Canister Filters...

ddanley

I currently am running a Eheim 2028 in a Oceanic 135 freshwater setup.

It is OK, but it I have had leak issues and the self primer doesn't.

I am looking into a Fluval FX5.

What are your opinions on the best canister filter and what media do I use for the FX5 if I get that.

Thanks in advance

MoneyMitch

ehime imho are the best out there. i had a friend that had the same problem with his. if you read you manual it says something about needing to lube something or the self primer will poop out on you.

Byron

I agree with MM, Eheim are probably the cadillac of filters. I've had mine for 12 years with no issues, but they are older and don't have these modern gizmo's like primers and flow valves to cause trouble . Someone on here had a similar problem with their Eheim, trying to recall, may have been Aunt kymmie, or Twistersmom? Maybe a PM to both would help.

As for other filters should you decide to change, Rena XP series has good reviews (seems to be rated preferable to Fluval from my research) and I got a Rena XP3 in July and like it. It is very similar in operation to the Eheim, at much less cost, and so far I'm satisfied. Getting Eheims locally is next to impossible (only one store carries Eheim, and that is on and off; and I prefer buying equipment in a store so I can return it if there is trouble without mailing it across the world) which is why I got the Rena XP3. I bought the Fluval media though, much cheaper (like half the cost for each).

Byron.

Fishin Pole

i own 4 of the Rena XP series filters and love them..........My oldest one (7 Years, going on 8) was giving me some hassles priming it, but after a very thorough cleaning it hasnt been an issue since.....To me the media seems a little cheaper in my area for the Renas than the Fluvals or Eheims.......To me it seems they are basically do the same thing and operate pretty much the same way..........water goes in, water come out.......A few considerations will be the type of fish, number of fish and tank size that would determine the flow rate i would be looking for in a canister filter......

Twistersmom

Hello and welcome to the forum!

It was I, that was having problems with an Eheim 2026, bought used off of Ebay.
Well I still have not fixed it. I have replaced the o-ring around the primer, but its still leaking. From my reading, it sounds like bad o-rings around the self primer is fairly common.

Here is some of the stuff I dug up, when trying to fix mine.
Directions on replacing the o-ring....Replacing the Priming O-Ring on an Eheim Pro II Series Filter by Sergio
Sells o-ring and other Eheim parts......Eheim Filter Parts - Trilby Tropicals Aquarium Fish and Supplies

The leak did get better after replacing the o-ring, but believe I have a bad seal around the flow meter assembly. Good luck with yours!

ddanley

Thanks for the information!

DustyBZoo

If it's in your budget, check out the Eheim 2229. It's a wet/dry filter and I think it's just freakin awesome. I got it to use in my 120g with a red earred slider (turtle) about 18 months ago. I haven't had to clean it, maintenance it, change media, nothing. I now keep fish in my tank and moved the turtle to a 165g pond indoors. In my fish tank I don't use any other sort of filtration and my water is crystal clear and my 6 way test strips and ammonia strips say my water is near perfect.

It does take some time to establish a good bacterial colony, however once you have it it's very nice.
Also I have had no issues with mechanical function of this filter.