Canister Filter Recommendations

by Fishypastor Wed Feb 11, 2015 8:57 am

I'd like your opinions and thoughts on canister filters for my 56 gallon. I am currently looking at the Eheim 2215 (rated for up to 95 gallons), but am open to other thoughts and suggestions. The tank currently has a Fluval HOB ratef for 70, but this in my opinion is only a minimum. The canister would be additional filteration, I won't remove the HOB. Please fire away, need you opinion here. I won't be overstocking the tank, I'm just a filtration nut.

by **CAAIndie** Thu Feb 12, 2015 11:17 am

I don't have much to add, as I don't used any canister filters (not that I wouldn't, I would, and have been reading up on reviews! ). I am totally in the same boat as you for being a filtration nut! Smile

Are you looking at anything else other than the eheim 2215?

by Fishypastor Thu Feb 12, 2015 11:57 am

Well, as it turns out I was brain storming filtration on my 56 gallon and looking at the room its in and if I want to move the tank... and I see toys everwhere... including lego in the fishtank stand and then in dawned on me...

"A filter connected to 56 gallons of water in my living room. with hoses that can be pulled off and I have a 2,3 and 5 year old who are fascinated with the fish! Am I nuts!"

Soooo... I am going to look for an additional HOB. My three boys are way too curious and industrious for a cannister filter. I was thinking an AQ 70... can't go wrong there right.

by **CAAIndie** Thu Feb 12, 2015 3:10 pm

That sounds like a very wise idea. Avoiding the flood by staying away from the river Wink

.

I think aquaclears are fantastic. I've been eyeing another AC, maybe a 50 or a 70, when I can can spare the dough. They don't quite prime as nice as the fluvals, but I've found mine pretty dark reliable (although I have had to get the impeller going manually 2 or 3 times. I'd go with the fluval c4 or the ac 70! Can't go wrong with either.

by Suprd71 Thu Feb 12, 2015 4:33 pm

I can definitely vouch for the Aquaclears. I have too many to count. No failures yet, a couple pushing 10yrs. For the price dif over a 70, I would go for the 110. A beast of an hob, superior mechanical, holds lots of bio. An added bonus.. they are strong enough to prime themselves and restart after a power outage. Even bone dry. The 70's wont. My opinion on canisters for what its worth. Eheim aint what they used to be and are still over priced. For small to mid sized tanks, you cant do better than the API Filstar(formerly Rena) line.

by **The PlantGuy** Fri Feb 13, 2015 9:01 am

I use these on all my tanks..Bought a few just to see how they were and love them way more than the fluvals I used to have....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SUNSUN-HW-303B-4-STAGE-EXTERNAL-CANISTER-FILTER-370GPH-9W-UV-STERILIZER-W-MEDIA-/291334201724?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43d4df217c

by **hello_rockview12** Fri Feb 13, 2015 9:06 am

Wow, John. Those look great and quite affordable! Plus a built in UV sterilizer, looks awesome! Any idea on the size of the input/output hoses? Wondering if my in line diffuser will fit or if I'd need a different size.

by **The PlantGuy** Fri Feb 13, 2015 9:25 am

yeah, they are affordable ..I think the link i provided is for U.S as I usually get things shipped to the U.S so it would probably be a bit more expensive to get them shipped to Canada....not sure of the exact size but i would guess 5/8th or 3/4...I always had a real hard time getting my fluval to prime with that little plunger, it never worked on any of the ones i had...these things prime no problem at all

by **hello_rockview12** Fri Feb 13, 2015 10:41 am

Good to know. Looks like the price in Canada is 2.5 times. CLASSIC Laughing

!

by **Shell** Fri Feb 13, 2015 6:23 pm

I too love the idea of a built in uv sterilizer, nice touch! We have a uv sterilizer (separate from filter) going in our 220g. I realize my two cents regarding canisters may be late or just plain useless at this point, but we have been using reno filstar xp3 canisters for about two years with no issues - love them!