Help with picking the right canister filter

Mikiel1984

Do you know if the spray bar for the 2215 will fit the 2217? If so, could you tell me the brand so I make sure I get the right one. I am new to the canister filter world and want to make sure I buy the right items.

Thanks!

- Mike

Byron

As I seem to have been "silently mentioned" in this thread [in relation to the 12 year Eheim], I'll chime in.

I have had Eheim Pro II canisters on the 70g and 90g for about 15 years now, and they have operated non-stop with never a problem. And they are silent. Unbelievably so. Sitting in front of the tank I have to look for the slight wave of the plants immediately under the spray bar to confirm the filter is actually on. I don't use Eheim media though, not any longer. Fluval's ceramic disks and BioMax is 1/3 the cost and just as good. The pads have to be Eheim of course, to fit.

Two years ago I was setting up my 115g and looking for a canister. At that time, no store carried Eheim here, and I prefer dealing with a store when it comes to equipment that might need replacing, etc; I just don't want to be shipping filters all over the globe. I'm also not flush with money, so the cost was a consideration. I read every review and comment online that I could find on Fluval, Rena and Eheim. Without question, the overwhelming majority rated Eheim #1, Rena #2 and Fluval #3. I went with the Rena XP3. As for quiet, I can hear the Rena; it is not noisy but compared to Eheim, it is certainly not "quiet."After two years, i am happy with the filter; it performs as well as my Eheims. But the big question is, will it last? Rena do not have the track record of Eheim, and more than one person I discussed this with were of the opinion that Rena will not match Eheim long-term. So that means you can spend the money for Eheim reliability, or spend less and maybe have to repair/replace it after a few years. Time will tell.

In my humble opinion, based on personal experience and countless comments from other aquarists the world over, no comparable filter can match Eheim.

Byron.

Mikiel1984

Always good to hear from you Byron. As far as the media that you use which Biomax do you feel is the best? Fluval Biomax Bio Rings or is there something else you suggest? Let me know when you get a chance.

Thanks,

- Mike

DKRST

I'm not positive about the tubing diameter differences between the 2217 and 2215, but according to Aquarium Home Care : Aquatic Articles - Canister Filter - An overview of Eheim Classic canister filters, the outflow tubing for the 2215 and 2217 is the same (1/2"). You can find the spraybar at Eheim Outlet Pipe-Filter 2215/2222/28-(Spray Bar) and other places on-line. Honestly, the pieces are over-priced, but I love the filter!

Byron

The first basket of media (first that the water flows through) should contain the ceramic disks; Fluval calls this the "Pre-Filter" and this is it:
Fluval Pre-Filter Media 750g.

The second stage they call BioMax:
Fluval Bio Max

Eheim calls the first Ehfimech, and the latter Ehfisubstrat. I originally bought these for my Eheims, but more recently the Fluval have appeared and I see no difference except being a third the cost. The above links are only for illustration, I know nothing about, nor am I recommending, the site.

Mikiel1984

Thanks again Byron I think they sale both of these on Amazon at a very reasonable price so I will definitely pick some up through them.

To everyone who has commented I really appreciate the comments and help. I am still open to having others comment but I think this really helped to find the right filter to me.

Best to all and until next time!

- Mike

1077

I would only mention that with the Eheim 2217,, Biological,mechanical,fine filtering material, media comes Pre-packed with the filter and ready for use after rinsing.
Im running one on 55 gallon with five pleco's and some whitecloud minnow's/Emperor Tetra's and it performs well with monthly backflushing/cleaning.
If the number's of fishes listed under OP'S aquarium's are going into this tank,,I would like the 2217 or larger.