Canister Filter for 2ft Planted

[Chew]

Hi, I'm a beginner in planted tank and would like to seek some advice on suitable canister filter for my 2ft tank. I've did a some checks on the canister filters in the market and seems like only Eheim filters comes with output rate in the range of 400+l/m, which is suitable for small tanks. Others such as jebo, jebao have output in excess of 1,000l/m.

Would also like to know what's the average life span of canister filters for Eheim and the other chinese, taiwanese brands. Appreciate all advices and comments. Thanks.

[evolim83]

If you have the budget, then would advice you to go for Eheim!
It's sure to last you longer than any chinese made ones in the market!
Replacement parts are easily available too!
And one important factor would be the constant flowrate.
Unlike their chinese counterparts where flowrate would reduced over time
However, quality do come with a price!
Ehiem filters easily cost 2 to 3 time then their chinese counterparts!
I believe many bros here have their Ehiem filter last long as their hobby (> 6yrs)!
As for the chinese-made ones, i would say its value for money!
Quality-wise, i consider them reasonable, consider the amount paid!
If you are looking for chinese-made one, I personally would recommend Atman!
I have 4 cannisters from them running as of now!
But only can afford an Ehiem!
And many chinese-made ones have smaller models for smaller tanks!
You can adjust the flowrate with the tap included!

Sorrie for the long comment!
Hope it helps!

[BFG]

Welcome to AQ Chew!

I'm glad that you went around looking at various equipment before purchasing anything. It's good that you found this forum. Have a look around various section to help you get started.

Generally, Eheim will last quite a long time depending on how you maintain it. It is a workhorse in my opinion. Most hobbyist would get an Eheim but usually budget constraint will hinder them to obtain one. But if you do your homework, owning one will lessen your worries. By the way, all my canister filters are Eheim. And most of them are 2nd hand ones.

[michael lai]

Hi Chew,
Welcome to AQ, how about the Eden 501 for your needs? The flow rate is slow, exterior design is nice and the price won't burn a hole in your pocket. I'm currently running 1 in my 2 footer, consisting of Totinas, shrimps and S. gertrudae. They seem quite happy with the flowrate. What more you can even hang it on your aquarium! But a Ehiem is a investment, notwithstanding the price, nothing comes close in terms of design, reliability and consistent performance. I have a 2215 which I have been using since 1994 and the only thing I change was the 'O' ring since then.

[Rupert]

With the exception of one [Eden501] I have bought all my filters second hand. The Eheim range seems to be a product that is robust, but buying second hand is a bit tricky. A fellow forum member, with more experience than I sent me the PM contents below, which is worthy of sharing. Slightly editied:


When you are buying a used Eheim Pro, pls check the following:

• The 4 soft rubbers under the filter are present. Else the filter will scratch your cabinet flooring.
• Make sure all component inside the filter are present: 'green plate', rubber seperator/connector between each trays, tube-connector between top-most tray and cover.
• Make sure the seller runs the filter with water for you. Allow it to run for 5 mins.. check if water is accumulating in the slot where the wire is coming ou from the motor unit. If it is, it is $40 replacement for the broken o-ring at the priming unit.
• Shut off the switch after test-run and keep the tubes in the water. Wait for 30sec. Look out for water coming between the top motor unit and the plastic 'pail' at the bottom. If there is a leak, it is $25 for the worn-out seal found on the rim of the motor unit.
• Check that the red restrainer on the top of the motor unit is still intact.
• Check to ensure all surface screws are ok (ie, can be taken out, check the cross-head of the screw). Else your filter cannot be repaired if anything break down. There are 2 visible screws on top and 4 side-screws on the bottom of the motor unit.
• Filter media cost quite a bit for 2028. Biohome cost between 35-45$ per kg. You need 1kg per tray.

• Check both o-ring and seal. (BTW, Qian Hu has no stock for the big outer seal).

I have found on AQ that if the person has more leaves that it is safer to buy. I have bought 2 x 2028’s second hand 2 years ago and no regrets, just bought another second hand 1 a couple of weeks ago and no regrets.

I think if you ask nine more questions that you can post a WTB on AQ! But use the search function first.

[kensk]

Hi, I'm a beginner in planted tank and would like to seek some advice on suitable canister filter for my 2ft tank. I've did a some checks on the canister filters in the market and seems like only Eheim filters comes with output rate in the range of 400+l/m, which is suitable for small tanks. Others such as jebo, jebao have output in excess of 1,000l/m.

Would also like to know what's the average life span of canister filters for Eheim and the other chinese, taiwanese brands. Appreciate all advices and comments. Thanks.

Fren...i suggest you use Atman CF-600 which is the one i am using...
Can get from Nature Aquarium ..think ard $55...
Comes with media somemore...so can just plug n play.
Flowrate is at 740l/hr

[Chew]

Thanks guys for all your advices. Very useful information indeed.

Hi Michael, Eden 501 did came to mind after reading some of the discussions/ comments and review on the filter. However, it's not on the shelf yet apart from AQ mass order. You have any idea where it's available? Thanks.

Hi Rupert, that's a very detailed checklist. A good refernce to fall upon for purchasing used Eheim filter. Thumbs up.

[ranmasatome]

If possible..can also try the Eheim 2232, 2234,2236. I would admit taht the priming/closing/opening device is a pain but they work well for a 2fter.. i have 2 and they have both lasted me 10yrs or more..

If budget is a constraint you can check out some Atman models at NA

[peterkoh]

how much is the eden 501 and can it be found at petmart or that fish shop ?

[anaconda]

Not really sure about the price of the Eden 501 but should be around the 60 dollar mark

Biotope is advertising they have about 8 sets to sell . You can check them out

Hear that C328 are also going to bring some in

[cairocks]

Had been using a brand call "Tom" canister filter for my 2 feet tank for the past 4-5 years. The model is FT-2. So far quite satisfied with it. Quite quiet operation , only thing is that it has to use a pump attached to the outlet hose for priming and sometimes priming takes a while to do. Was not seen in local fish shops until very recently. Think the market price is around $70. It is my first canister filter to date, and had been waiting for it to break down so I can try other brands to compare. Siao!!! Ha Ha Ha.

[Chew]

If possible..can also try the Eheim 2232, 2234,2236. I would admit taht the priming/closing/opening device is a pain but they work well for a 2fter.. i have 2 and they have both lasted me 10yrs or more..

If budget is a constraint you can check out some Atman models at NA

Thanks for the advice. Well Eheim models kinda out of my budget at the moment. Got an Atman CF-600 from C328. Up and running, quiet operation, output seems to be abit strong thou, not sure whether my shrimps will get used to the current.

[gummynut]

any Atman filters to recommend for a 3ft tank? Eheim is nice to have but definitely beyond my budget. also, are the Atman filter parts and replacements easy to be found?

[Ssur]

Thanks for the advice. Well Eheim models kinda out of my budget at the moment. Got an Atman CF-600 from C328. Up and running, quiet operation, output seems to be abit strong thou, not sure whether my shrimps will get used to the current.

Hi hi,

I am also in the midst of setting up a 2ft planted, but im waiting for the Eden 501, hope to get it from C328.

Can i ask you some qns, did you kick start your plants with some Co2? or are u running Co2 setup?

By the way, what did you do to cycle your tank? Nutrifin cycle?

[valice]

Hi hi,

I am also in the midst of setting up a 2ft planted, but im waiting for the Eden 501, hope to get it from C328.

I was wondering how you going to place your canister filter for your 2ft tank? Will it be hanged, placed beside your tank or under your tank?

The Eden 501 is quite small and it might not be strong enough (in terms for flowrate) to effectively filter your tank... I am speaking from experience of using an Eheim 2213, which I placed under the tank, about 2.5 feet under the tank... And the flowrate is not very strong since it has to push water up from the bottom into the tank...

So when making decision on which filter to use, also consider the placement...

[ranmasatome]

[Ssur]

I was wondering how you going to place your canister filter for your 2ft tank? Will it be hanged, placed beside your tank or under your tank?

The Eden 501 is quite small and it might not be strong enough (in terms for flowrate) to effectively filter your tank... I am speaking from experience of using an Eheim 2213, which I placed under the tank, about 2.5 feet under the tank... And the flowrate is not very strong since it has to push water up from the bottom into the tank...

So when making decision on which filter to use, also consider the placement...

Placement wise, i am planning to have it hang on the back of the tank, if not it will be placed at the same level as the tank, and not below. Flow rate wise, im not too sure as compared to 2213, but i also have considered that canister filter. So the Eden 501 looks good for now.

Also, i dont intend a large bioload, maybe 15-20 tetras and some shrimps.

[Chew]

Hi hi,

I am also in the midst of setting up a 2ft planted, but im waiting for the Eden 501, hope to get it from C328.

Can i ask you some qns, did you kick start your plants with some Co2? or are u running Co2 setup?

By the way, what did you do to cycle your tank? Nutrifin cycle?

Nope. Started on non-CO2 since day 1. So far, most of the plants are ok. Got some neons and cherries casualties thou.

Sorry but what's this "Nutrifin cycle"?

[Ssur]

Nope. Started on non-CO2 since day 1. So far, most of the plants are ok. Got some neons and cherries casualties thou.

Sorry but what's this "Nutrifin cycle"?

Its a bottle of additives to help cycle a new tank, helps start bacteria growth, i believe.

Saw one bottle for about $8-9 bucks, i wonder if its really needed. And also, bacteria powder might be the same thing.

[Chew]

Its a bottle of additives to help cycle a new tank, helps start bacteria growth, i believe.

Saw one bottle for about $8-9 bucks, i wonder if its really needed. And also, bacteria powder might be the same thing.

Oh i see. Well I cycle my tank with the gravel and some plants in it. And subsequently add in a bag of feeder fish with 6 survivor at end of cycle. Intro a dozen of noens and 8 malayan shrimps after that, noens coping fine with 3 dead shrimp.

Btw, fyi, I placed my rainbar at the rear bottom of the tank with output holes facing the top.

1 week old tank pic in my gallery if you are interested.