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Choosing Canister Filter

5K views 12 replies 4 participants last post by  Angel079 
#1 ·
I was wondering if there were any specific numbers I should be looking at when choosing a canister filter. I know with hang on back filters, you typically want to get something that flows more than the tank. I will be setting up my new 60 gallon within the next few months, and was wondering if an Eheim 2213 (66 gallon) canister filter would be more than sufficient, or should I bump it up to the 2215 (90 or so gallon)?

If it matters, this tank will be planted with a sandy like substrate.
 
#2 ·
After doing a little research, I went with the Ehiem 2217 for my 55gal planted tank if that helps. At first I thought it would be too much current. But right from the start the fish were all competing for the chance to swim in the current. I'm not sure if using sand would influence your choice.
 
#3 ·
I think I read somewhere that you want your filter to be able to filter your tank X amount of times. Just not sure if that is a legitimate way of judging what filter I need.

Why did you go with a filter that is capable of handling nearly 160 gallons over sometihng a bit smaller? Just curious. I dont want to buy a small filter and wish I had a different one.
 
#5 ·
I think I read somewhere that you want your filter to be able to filter your tank X amount of times. Just not sure if that is a legitimate way of judging what filter I need.

Why did you go with a filter that is capable of handling nearly 160 gallons over sometihng a bit smaller? Just curious. I dont want to buy a small filter and wish I had a different one.
For HOBs, a turn over rate of 8-10 times an hour is excellent filtration. Companies SAY their filter can handle up to XX gallons, but based on what? GPH is a good judge of a filters capabilities for HOBs. That number does not have to be as high with canisters because they hold a lot more media and the slower flow rate means a longer contact time. Filtration is the most critical aspect to a healthy tank, and it's always a good idea IMO to have more than you "need."

I run an xp3 on my 55.
 
#4 ·
I'd def go with the 2213 for the 60g tank. That is more then sufficient filtration size!
That's THE one & only model I use on any tank 50g and larger, done it for yrs and am superst happy.
You can get a far better deal online then in the store for the 2213 right now here (and I think you'll have free shipping too check it out) EHEIM Classic External Canister - Filtration & Circulation - Fish - PetSmart
 
#7 ·
I went with the 2217 for a few reason. 1) I read on one of the forums where a person went with the 2215 for her 55gal tank. For whatever reason it kept getting clogged. So she eventually went with the 2217. 2) I saw on this and other forums that quite a few people were using the 2217 on 55gal tanks. 3) I wanted to error on the side of over filtration than being under. 4) Someone on one of these forums did their own GPH test with the 2215 & 2217. If I remember right, the 2217 was more in the neighborhood of 225 GPH. With that figure the tank was turned over 4 x and hour. 5) I know that in between cleanings, the flow rate will decrease as the mechanical media starts to get dirty.

But there's more to this than flow rate. You don't want the water rushing throught he media too fast. And the type and amount of media is equally important.

With all that being said, I don't think you could go wrong with the 2215 or 2217. But I think the 2213 may be a bit small for a 60gal tank.
 
#9 ·
With all that being said, I don't think you could go wrong with the 2215 or 2217. But I think the 2213 may be a bit small for a 60gal tank.
I don't think so and worked wonderful for me for many yrs - Unless one plans on seriously overstocking the tank.
Also what you should keep in mind, if you have a filter that's creating THIS much flow in your tank - Not only is there plenty types of fish that wouldn't appreciate this, but also plants will not thrive well if the water get's pushed around that much.
 
#13 ·
Who? :lol: Now you kinda lost me...how do you have this hooked up now? Like spraying downwards and corner to corner on the long sides? I think I'm too blond for this...can yo maybe make a pic (cause I wanting to hook mine up a diff way- just hadn't come up with a solution exactly HOW yet)
 
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