desertrefugee

After reading about the virtues of canister filters, I read the reviews and chose, arguably, one of the better ones - an Eheim 2215. This for my 65g soon-to-be Amazonian habitat. I'm supplementing it with an in-tank Fluval #4.

It's a good thing I chose supplementation.

For all the hype, the supposedly ~160gph of this thing is probably optimistic. The spray bar has eight or ten holes and the water barely sprays out 4 or 5 inches. This seems pretty weak, but the pump is virtually silent. I suspect that the Fluval will end up performing the lion's share of the "dirty work".

Is this to be expected? I truly thought there would be a more impressive display...unless the hype is mainly centered around durability.

One man's first impression.

lew2000

Any outboard filter isn't going to perfrom to max or mfgr's stated GPH. Obviuosly a number of reasons:

Vertical distance (output head) of tubing from filter to output (especially a spray bar/restrictions and friction and backpressure). Amount of media, type and eventually how clean it is.

Essentially for me, eheim's have performed well and are easy to maintain and clean. They also maintain the integrity of the seal for as long as i have used them. So while there may be hype about eheim's, it is definitley about performance, durability and reliability.

So output may not be all that performance of a filter is judged upon.

yukoandk

I also have an Eheim Classic 2215 on my recently set up 55gal tank. It's been running for only about a month, but I like the large and very customizable canister for the media. I have 2213 running as well to experiment with a different media set up and a restricted flow.

When I was shopping for canister filters, I did notice Eheim Classics had lower GPH rating than others compatible for about the same size tank. This was for my goldfish tank, and I figured I didn't need too strong of a current anyway. My tank is 12" from front to back, and when above water, spray bar shoots water clear across that length. Perhaps it's not as obvious below the water level. I opt for the spray bar because I need good surface agitation, but depending on your tank's need, you may get a better flow without it or by taking off the little cap at the end of your spray bar? Just a thought

ccb04

If I recall correctly, Eheim's states the flow rates with the canister full of media ... that's why their flow rates seem lower. Most MFG's use unrestricted flow rates when advertising GPH. I believe it's Rena that lists both on their box, unrestricted on front ... and w/ media on the side ... or something like that. It's quite a difference between the two though (nearly cut in half).

Also of note, is how companies seemingly over-state the tank size the filter can handle. Thus, I always go the next size up.

Flow rates for many filters appear to be given with unrestricted flow/lack of media ... whether the filter be canister, HOB, internal, sponge, etc... flow will of course also decrease as matter builds/clogs the media. This is why I like filter redundancy (use of two filters). For instance, on my 20 gallon long livebearer tank (they poop a ton for smaller fish, lol), I run an Aquaclear 50 and an Aqua-Tech 5-15. The AC50 is also equipped with a Filter Max pre-filter intake sponge ... and that's the same sponge used on the Hydro-Sponge Pro #2 reticulated sponge filter.

There's hype with a lot of products ... but the Eheim Classic's reputation seems based on performance and reliability ... which it's longevity would seemingly speak to.

Nate McFin

Ditto the lower flow rate because of testing methods. Eheim is a solid performer. Keeping in mind I havent owned one, I dont think you have to spend Eheim money to get good performance from a canister filter. Rena XP series and Fluval also make nice filters. Rena will be my choice because of a great code on Dr. Foster and Smith. How does a Rena XP3 for $109 sound? Compare that to the cost of an Eheim and forget it. Thats cheaper than a used one on Ebay!
Anyone interested in the code PM me as I am not sure of Forum Rules regarding coupon codes.

TedsTank

Well I hate to throw a screw into this but I have a Marineland HOV Canister fillter with nothing in it but sponge for bio filteration.

That pump has been in use for 23 years!!! I have replaced the gaskets 3 times and the impeller 3 times.

gmen4life

i use 2 plen plax canisters on my african tank and love them well there is a ac70 also but then canisters keep my over stocked 60 gal african tank perfect i have a 700 and a 1000 slightly diffrent media one the smaller has a tier full of bio rings and the 1000 has more fine media for polishing water tests perfect anytime i check