Has Eheim's filter quality dropped?

[aquarius]

After reading the tread - Common Problems of Eheim Pro II 2028, I begin to wonder whether has eheim's quality dropped? I have one Pro 2228 and one ecco 2231 which i have been using for years with no major problems.

2228 - been using for 10yrs. changed O-ring twice - the first change was after about 7yrs plus of usage and the second about 2yrs of usage (Has the quality of the O-ring's rubber dropped??) Also changed one impeller after about 8yrs of usage
2231 - been using it on and off for about 6yrs. change the handle twice due to improper handling.

Some of the problems which were highlighted in the abovementioned tread is clearly quality issues ranging from spare parts to probably the filter itself. Since we are paying so dearly for the filter and spare parts, i would expect that the quality should be there and that we shouldn't be made to put up with such quality issues.

I hope to hear some thoughts/experiences whether good or bad from people here regarding this issue. If the quality has indeed dropped based on feedback given here, hopefully this tread will also act as a feedback to eheim to improve.

[hc rotala]

Yes, obviously I think Eheim filter is not as quality as previous time. Now they adding the so call “prime starter” & “fast release lock” for attaching the in-out hoses, where as this invention always lead to problematic. Prime’s gear always susceptible to trapping air inside the pump head, where fast release lock’s “O” ring tend to worn out due to friction by countless of reassembling during filter maintenances; as likely that more “O” ring means more chances of leaking & increase part replacement rate.

And one thing I notice on the new type of Eheim’s canister pump so far; is the flow delivery pressure head is miserably low, only capable of 2.0 meters high for the 6 liters volume canister range. This will affects the water out-put consistency over an unreasonable short period of use. This is the main reason I convert to magnetic “drive” pump instead of magnetic pump. Another advantage of high pressure head is they able to release or “sucked” trapped air from inside the enclose canister thus the water flow-put will be not interrupted during the filter start-up.

I used Eheim 2217 from 1993 to 2004, this classic model is more reliable compare to those latest units, they don’t have any superfluous features, but the flow heading pressure is slightly higher; which is 2.3 m.

[aquarius]

Not sure whether it's true a not but heard that in recent years some models are now made in china. When i replaced the impeller, the new one doesn't look good as compared to the old one. So far got no problems of it coming apart. Won't be suprised that most of the spare parts are now made in china.

[illumnae]

with the drop in quality of Eheims, what would be the most reliable brand of canisters in the market now? or does Eheim still lead the pack despite the drop?

[aquarius]

Will be interesting to see what people who have used other brands have to say about it. The problem with alot of brands is the lack of availability of spare parts which puts people off buying or trying them. This makes it difficult to know the next best alternative to eheim.

I wonder how's the quality of tetra since i believe there are people who has already used it for about 1yr. Any feedback?

[benny]

I've always like Fluval and Eden filter too. Besides Eheim, I think these two brand will be in consideration for me. Oh.. the new Tetra canister filters are receiving fairly positive feedback, as least from the shops indicating brisk sales.

As for the 'Made in China' concern, I personally think it's a non issue. I'm using a Made in China Eheim Classic 2213 and it has served me fine for the last 3 years with no leaks what so ever. As I've said before, hobbyists need to know the specification and operating requirements of a product to use it properly. Otherwise, the product will not be operating optimally or worse, be damaged. In this case, it's not a quality issue. It's a user issue.

Cheers,

[illumnae]

thanks for the recommendations benny how do you get around the ribbed hosing problem (not being able to run things inline) with fluvals? i'm running a FX5 on my 422 now and am very happy with it, but am kind of stuck as I want to run an external CO2 reactor inline and change the outlet to a rainbar.

[aquarius]

As for the 'Made in China' concern, I personally think it's a non issue. I'm using a Made in China Eheim Classic 2213 and it has served me fine for the last 3 years with no leaks what so ever. As I've said before, hobbyists need to know the specification and operating requirements of a product to use it properly. Otherwise, the product will not be operating optimally or worse, be damaged. In this case, it's not a quality issue. It's a user issue.

Cheers,

I agree with you that sometimes it's the user's fault but some of the issues raised seem more like quality issues than users fault. A good example of users not using the product properly and blaming the quality or design fault would be the Ecco series. I believe alot of people will complain about the mechanisium on the handle spoiling easily which most times is based on improper handling. I've spoilt it twice before due to improper handling and must admit that it's still a very good filter. I guess the more straight forward and simple the filter the better it is.

[aquanatix]

An alternative to the everyday Eheim would be the Hydor range of filters?
Though they only hit up to the Prime 30 which i remember correctly to be about 900L/Hr? For for powerful ones i tend to go for the Jebao or Jebo brands.Though taiwanese or china made,their pricing is surprisingly competive!I mean,if i'm about to get a made in china spares brand name i my as well get something that doesn't hide it's country of origin!