Eheim Classic 350 vs the Fluval 406 canister filter

Just wanted to know if anyone has has experience with the Eheim Classic 350 canitser filter vs the Fluval 406 canister filter. Which one is better? Does either one keep the water clearer for longer?

 

I would go with Eheim, fluval always ends up leaking after about a year ime, and needs way more maintenance. Eheim is better much better made.

 

I have the Fluval 406 on my 75 gallon and the 206 on my 40 gallon and I have to say I am highly satisfied with both. I wrote a review on the 406 a few weeks back in the review section. Let me try to find it.
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I have the Fluval 406 on my 36g and I love it. It's quiet and you can easily adjust the water flow. Maintenance is easy and the media baskets are fantastic. I have no experience with the Eheim.

 

I would go with Eheim, fluval always ends up leaking after about a year ime, and needs way more maintenance. Eheim is better much better made.

How long have you had Eheim?

 

I read a lot of reports where people were having problems with their Eheim canisters and it's hard to maintain etc.

 

I have heard really great reviews on Fluvals products. But I've also heard they do leak after a while. Is that true? How long have you had your Fluval filters?

 

That may be true of the older Fluvals but the 06 line just came out recently and is reportedly a much better product.

 

I've had eheim for 3 years on one of my parent's tanks.

 

Thanks for the input. I'll be doing some more research on both filters before making my decision

 

I had a Fluval 305 that leaked within a year. I never did figure out where it was leaking, I tried everything I could think of and everything anyone else on several forums could think of and it never stopped leaking. I eventually replaced it with a Filstar. Having said that, I'd buy an 06 series Fluval filter if I needed one and the price was right. Hopefully they have solved the leaking issue, it was fairly widespread on the 05 series.

I haven't owned an Eheim filter, but I've watched people clean them and I have to say I would never buy a filter that I had to dig filthy media out of by hand. There are other zero-bypass filters that are much easier to clean.

As a side note, the Eheim classics and Fluval 06 series are different styles of canister filter. As the Eheim gets dirty, the water flow will decrease, while the Fluval will bypass water around the media and maintain most of its flow rate.

 

You know, I have heard some of the Eheim canisters don't even come with media baskets, is that true? So how is a canister supposed to work?...

 

Those are the ones you have to hand-dig the dirty media out of. Some of the classics are that way, though I don't know specifically which ones offhand.

 

Wow, well that sure is a game changer lol looks like I'll be getting a Fluval 406 instead of the Eheim classic. Thank you for that info, I would have hated to get the filter only to find out I have to dig through dirt and slug to clean it out.

 

Lol I was in the same predicament a couple months back choosing between Eheim and Fluval. I got the Fluval for the same reason you are. I'll clean the tank and filter but the easier way possible for me lol.

You can actually get a 306 for your 55 and you'd still be alright with 303 GPH. Save a few dollars or so.

 

Lol that's right! I don't mind cleaning it out because I know that's my responsibility but if there's an easier way for me to do it, sign me up!

And I was thinking about that but I thought I'd just spend a few extra dollars and get the 406. Especially if I end up upgrading my tank to something larger