I need opinions on a new canister filter

[Prostreet_632]

Ok guys, my 2217 eheim broke and was to small for the 200g tank anyway. What is a recommendation for a new one. I was thinking about the Fluval FX5. Whats everyones thoughts, I need 1 in a bad way.

[algarciajr]

You could also go with an Eheim 2260 or 2262. You can buy parts for the 2217, what is it that broke?

[Darbex]

+1 on Eheim. More expensive then the Fluval but run great

[Navarro]

EHEIM don't even think about it is more expensive but runs with less energy and the filtration is superior they are designed to filter water much better than any other so don't go for the bigger pump because is not about that, ideally using their own media will improve the filter but you can cut a few corners by using bio-bale or lava rock as your biological media.
Cheers,
Luis

[imagirlgeek]

I LOVE our FX5s. I can't speak for the Eheim 2260 or 2262, but we have 5 of the FX5s running throughout the house and they are amazing filters. My favorite thing about them is that every 24 hours, the pump stops for 2 minutes and purges any air that has gotten in the filter, then it kicks back on. Also, draining the water to move it to the sink is easy. You just unplug it, disconnect the hoses, then pop on an extra piece of hose to the 'OUT' (with the other end in a bucket) and plug it back in. It just pumps all the water out into the bucket and then it's really easy to move.

All our tanks have sand in them, ranging from large granuales to 'sugar sand' and I've never had a single problem with it messing with the impeller or the pump.

Another plus is that we've never paid over $200, including shipping. Just look on Ebay. You can find stores on Ebay selling them brand new for that price.

[geoff_tropheus]

I own 4-FX5's, 3-Eheim 2262's, 3-Eheim 2260's, and 2-Eheim 2250's. This is what I like most...

Eheim 2262 - By far the absolute best, but it can be a pain in the *** to clean. There is no canister filter that puts out more flow or has a stronger current. The filter is a beast.

It has the same canister as the 2260 and this is how I suggest to pack it with media.

4L of the Eheim Effimech (Hard Noodles) or 5L of the Eheim Effix Media (easter basket grass). The put 3- 1 Gallon Bales of the BIOBALE media, and top off with Bulk Blue Bonded pad cut to fit or the Cut to Fit Polyfilter Pad. If you go with the Easter Basket Grass, you may have some trouble fitting 3-1gallon bales, so you may only fit 2, then just add more Blue Bonded pad, or floss, or charcoal bags to the top layers to fill the canister. All of this media will run you about $40-50.

Next I like the Fx5 because it is so much easier to clean, and very inexpensive compared to the other filters, but it has some issues with the pump being on the bottom if your running a sand substrate, and there is only like 5.5L of space to put other media. They are counting on all the large foams to also be bio-media, but when they get clogged dirty, their bio function really degenerates. So as long as you clean your FX5's bi-monthly or so, they will be just fine. This is the easiest filter to clean and setup comapred to the other 3.

The 2250's is a nice filter, but for a 200 gallon tank, you will have to modify it like I have. You will need to get the nozzle piece that goes from the lid to pump inlet for the 2260/2262 and then buy a 1260 or 1262 pump. The advantage the 2250 has is that it is about 2/3 the capacity of the 2260/2262 canister, which makes it alot easier to clean.

I dont know your budget, but this it what I would do

1. Get Eheim 2262 with a power head at the other end
2. Get 2 FX5's
3. Get 2 Eheim 2260's
4. Get and Modify 2-Eheim 2250's if you use the 1262 pump, I would only get 1 and then add a powerhead at the other end.

Also, what kind of fish are you planning to stock? If its large fish or tons of them, your filtration may need to be more. If it is smaller fish, or lightly stocked you could get less.

[bethesdaboy]

I like the 2080 better than anything if you are talking just canisters.

[supadave]

I own both the 2260 and the FX5 and they are both great filters. You can't go wrong with either filter. Just figure out which works best for you. Geoff did a great job of explaining the Pro's and Con's of each filter.

[Prostreet_632]

Thanks everybody, I guess it's just preference in the end. I will decide between the FX5 and the Eheim 2262.

[Zulaab]

Fluval FX5 -- Fishland at Westheimer / Synott -- $235 everyday price. Bring cash and get a discount.