Eheim Filter Fix or Replace?

toymr2mk2

I have a 70 gal bow front tank that is heavily planted and stocked. I have an eheim 2215 classic filter. It was bought with the tank. The discharge bar is on the short end of the tank and the suction leg is beside it. When I first started it up I was worried that the flow rate might be too much for the tank. Now I am worried that it is not enough. The rate seems to have dropped off quite a bit. I am getting ready to replace half of the bio balls and the fine filter pad. I have cleaned the impeller and housing and shortened by about a foot the discharge hose. I have also cleaned out the hoses. If the replacement parts don't correct the problem I am looking to replace this filter with something that has a nice higher flow rate and that is relaible, easy to maintain and can keep the tank clean. Any suggestions on fixing the eheim or replacing it would be greatly appreciated!
Art

lorax84

Ehiems are known to have a slightly lower flow rate than their counterparts, but they literally run forever. I'm not really sure why you would want a really high flow rate in a planted tank. What fish are in the tank? If it were me I would stick with the ehiem, but it sounds to me like you may have already made up your mind.

toymr2mk2

No I haven't really made up my mind. Sorry if I gave that impression. Everything I have read is that the eheim is a great filter. I am willing to keep working with it if it is going to work for this tank. Not really looking for a huge increase in the flow rate, unless needed, here but more a good sustained rate. I have at this time 8 small angels, 2 pearl gouramis, 1 Dwarf Gourami, 6 pearl danios, 1 betta, 3 serpae tetras, 1 3" black ghost, 6 corys, 2 ottos, 2 upside down cats, 2 mystery snails and 4 nerite snails. There is a number of Amazon swords, crypts, Anubias, vals, Ludwigia, java ferns, Java Moss and chain swords growing in the tank. There is also a bubble wand across the back of the tank for additional aeration. There is a large piece of driftwood and some misc rocks in it too.

Thanks for your help!

lorax84

I have a an Ehiem 2217 on my 55 gallon. I noticed a dropoff in flow after the first two months but since then is has plateaued. I actually prefer the slight drop in flow. Before it dropped some the occasional fish would get tossed across the tank. I've had it for about a year now and it's stayed pretty constant. If the tank is heavily planted you shouldn't really want or need heavy flow, most plants don't do well in it.

Having made my suggestion I also want to point out that your tank is a bit overstocked. When those angels get to be full size you are going to have a problem keeping the tank clean no matter how much filtration you have.

toymr2mk2

I finally figured it out. When I cleaned out the hoses I neglected to clean out the suction tube that goes into the tank. Evidentally there was a restriction in it and once I ran the brush through it the flow has returned to normal. Thanks for the helpful comments.

lol.....Yeah I know it is way overstocked. Many of the fish were put in as starter fish to get the tank settled in a little at a time with the ultimate goal being the angels. As the angels grow the others will find new homes. I appreciate the help!

Art

quote=lorax84;1116389]I have a an Ehiem 2217 on my 55 gallon. I noticed a dropoff in flow after the first two months but since then is has plateaued. I actually prefer the slight drop in flow. Before it dropped some the occasional fish would get tossed across the tank. I've had it for about a year now and it's stayed pretty constant. If the tank is heavily planted you shouldn't really want or need heavy flow, most plants don't do well in it.

Having made my suggestion I also want to point out that your tank is a bit overstocked. When those angels get to be full size you are going to have a problem keeping the tank clean no matter how much filtration you have.[/quote]