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Choice of filter

2K views 11 replies 8 participants last post by  marlin 
#1 · (Edited)
I currently have a Tetra 3060 power filter but have a chance to get a used Eheim Pro 3 2075 at a good price. Should I make the change or should I save my money and stay with what I have? Is there any advantage to going to a canister filter?

55G Planted

10 Black Skirt Tetras

10 Neon Tetras

1 SAE

Nova Extreme 2x54 Nova Extreme T5HO 2x54 1 TrueLumen 12,00K White 1 TrueLumen Flora Freshwater?
 
#2 ·
Sounds like a good deal ... ideally you want a filter that can handle at minimum 4x your tank's volume ... some prefer up to 10x ... and your current filter (which is rated for up to 60gal) basically just keeps up with your tank.
 
#3 ·
I switched from an AquaClear HOB filter to a canister filter quite a few months back, and I am happy with my choice. My reasons for switching were that a canister filter is quieter, and I didn't want such a strong current in my tank. It was adding too much oxygen to the water and my plants were not thriving as they should have been.

I would say the opposite of what Barbman said as far as filtration capabilities... I personally prefer to have a filter that's rated as close as possible to my tank size, and when faced with the choice of slightly underfiltering to greatly overfiltering, I went with a filter that's rated for one gallon less than what my tank is due to my concern about the current, and I know that I have enough plants to allow for that slight underfiltration. If your tank is not planted, then I would agree that more filtration is better than less, but then I still wouldn't go too far overboard because I don't think your fish would like to feel like they are being pressure washed day in and day out.

Also, Eheim is a good, reliable brand.
 
#4 ·
In followup to my previous post ... some specs for the 2075 are below ... I think it's fine for a 55gal .. output will be somewhere between 4 - 5x filtration. I would definitely get it if it's a good deal and in good condition. Your current HOB can then always serve as a backup for a QT / Hospital tank if need be.

Specifications:
ULTRA G160 PRO 3 FILTER 2075
Model: G90
Aquariums up to: 47-92 gallons
Pump Output: 276 gallons/hour

Some say there's no such thing as over-filtration ... but there is such a thing as under-filtration. I do think there is such a thing as overkill ... a Fluval FX5 in a 29gal would probably be a bit too much ... the current would probably splat the fish agains the glass ... LOL. Filtration is a relative thing ... in the end ... IMO ... it depends on your tank size, the bio-load, any natural filtration (bacteria & plants) ... and ones commitment to do tank maintenance.

Good luck!
 
#5 ·
The filter I have now creates alot of water movement at the top and from what I have read this is not good because it removes the CO2 from the water that the plants need, is this correct?

The Eheim is only 100 dollars and is suppose to be like new but I have not yet gone to take a look at it. So do you think this filter would cause too much current in the tank?
 
#8 ·
The filter I have now creates alot of water movement at the top and from what I have read this is not good because it removes the CO2 from the water that the plants need, is this correct?

The Eheim is only 100 dollars and is suppose to be like new but I have not yet gone to take a look at it. So do you think this filter would cause too much current in the tank?

In my view the filter would be about right for 55 gallon tank assuming small tetra like fishes as opposed to cichlids are being kept.
Rated flow will be around 40 percent less with media installed in the filter ,so not to worry bout too much flow but still have good filtration.
Personally,, i would maybe spend another 40 bucks and get a new Eheim 2215 which comes with all media and is an excellent filter in my opinion.
I use a Eheim 2217 on planted 80 gallon and flow/.filtration is perfect for my taste.
 
#6 ·
I don't think so ... that filter is comparable to my Fluval 404 and I know of plenty of aquarists that use 404/405 on 55 gal. It creates some current but nothing detrimental.
 
#7 ·
Once again I must go against the grain here - Good filtration is not about moving more water through filter media. Better filtration is accomplished with slower flow through finer filtration media. I've read here that Byron manages some tanks with simple sponge filters!
I use HOBs (AC70) to simulate sponge filters with added bio-media (Matrix).

If it's a good deal and you are not happy with your current filter (I've read complaints about it being noisy), then perhaps you should switch.
 
#10 ·
That is a good filter (Eheim brand), and a good deal, and it will suit your planted tank perfectly. Go for it.:greenyay:

Byron.
 
#11 ·
I only have 1 ehiem canister and its rock solid and going strong after prolly 5 or so years now. As quiet as the day it was new.

I gotta agree with abbysdad though too, with filtration its definitely quality over quantity, which is why the eheim would be my choice. I just dont like dealing with sponge filters :)
 
#12 ·
Thanks to all that have responded. I have read mixed reviews on this filter. Most complaints are the prime button doesn't work all that well after a while and some seal leaks and causes tank to drain. From what I have read the Eheim filters are good filters. I figured for 100 bucks that it is a good deal considering it retails for about 250. I think I'm going to go and check it out.
 
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