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Eheim Pro 3E Canister Filter

Has anyone used or know anyone who has used this filter, or the 2078? I'm quite tempted to pick it up for the new tank but I haven't been able to find -any- info on it at all hardly, and I'm certainly not investing a bunch of cash in to something that doesn't have much in the way of a review on it.

lew2000

Try this link at monsterfish keepers. This is one place i go for equipment reviews, etc. Hope this helps.

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/fo...ad.php?t=68458

Angela_96

I don't have that paticular eheim filter, I have 3 Eheim Ecco's and I love them!

FL CommunityFans

yea I found those earlier this morning as well. Thanks for the heads up anyhow. That particular review is for the pro 3's not the 3e's. The 3e's are a different beast altogether with the microprocessor chip. I wanted to hear how folks had done with them, if they had used them that it is, and how the wear and tear on the chip was.

lew2000

Sorry about that - i didn't focus on the microchip aspect just the basic function.

cerianthus

Hmmm!!!Eheim is Going High tech. New sales Gimmic. Added Processor to old PRO series for better control over surging action. I do believe Eheim is known for their Quality (Have about 20or more of Used 2217/15 Classic Series in garages for future use) but for that price??

Read up on it and found very similar to Rena XP Series as far as mechanism. Is there any benefit to surging action of filter in F/W (less dead area, perhaps?). Could see the flow control during feeding but still have to remember to turn it back to normal (?). In order to figure out the need for maintenance, all you have to do is look at the spray bar/return spout on any Canisters (reduced flows means time to clean).

Like i said, believe in their craftmanship but rather hook up 2 x Rena XP4 or 2 x 2217 Classic for better distribution of water (circulation) and filtration (having two strainers at different location will p/u more particles than one stainer in the tank, IMO.

It is nice Unit and Eheim and EXPENSIVE!! just like Pro W/D series when first marketed about 15 yrs ago but was not happy w/ their performance. Happier w/ old Classic Series.

Fluval and Magnum were never my choices.

Just my thoughts!!

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They are indeed essentially souped up older pro models but they do do a few things differently. The bio function of having a slow current during the day and fast current at night which would be nice if set for the same time as the light timers. The microprocessor also allows the machine to adjust itself to get the desired flow on a regular basis. The wave creator provides more water movement to the tank which would increase more CO2 reaching plants in the tank.

I agree it's pricey and has some neat gadgets, clearly none required, but they are nice to have for the sake of having them. if you bought separate parts to do everything this new filter does, you'd easily end up near the same cost.

Due it's high price it doesn't seem to be purchased or stocked much here in the states. In Europe it seems to be on quite a few store shelves(specifically Germany). This is why I am trying to find folks who have used in and have actual experience with it. Found a lot of folks on the MFK forum who have used the 2078 but not the 2076. There isn't much difference aside from the media tray but since I haven't seen one in any LFS's here or know anyone who has one to say how it is with actual hands on it, I am trying to get as much info on them as possible.

I may end up going with 2 x 2217 classics but am unsure still.

edit: Also regarding the xp-3, I had considered this as well but the media capacity of the pro 3E is quite a bit larger than that of the xp-3.

cerianthus

Like i said, Neat gadget but not necessary as youve said.

Can not picture the reasons behind controlling flow b/n day/night?

As far as wave creator i dont think it will drive more water. Actually for plants, should have circulation but not surface agitation as it will drive CO2 out of water untill equilibrium is reached. If injecting CO2, lasting you want is surface agitations.
If anything, may want to do surface agitation at night since CO2 will increase during night time. Used to operate Air Pump on timer to drive out some extra CO2 accumulating over night which can/have contributed fish mortality (very overstocked Dutch).
My memory isnt sharp as it used to be, but if memory serve, even photosynthetic plants will intake O2 and produce CO2 (?) in dark.

Do agree on surface area of trays but volume of media MAYbe close b/n Eheim and Rena. (Since never seen one, do not know the height).

My first choice always been Eheim but Rena was right behind as far as Canisters are concerned.

Hope someone with actual experiences give you on hand review and I am also interested.

astolley

Hey,

I've had the Eheim Pro3e 2076 for about 6 months or so now and it's been a great filter. If your not worried about the upfront and ongoing costs of the filter and media then i would recommend it for sure. The bad points are:

1. Touch panel controls are very sequenced when trying to select a function, i.e press this for 5 seconds, then hold this, wait until these light up etc etc. You get used to it though
2. The supplied suction cups stopped sticking to the tank after 2 months
3. Once a day the filter ramps to it's maximum output for about 30 seconds to tune the motor control and detect the amount of days until service etc, this blows your fish around for a little if you have a smaller tank
4. Hard to start for the first time on auto-prime - need to leave it for about 30minutes until it pumps solid and gets the water in, in the meantime it makes you think something is wrong

And thats about all the bad things i can think of. A small list of good things are

1. Adjustable motor speed via PWM instead of simply cutting flow, uses slightly less electricity but probably laughable
2. Media baskets you can do anything with
3. Very well built, seals well with no dramas
4. Use on a variety of tank sizes and alter the speed to suit
5. Fish seem to like the wave function - although you can barely see it of course - the siamese fighter hates it
6. Runs in the middle of the lounge behind thin cabinet doors and can't hear a thing

The benefit of the 12hr variable speed function is really for my fighter fish. I've got it on a small 150L tank and have low speed during the day so he can swim around, and high speed at night when he's sleeping in his glass jar. There would also be less noise during the day of course if your putting your ear next to it !!!

Omniryx

I've used Eheim filters for 25 years with no problems, leaks, or failures. Yes, they are insanely overpriced but, just like most quality salt water gear, the quality merits the increased cost (think Deltec, for example).

Unlike most reef keepers, I run canister filters rather than sumps. I've found that by using an Eheim 3e (2078) in combination with a Deltec skimmer, a couple of Hydor circulation pumps, and 175 lbs of live rock, I can keep corals happy in a 125 gallon tank.

My opinion is that the 3e "surge" capability is mostly hype, though some people swear by it and techies will have a ball making minute adjustments and squinting at their livestock. Plenty of water circulation is all you need, IMO, unless you are doing something VERY special.

Swallow hard and spring for the Eheim 3e. For the relatively small cost difference, choose the 2078 just for the extra capacity. You won't be sorry.

As I always note when giving a positive review, I have no financial or other connection with Eheim or, indeed, with any manufacturer.