Rena better than Eheim

[augi_ow]

http://www.aquariumpharm.com/filterfaqs.html#10

check this website out... its about rena filstar XP... i'm currently using filstar one... its quite good... 3/4 the price of eheim

[loupgarou]

exactly what is better? I think better should be reflected in the life of a filter, since filter media isn't really rocket science.

[Simon]

I also like to know why is it better.

[turtlehead]

pricewise?

[akoh]

durability ? , reliability ? or ?

[augi_ow]

pricewise.. definately... safely say 3/4 price of eheim...even replacement parts

reliability... mine still going strong after 2 years...

capabilities... correct me if i'm wrong,, the lower end of eheim has no self primer right.... i'm not sure about it like 2213... that is what the fish shop uncle told me.... but for rena xp filstar one, there is self primer...

in terms of replacing parts.... no doubt eheim... Rena replacement parts only certain shop have...

in terms of models.. no doubt eheim... so many models to choose from... Rena only have 3...

designwise... don't think anyone would care cause it would be in the cabinet after all.... but i think Rena looks better....

user friendly.... the lower end of eheim quite unuser friendly if you're first time to aquatic stuff... help my friend start his 2213 and ecco before.. almost vomited blood...

lower end eheim don't have this capability(Fitting directly into the pump head, the newly developed integrated double tap connector ingeniously combines the shutoff valves, the hose connections and the locking clamp into a perfect single unit.).... Rena has.... and filter almost same price

i'm quite new in aquatic stuff... but just wondering what professionals like you guys think... if you have $140 what would you go for... rena filstar xp 1 or top up around $30 for a eheim ecco

[augi_ow]

sorry my rena been with me for 1.5 years not 2

i heard ecco the handle break quite easy right.. if i'm not wrong... i'm not anti eheim... just seeking for opinions... so aquarium begginers can make a better choice..

[Simon]

actually, it doesn't really matter. the older eheim models do not have self-priming capability, since the technology is only intro after they launch the Ecco series.. yes, the ecco series isn't the best of their filter.. I broke 2 of them

in terms of reliability, I think I still go with Eheim.. my antique 2228 has been running for over 6yrs now . Haven't replace anything yet, but I have a feeling the rubber O seal needs replacement

I agree eheim is very expensive compared to alot of brands available, but still I prefer a brand I can trust

and if I got $140 to choose a filter, I would top up another $140 to get a 2028 pro II :P , just my opinon

[budak]

Look at total lifetime cost of use. The Ecco unfortunately has a poor reputation, but most other Eheim models, esp the classic non-priming ones and ProII series seem to face few usage issues across the years. In other forums, I have seen posters who talk of working Eheims from the 1970s.... but 10+ years of problem-free use is not unheard of. I don't have experience with Rena or other brands, but you could say every brand (and the features they provide, whether user-friendliness or longevity etc...) caters to a different crowd. If you are happy with what you have/choose, by all means enjoy it to the fullest.

[bclee]

I am using a Rena Filstar xP1. I must say I have extremely satisfied with it.

My review:

Pros:
- Very solid build. Materials used feels like top quality.
- Very good flowrate. (1350l/h (Rena xP3) vs 1050l/h (Eheim 202)
- Lower price
- Easy priming
- Spray bar and all accessories that are need are all included
- Spray bar is inconspicuous black color (I dislike green tubes.)
- Conveniently located flow control at the outlet tube
- Easy maintenance. The flow can be shut off by a flick of a lever. In the same motion, the tubes are disconnected from the filter body.
- Filter is "made in France".

Cons:
- Spare parts, if ever needed, are not widely available. They can be ordered through LFS when needed.
- Impeller blades are quite "thin". It appears that it may be broken easily. But with careful handling, one should not break it. (I have not seen a Eheim one to compare it to.)

Rena is to Peuguot/Renault as Eheim is to Mecedes Benz.

I wouldn't say Rena is better than Ehiem. But it is definitely good value.

BC

[juggler]

I checked the wattages:
XP2 - 16W
XP3 - 19W

These ratings are lower than the 25W of the Eheim 2026, 2028.

Looks good. Can consider if I ever buy my next filter.

[loupgarou]

I don't know how good rena self primer is, but I can say eheim self priming is still crap (even the professional II series), it is MUCH MUCH easier to use the eheim installation set 2 and a funnel and pour water in until all bubbles are out of the filter and then turning it on)..

eheim ecco priming mechanism is more apt to break the handle lock.

[aquarius]

Filter is the heart of the aquarium, so never go for untrustworthy brands just to safe cost. I'm not saying that rena is no good but I always advice friends who wants to keep fishes to go for a good and reliable filter bcos it is the most important part of an aquarium. It is a long term investment so don't stinch on it.

I've had my ehiem 2228 for about 7 to 8 yrs now and i HAVEN'T replace a single part of the filter due to ware and tear!! Basically it DIDN"T wear or tear at all!! Accept that the flow rate is not as strong as when i first bought it (even after i wash the filter). The flow rate now is probably a 2226 instead of a 2228. Hahaha.... Was wondering whether i need to replace anything to increase the speed back to 2228. Would appreciate if anybody can advice on this matter.
I'm not sure if anybody out there has a canister filter of a different brand that last this long and DON'T NEED a change of parts at all. If there is, do let me know which brand even if you've used it for 4yrs.

As for the ecco series, i do have my fair share of pisses with it! My stupid ecco 2231 handle broke b4. It's so very hard to remove the pump from the filter when you want to clean it and the handle tends to "slip" when you "pump" the filter either to fill it up with water or to remove the pump from the filter, causing the handle to ware out and spoil. But from this i realised that i did not remove the pump from the filter properly that's why the handle wore out and finally broke. I took a very long and detailed look at the instructions and realize that i haven't been following it correctly. Now i don't have such problems anymore. I believe alot of people did not follow the instructions properly that's why they have so much problems with it. Having said that i would still causion those of you who wants to buy an ecco series that they should be careful cos i find the handle filmsy.
Basically don't buy the ecco series, it'll save you alot of cursing and swearing.

[jhansolo]

Having said that i would still causion those of you who wants to buy an ecco series that they should be careful cos i find the handle filmsy.
Basically don't buy the ecco series, it'll save you alot of cursing and swearing.

I thought the new series 2232 fix that problem. Anyway, I'm a die hard classic guy I love my 2213s with double tapes.

[loupgarou]

The flow rate now is probably a 2226 instead of a 2228. Hahaha.... Was wondering whether i need to replace anything to increase the speed back to 2228. Would appreciate if anybody can advice on this matter.

can, empty all filter media out (into an aerated bucket), then run the filter empty with bleach water in a bucket.. that way you kill all the biofilm that's slowing down the flow rate.

[aquarius]

I didn't know ehiem improved the 2231 with the 2232. Will go check it out! Cos will be getting a new filter.


As for my 2228, when i do my maintenance, i will rinse all the media in a bucket with the tank water in it to get rid of the dirt. So it is quite clean when i put it back but the flowrate is still about 2226 flowrate. Was wondering is it because the propeller is old and need to change? Right now I've done a very thorough wash of the whole filter including the pipes. I took out the propeller to wash and also used a toothbrush to clean all the holes on the pump and finally flashing it with water cos i'm clearing my present tank and getting a bigger one. Right now leaving the filter to dry. If i start the filter again and it's still 2226 flowrate, than i think the pump is probably old liao.