 AM

Which pro 3 ?

The 2073 is 100 more gph than the 2215, the 2075 is more than double the 2215's flow rate

t-rex · 03-10-2012, 08:35 AM

The xp2 would not be large enough. I'm running and xp3 on my 55. Had an xp2 on it but it sucked for what I needed it to do. Great filter if you get the right size

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997R using Tapatalk

Newt · 03-10-2012, 08:53 AM

Always go one size up on the filter.

+1 for Eheim

jumboag99 · 03-10-2012, 09:03 AM

The larger eheims dont appear to be highly thought of in product reviews. Hat about Fluval? Would the 406 be enough or would I need to go with the fx5

Newt · 03-10-2012, 12:34 PM

I think the 406 would be adequate.

Aquaticz · 03-10-2012, 12:56 PM

EHEIM Pro 3 Model 2028
bought to replace a 2217 in a 75 gal

Newt · 03-10-2012, 01:22 PM

My 2028 is only a ProII