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Eheim Ecco 2232 Canister Filter Review

13K views 13 replies 2 participants last post by  Boredomb 
#1 ·
Since I began fish keeping over 10 years ago, I have always used a HOB filter, preferably the Marineland Penguin Bio-Wheels. When I recently began my 27 gal cube tank I had the Marineland 350 Bio-Wheel but in the growing months have become dissatisfied with its performance and maintenance standards. So I set out in search of the ideal filter! I instantly knew I wanted a canister filter, but which one? It was a daunting task in my opinion, trying to decide what size, brand, media type and style. With the help of you, the community it became a new brainer, EHEIM was the best option. But, what model and size. Unlike HOB filters I learned quickly that you want to get the canister rated for your tank (why doesn’t that really apply to HOB’s?). I was originally looking at the classic model do to their impervious track record. However I was advised that the flow rate may be too strong for my fish, and as we all know it’s about the FISH! I was then turned to the Eheim Ecco 2232, and I must say I had my doubts. From the pictures it looked like it was made of cheap plastic and have heard complaints about the handle breaking off. However, it made the most sense and ordered my off Amazon for $109.99. Within 5 days it was assembled and running on my tank, and I must say couldn’t be more pleased. When I first unpacked the unpacked the unit my fear of cheap plastic when straight out the window, this thing was built to last. Assemble took no more than 10 minutes and had it plumbed within the 30mins. All the plastic and vinyl piping is a see-through neon green, which I like a lot actually. It allows you to see if the pipes need to be clean or not while not obstructing your aquarium background or fish. Once I had it up and running the best part was apparent, the Ecco 3-in-1 handle. To prime the system you simple lower the handle to its second position and the water flows into the canister undisturbed. After 10 seconds you raise the handle back up and plug it in. It’s that simple! There are no horror stories of sucking on the tube to get a siphon and swallowing nasty fish water. Another concern of mine was the noise, but without visual seeing my plants sway in the water, you wouldn’t know it’s on (dead silent). As for the media it came with substrate pro, a polishing pad, carbon filter pad, and a course blue filter pad. I decide to run everything but the carbon pad because those are required to be change every 14 days, something I don’t want to deal with (I’m shooting for 3 months). Now after hearing all the pros (which is a lot) I have one minor complaint. While the intake tube gets suctioned to the inside of the tank, the outlet pipe is suctioned to the outside back of your tank. With having an aquarium background taped to the back of my tank, the suctions cups to fit securely to the back. I had to actually add a lot more tape to my background to prevent it from peeling off. I am going to post a new thread regarding this problem and possible solutions. If I had to rate this filter, I would give it an outstanding 5/5. I hope I have pursued others that are on the fence about buying this particular unit for it’s the best filter I have ever owned.
MetalArm3
 
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#7 ·
Ok I was totally thinking about my setup all wrong last nite. Sorry. Both my output (water return line with the spray bar) and my intake both have suction cups inside the tank. Been trying to upload some pics but my phone is refusing lol will try and get some up swap for ya.
 
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