Favorite Canister Filter for 55 Gallon Tank - Page 3 - Equipment

**turbomkt** · 07-29-2007, 06:44 AM

OK... I'll agree with a 75g instead of the 55. Still a 4 ft footprint, but more depth front to back for scaping.

Filters...if you can afford it, get the Eheim 2128 with built-in heater. Descriptions here. Note where it says "Adjustable flow rate" under Features.

For Filstar, look here. They call it "Outflow Regulator". I've heard good things about Filstar, but have nothing but Eheim at this point.

Fluval...had pretty good customer service when I had to send a filter back to them. The problem is I had to send the filter back before they would send me a new one. Something like 3 weeks total I would have been without a filter if I hadn't bought my Eheim. Depending on the Fluval model I've had problems with latches breaking, O-rings deteriorating, and the case expanding to cause problems sealing. Others have obviously reported success. I also don't like Fluval's ribbed hoses. I'm sure there something about the fact that the ribbed hose won't kink, but Eheim's hoses are rigid enough that they don't seem to kink either.

Also, I haven't seen too many filters designed to be turned off on a regular basis. Cannisters will be easier to start than HOB if you decide to do this, though. You can also look at a prefilter sponge. Otherwise, a 4 ft long tank can provide a lot more water area for the bring shrimp to swim that won't be prone to getting sucked up into the filter. Then again, it will take a lot more of them to get the same visual effect

Jimbo205 · 07-29-2007, 08:25 PM

Thank you Mike!

Sounds great.

I see that they have fantastic mechanical and chemical filtration.

How are they at biological filtration? (This may be a more opinion question than a technical question.)

**turbomkt** · 07-30-2007, 06:31 AM

Biological all depends on how much you put in. In all reality, I don't run any chemical filtration on my planted tanks. I only use mechanical and bio.

ed seeley · 07-30-2007, 07:25 AM

The Ehiems are great filters but despite what I posted earlier I've now changed my mind!
After buying a 2128 I wouldn't actually buy another. I'd go for the 2028 with a Hydor heater on the pipework. There's absolutely nothing wrong with the filter but the reasons for my change of mind are:
1. Because there's the heater probe in the tank, which isn't small
2. When I clean the filter I disconnect the pipes and then carry the whole unit to the sink to be cleaned, but with this filter I have to un-plug not only the pump's power, but the heater too and, most annoyingly, the connection to the thermostat that plugs into the digital readout/adjustment. It makes the whole process more annoying than it needs to be if I'd bought the 2028 and the Hydor.

Apart from that it's a great filter and the temperature adjustment is extremely convenient, if only they had designed some kind of quick release electrical connection too. I run mine with the taps slightly closed and have been assured by Ehiem distributor in the UK that this cannot cause any problems.

From a Biological/mechanical/chemical point of view I've filled my filter like this;
Bottom basket has Ceramic 'pre-filter' rings with the coarse Ehiem foam on top.
Middle basket is filled with Siporax and JBL sintered glass media
And the top basket has a bag of peat in to add tannins and acidify the water further (for the fishes benefit, but the plants don't seem to mind it). There's still room left if I want to add anything else!
Above all this the Ehiems have a floss pad for fine mechanical filtration (I bought a huge sheet of pond floss pad and have cut it up to form the pads. £8 bought me an enormous sheet).

Great filter, but I would get the seperate heater.

ps49556n · 07-30-2007, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ed seeley

The Ehiems are great filters but despite what I posted earlier I've now changed my mind!
After buying a 2128 I wouldn't actually buy another. I'd go for the 2028 with a Hydor heater on the pipework. There's absolutely nothing wrong with the filter but the reasons for my change of mind are:
1. Because there's the heater probe in the tank, which isn't small
2. When I clean the filter I disconnect the pipes and then carry the whole unit to the sink to be cleaned, but with this filter I have to un-plug not only the pump's power, but the heater too and, most annoyingly, the connection to the thermostat that plugs into the digital readout/adjustment. It makes the whole process more annoying than it needs to be if I'd bought the 2028 and the Hydor.

Apart from that it's a great filter and the temperature adjustment is extremely convenient, if only they had designed some kind of quick release electrical connection too. I run mine with the taps slightly closed and have been assured by Ehiem distributor in the UK that this cannot cause any problems.

From a Biological/mechanical/chemical point of view I've filled my filter like this;
Bottom basket has Ceramic 'pre-filter' rings with the coarse Ehiem foam on top.
Middle basket is filled with Siporax and JBL sintered glass media
And the top basket has a bag of peat in to add tannins and acidify the water further (for the fishes benefit, but the plants don't seem to mind it). There's still room left if I want to add anything else!
Above all this the Ehiems have a floss pad for fine mechanical filtration (I bought a huge sheet of pond floss pad and have cut it up to form the pads. £8 bought me an enormous sheet).

Great filter, but I would get the seperate heater.

Thanks for the info...I have a few questions for you I will PM.

Squawkbert · 07-30-2007, 07:48 AM

Eheim classics offer better flow per unit of media capacity than their more expensive cousins do.

A 2215 kit w/ media & a Hydor in-line would be a great solution for a moderately planted 55. If you're really going to keep it stuffed, a 2217 upgrade would be in order.

If money is a constraint, I'd look at comparable ViaAqua filters, then Renas. If Hydors are out of budget, Visitherm Stealth all the way.