Eheim Canister Woes

So this is more about what issues you’ve had.

I’m looking to switch from two HOBs on my 60g to 1 canister and probably keeping a single HOB

I’m debating between and Eheim 2215/17 or Fluval 407/307.

I know Fluval is tried and true and is Good company with good products as with the Eheim classics. So I’m not worried about making a bad purchase.

I really have no negative opinion on the fluval other than I don’t know if I love the long vertical mechanical/pre-filter tray. I like the concept of just single stacking trays, which I know the fluval has both.

One think I’ve learned in my years of fish keeping is basic and simple is sometimes the ticket to happiness. I love how the Eheim classic is basically a cylinder with a pump on top. My only concern is that I have read things in the past about the clips breaking free from the canister. But I imagine this may be user error at times.

I would fill this canister purely with poret foam as I have always had luck with this in my HOBs and I would carry forward with that in a canister. This is where the Eheim makes sense as there’s no special trays or vertical cartridges to cut and place foam in. Just really plain and simple.

Cost isn’t a huge concern, mainly I just want something reputable with readily available parts.

So just drop some of your experiences, good or bad.

 

My two biggest knocks against canisters are a)i don't need that much horsepower on any tank and b)the more parts, the more there is to go wrong.

 

Not sure if this is still accurate but in the old days Eheim was miles better in quality than Fluval or any other filter for that matter. I had ones running for over 15 years without issues. They were way more expensive though.

 

Not sure if this is still accurate but in the old days Eheim was miles better in quality than Fluval or any other filter for that matter. I had ones running for over 15 years without issues. They were way more expensive though.

The “classic” line which is the green 22xx models can be bought cheaper than the Fluvals now. I think it’s because they have a newer gen pro models that are more expensive but they don’t seem to love the that classics do. Which tells you how great they must be.

The other thing is the GPH the Eheim classics seem to lack in gph compared to other canisters but it also seems that manufactures kind of over sell their GPH these days anyways.just counting gph at the head with no hoses or media. I think that classic ratings may be more realistic in real applications.

 

I have both (Fluval 406 + Eheim 2215) running on my 65 gal for nearly 3 years but I can’t really help much since I don’t really have a preference for either. Both have been trouble free. The Eheim is a little quieter, but in my case also a little smaller (15w v 20w) which might be factor. The baskets in the Fluval make it a little easier/quicker to clean since they can be done individually in rotation whilst cleaning the basketless Eheim requires emptying the whole can. Cleaning frequency also depends on the media, I only have the coarse pads and some bio-media in it so only have to do it every few months. I do like its simplicity.

Consider also whether you prefer spray bars or duckbill outlets although you can change those with custom outlets anyway. It’s also easier to put inline attachments on the Eheim hose than the ribbed Fluval ones but gain, hoses can be changed. The Eheim Classics do have a comparably lower flow rate than the Fluvals. That doesn’t mean that they have poorer performance (especially biologically) but might be a consideration regarding more or less water movement depending on your preference.

 

I wouldn't buy the old Eheims. They have known impeller shaft issues and you won't be able to find a replacement nowadays. The new Eheims and Fluvals are pretty good now.

 

I wouldn't buy the old Eheims. They have known impeller shaft issues and you won't be able to find a replacement nowadays. The new Eheims and Fluvals are pretty good now.

That is a good point. It does seem like parts are way more readily available for the fluval products.

 

I made the switch from an HOB to canister about 6 months after I started. Had no idea which to choose from. Did some research and asked questions. Read the Pros and Cons of most name-brands. Settled on an Eheim. Just more $$'s than I expected to spend at the time. So quiet, in fact when I first start them up I have to feel the motor or see the output to make sure they are working.
So fast forward 4 years, I have them on all my tanks from the Eheim Pro 4+ and all sizes of the Classics (2217,2215,2213,2211). No issues, well except during my very first cleaning I did drop the impeller shaft and it broke into 2 pieces (did not realize it was ceramic). Lesson Learned. I normally clean them every 4 months on average, just depends on the output flow.
On a whim (well 50% off the regular price) I purchased an Aqueon Canister. It works fine but is louder and it appears to clog easier which requires cleaning more often about every 2-3 months.
Never tried the Fluvals but I have heard Pros and Cons from members.
I still use the HOBs on occasion but stuffed with polyfil mainly as water polishers.

Just my .02
Different strokes for different folks.

Good Luck with which ever you decide to use.

 

I made the switch from an HOB to canister about 6 months after I started. Had no idea which to choose from. Did some research and asked questions. Read the Pros and Cons of most name-brands. Settled on an Eheim. Just more $$'s than I expected to spend at the time. So quiet, in fact when I first start them up I have to feel the motor or see the output to make sure they are working.
So fast forward 4 years, I have them on all my tanks from the Eheim Pro 4+ and all sizes of the Classics (2217,2215,2213,2211). No issues, well except during my very first cleaning I did drop the impeller shaft and it broke into 2 pieces (did not realize it was ceramic). Lesson Learned. I normally clean them every 4 months on average, just depends on the output flow.
On a whim (well 50% off the regular price) I purchased an Aqueon Canister. It works fine but is louder and it appears to clog easier which requires cleaning more often about every 2-3 months.
Never tried the Fluvals but I have heard Pros and Cons from members.
I still use the HOBs on occasion but stuffed with polyfil mainly as water polishers.

Just my .02
Different strokes for different folks.

Good Luck with which ever you decide to use.

Thanks for them input. I can get where people are turned away and how the can be “more work” naturally it’s a little more intensive then pulling from a HOB.

I do think I’m safe with any Eheim or Fluval product, but it’s nice hearing peoples experience.

As far as the flow rate for the Eheim. If you took a 2215 and fluval 407. They tank size they are rated for is in the same range but the Gph for a 407 is double I believe. I know the gph is kind of an exaggerated number from the manufacture at times. But are you happy with the output of the Eheims?

 

Thanks for them input. I can get where people are turned away and how the can be “more work” naturally it’s a little more intensive then pulling from a HOB.

I do think I’m safe with any Eheim or Fluval product, but it’s nice hearing peoples experience.

As far as the flow rate for the Eheim. If you took a 2215 and fluval 407. They tank size they are rated for is in the same range but the Gph for a 407 is double I believe. I know the gph is kind of an exaggerated number from the manufacture at times. But are you happy with the output of the Eheims?

I have both and Eheim output is definitely lower, but Eheim media capacity is also bigger which further reduces the flow.

 

I have both and Eheim output is definitely lower, but Eheim media capacity is also bigger which further reduces the flow.

I suppose the abundance of media can compensate for a lower turnover rate and maybe that’s how they can still have a similar suggested tank size.

 

I suppose the abundance of media can compensate for a lower turnover rate and maybe that’s how they can still have a similar suggested tank size.

Yup but the suggested tank size doesn't mean much. I have a Eheim 2217 running on a 20g lol

 

The Eheim Pro+ are junk IMO stay away. They work fine and are quiet but the hardware and quick release are janky and break very easy. The quick release gets stuck and a bulldozer couldn't remove it. I have a 407 now and love it so far.

 

I think Fluval has overtaken Eheim in the canister department, although the Classics still represent a good value option IMO if you don't need all the bells and whistles. Replacement parts for them are easily obtained here in Australia, but that might not be the case everywhere. Eheim seems to be selective in what they distribute to the US market.

 

Ultimately ended up picking up a Fluval 407.

With all of my research I could not really find a huge deciding factor to get one over the other. The fluval does have a higher flow rating compared to a 2217 but I found resources saying Eheim is a little more realistic on actual flow out of the gate. But the consensus seemed to be the fluval had better flow which was important in this case.

The final factor to me was price. With the petsmart price match and 25% off coupon it was about 20 dollars cheaper than I could find a 2217. So add the supposed better flow, cheaper price and modern convenience, it as what led me to the decision.

Setup was fairly smooth other than getting the hoses right, which seems to be a common complaint. Very quiet! We will see how I like it in the coming months

 

I like mine so far!

 

I like mine so far!

Do you use the standard discharge outlet or did you upgrade to the spray bar?

 

Do you use the standard discharge outlet or did you upgrade to the spray bar?

I use the standard. seem ok so I really have not looked into it. I have a 55 thought IDK how big your tank is.

 

I use the standard. seem ok so I really have not looked into it. I have a 55 thought IDK how big your tank is.

Mine is a 60g so same foot print but a few inches taller. It seems to be just fine but I was curious.

I still have my two HOBs installed to let this get established, so the flow in the tank is pretty good lol

 

I have a Fluval 405 and an Eheim 2215 on two different aquariums. The Eheim is only a few years old. The Fluval I have had for a long time.

A couple of things to consider between the two filters:

1. The Eheim classic series is made in China now. The Fluval filters are made in Italy.
2. Fluval filters use baskets to hold media. The Eheim is just a big open canister. Baskets, in my opinion are more convenient. But the open body of the Eheim is more flexible
3. Eheim Classic series have the inlet on the bottom and the pump on the top. This means, no bypass. Fluval's design has the potential for bypass.
4. The Fluval has their patented "Aquastop" valve. The intake and output both are in this valve, making it easier to disconnect the filter for maintenance. You pull a handle up and you pull it off your filter. Eheim uses their Double Tap valves, which require you to disconnect in and out individually, And you need close off two valves and unscrew the two halves for each other.

And another point. Eheim closed their US offices and have outsources warranty work to a third party. I can't remember the name of the company, but it sucks. I had an Eheim Jager heater fail on me. I emailed them (because when I called, I got voicemail). I got no response to my email or voicemail, and then a month later, a new heater just showed up at my door. Nice that they eventually honored the warranty, but some communication would have been nice.

Fluval's support is GREAT. You call and you get someone who's obviously from an English speaking country in North America, and they know their products very well.

I think the Fluval is much easier to main. But the Eheim is cheaper and more flexible.

I have to say that it boggles my mind how far we've come with canister filer prices.

When I was a teenager, there were 3 brands of canister filters, The Eheim, the Haaegn, and the Marineland. The Eheim was considered the best and was the most expensive. It was made in West Germany. It did not come with double tap valves. It did not come with a spray bar.

I believe when I was a junior in high school in 1985, the smallest size Eheim filter was $99, which is $255 in today's money.

 

I have a Fluval 405 and an Eheim 2215 on two different aquariums. The Eheim is only a few years old. The Fluval I have had for a long time.

A couple of things to consider between the two filters:

1. The Eheim classic series is made in China now. The Fluval filters are made in Italy.
2. Fluval filters use baskets to hold media. The Eheim is just a big open canister. Baskets, in my opinion are more convenient. But the open body of the Eheim is more flexible
3. Eheim Classic series have the inlet on the bottom and the pump on the top. This means, no bypass. Fluval's design has the potential for bypass.
4. The Fluval has their patented "Aquastop" valve. The intake and output both are in this valve, making it easier to disconnect the filter for maintenance. You pull a handle up and you pull it off your filter. Eheim uses their Double Tap valves, which require you to disconnect in and out individually, And you need close off two valves and unscrew the two halves for each other.

And another point. Eheim closed their US offices and have outsources warranty work to a third party. I can't remember the name of the company, but it sucks. I had an Eheim Jager heater fail on me. I emailed them (because when I called, I got voicemail). I got no response to my email or voicemail, and then a month later, a new heater just showed up at my door. Nice that they eventually honored the warranty, but some communication would have been nice.

Fluval's support is GREAT. You call and you get someone who's obviously from an English speaking country in North America, and they know their products very well.

I think the Fluval is much easier to main. But the Eheim is cheaper and more flexible.

I have to say that it boggles my mind how far we've come with canister filer prices.

When I was a teenager, there were 3 brands of canister filters, The Eheim, the Haaegn, and the Marineland. The Eheim was considered the best and was the most expensive. It was made in West Germany. It did not come with double tap valves. It did not come with a spray bar.

I believe when I was a junior in high school in 1985, the smallest size Eheim filter was $99, which is $255 in today's money.

I have no regrets going with the 407. It works great. It’s been a little over 2 months now and I have not cracked it open yet. Still watching the flow to see when I will preform the first service on it.

I most definitely would purchase another one and may be doing so in the future!