Eheim 2211 or Ecco Pro 130?

[seeyoudownthere]

Hi!
I'm looking to setup a 1.5ft plant (low-tech) tank with shrimp & probably a few neon tetras so need advice which Eheim to get. I have thought about other brands or type but settled on an external and of these the 2211 or the Ecco pro 130. Understandably this tank only has about 32-35 ltrs and both probably overkill but in your opinions which one to get and why? FYI i've used the 2215 in the past so for me it's about familiarity.

Cheers!

[Urban Aquaria]

Having more filtration for your tank is always good, it helps keep parameters stable for longer and helps to support increased bio-loads.

I was in the same predicament like you with regards to filter choice for 1.5ft tanks too... i had experience with the classic series, but my thinking at that time was to take the opportunity to try out the other Eheim filter models.

I was considering the Ecco Pro 130 too, i would have got that but somehow ended up getting a Professional 2224 instead which is even more over-kill. I had to adjust the flow really low or else the tank would become a washing machine... i'm planning to switch it to a smaller canister filter soon.

Anyways, i'm currently trying out an Ecco Pro 130 for a new 2ft tank that i've recently started, quite happy with it so far. It should be suitable for a 1.5ft tank too.

If you compare the Classic 2211 vs the Ecco Pro 130, the 130 has slightly more filtration volume and higher flow rate and it comes with double taps already installed (you can adjust flow and detach them easily for maintenance). In addition, it has an in-built priming feature (which is useful) and a convenient pre-filter ring caddy section which makes quick cleaning much easier.

If you were to buy a set of eheim double taps for the 2211 (which is highly recommended), after calculation the overall cost tends to end up getting closer to a ecco pro 130 too.

Many might still prefer the simplicity of the classic series, but from my experience having used the classic as well as the more "advanced" professional and ecco pro filters, i find the ecco pro series a good choice in terms of features and ease of use.

[Shadow]

I use 2211 just nice on my 45cm tank but you need to get double tap for easy maintenance. I was hearing ecco series handle is easily break, not sure if they fix it on the ecco pro series

[Urban Aquaria]

I use 2211 just nice on my 45cm tank but you need to get double tap for easy maintenance. I was hearing ecco series handle is easily break, not sure if they fix it on the ecco pro series

Yeah, i've also read reports of the handle in the older models breaking... not sure if the new version is stronger but i guess if someone really crank the handle in the wrong direction with force, the hinge would still probably break.

So far i've been following the instructions in the opening and closing procedure during maintenance and its quite secure, so i guess if handled properly it shouldn't be an issue.

[seeyoudownthere]

Thanks fellas...good advice and very much appreciated.

Yeah having to buy the double taps to a 2211 was a consideration, plus all the media is included with the 130 in one retailer I looked at hence i'm leaning to the latter. And it'll be good to try something new after a few years out of this hobby!

Do you need to reduce the flow in the 2ft tank at all with the 130?

If the handle is really that flimsy on the 130, i presume one can resort to the manual priming method right? Or is it actually used for locking the head onto the canister too?

[Urban Aquaria]

Do you need to reduce the flow in the 2ft tank at all with the 130?

If the handle is really that flimsy on the 130, i presume one can resort to the manual priming method right? Or is it actually used for locking the head onto the canister too?

For the 2ft, i found that the 130's flow-rate seems about right, i lowered the outflow to around 80% as i prefer abit more gentle current, so there is still some buffer to increase flow if i need to. I guess for a 1.5ft, you might probably lower the outflow abit more to 60-70%, depending on how much current you want and the height difference between the tank and the filter.

The handle is used for both locking of the canister as well as priming it (and its also a carry handle), i find it sturdy enough, you'll really need to crank it in the wrong direction with a fair bit of force to break it.

Imho, it should be very obvious to most users if they encounter resistance in the handle not to continue forcing it in the wrong direction.

Yup, you could still do priming the traditional manual method.

I actually only ever needed to do the priming function once during initial setup though, after that i didn't need to do it anymore during regular maintenance as the inflow double-tap keeps water retained in the tubing. So all i need to do is just connect everything up after maintenance, then open the inflow tap and water refills the canister and basically gets "re-primed" on its own.

[freyster]

sorry to interrupt your thread but i think tetras with shrimps not a good ideas. shrimps will become your tetras food.

[seeyoudownthere]

For the 2ft, i found that the 130's flow-rate seems about right, i lowered the outflow to around 80% as i prefer abit more gentle current, so there is still some buffer to increase flow if i need to. I guess for a 1.5ft, you might probably lower the outflow abit more to 60-70%, depending on how much current you want and the height difference between the tank and the filter.

The handle is used for both locking of the canister as well as priming it (and its also a carry handle), i find it sturdy enough, you'll really need to crank it in the wrong direction with a fair bit of force to break it.

Imho, it should be very obvious to most users if they encounter resistance in the handle not to continue forcing it in the wrong direction.

Yup, you could still do priming the traditional manual method.

I actually only ever needed to do the priming function once during initial setup though, after that i didn't need to do it anymore during regular maintenance as the inflow double-tap keeps water retained in the tubing. So all i need to do is just connect everything up after maintenance, then open the inflow tap and water refills the canister and basically gets "re-primed" on its own.

Thanks for this!

[seeyoudownthere]

sorry to interrupt your thread but i think tetras with shrimps not a good ideas. shrimps will become your tetras food.

No apology required as advice is always welcome. TBH the livestock are only options so will see once the plants are settled.

[cherabin]

I'm an ardent fan of the Classic series, even having to buy twin double taps for easy maintenence as mentioned by many. These filters are great work horses and have served me for over 10+ years. Another great feature of the Classics that has not been brought up is the back wash ability.

[stormhawk]

For a tank this size, I'd recommend an Eden 501 with a different set of filter media than the stock ones that come with a retail set. It's not exactly overkill since the flowrate is manageable and with a set of double taps, should make maintenance a breeze. I use one myself and like it a lot for smaller tanks since it runs silent. However, if it was a straight choice between the 2211 and the Ecco, I'd take the 2211 instead. Risk of breaking the handle by accident is just not worthwhile. Since you're used to the 2215, the 2211 would basically be the same thing, just downsized. I got no love for the Ecco series though and since the Classic series are reliable for most part, might as well go for it.

[seeyoudownthere]

Stormhawk & Cherabin
Certainly food for thought on the reliability of the classic design plus familiarity of a product that has been the mainstay of Eheim for many years! Agreed, it works brilliantly and with double stop taps, even better.
The Eden 501 was on the list before the Eheims but relegated as I will stick with the brand I know. Just which one given your feedback

Anyway, i'm moving into a new place in 2 weeks time so still to plan where I place this new tank in the flat. It won't be in the same room as my guitars for starters

[Urban Aquaria]

If you are sticking to the classic series filters, then i'd recommend to get the 2213 for your 2ft tank (instead of the 2211)... i've used the 2213 previously for an older 2ft tank before and its flow rate suits that tank size very nicely.

The 2213 has 3L of filter volume (which is triple that of the 2211), so its a better choice all round, and it usually costs only $20-$30 more.

[Shadow]

I wont recommend EDEN 501. Although the flowrate is the same as EHEIM 2211 in the spec but in the actual usage, the flowrate drop very fast. You need to regularly clean it, once every 2 weeks, to maintain its flowrate unlike EHEIM 2211 where you can leave it there for months before noticeable flowrate drop.

is your tank 2ft or 1.5ft? 2211 not enough for 2ft tank.

[seeyoudownthere]

Urban...the 2213? The tank will be 45cm only. I suppose it's easier to handle & maintain given its size!

Shadow...only 1.5ft!

[Urban Aquaria]

Urban...the 2213? The tank will be 45cm only. I suppose it's easier to handle & maintain given its size!

Sorry, got mixed up on tank sizes.

Yeah, the 2213's flow-rate is rated just abit higher compared to the 2211 (440 l/ph vs 300 l/ph), so its still not too fast, but it has 3x the filter media volume.

Just use a single or double tap to adjust the flow rate to perhaps 70%-80% for your 1.5ft tank, and if the flow decreases over time, at least you have some buffer to simply increase the flow by just adjusting the tap.

[seeyoudownthere]

Yeah that could be doable!
Question - do Eheim still use their green tubes? I'm pretty positive about getting glass out/inlets eventually (sorry budget considerations!) so attached to green tubing will look odd.

[Urban Aquaria]

Yeah that could be doable!
Question - do Eheim still use their green tubes? I'm pretty positive about getting glass out/inlets eventually (sorry budget considerations!) so attached to green tubing will look odd.

Yeah... eheim canister filters still come packaged with their "signature" green hoses.

You can get compatible 12/16 clear hoses from places like East Ocean or Aqua Star (other LFS may also have, just have to check around).