Filtration for 4x2x2 tank

[illumnae]

Would 2x Eheim ProII 2028 be sufficient flow/filtration for a 4x2x2 tank? the tank will be ~420 litres of water (maybe closer to 390 litres after taking substrate into account). The flowrate of the 2028s are 1050 each for a total of 2100, but media will probably slow it down substantially (i'm not sure if the 2028s are rated with or without media).

i'm basically torn between 2x Tetratec EX120 and 2x Eheim ProII 2028. The Tetras give me more flow (2400) but Eheim's a better brand. Furthermore, for those who have noticed problems with the flow indicator, is it just the indicator spoilt or is the flow really 1/2 the rated flow as shown on the indicator?

sorry for my rambling, hope you guys get what i'm asking

[Magnum-]

I use 2 x Atman CF-1200 on my 4x2x2 planted. One unit is 1550L/HR, so 2 units makes 3100. I've stuffed so much media inside, some ehfi mech and lots of substrate pro and just a thin layer of filter wool. The flowrate definately slows down quite a bit, maybe slightly more than half of what its suppose to be.

Hope you don't mind me adding this, why not you save the $, one 2028 is enough to buy you 2 Atman cf-1200 filters together with good bio filter media. I personally find Atman filters value for money. It comes with 1 year warranty at NA and the spare parts are available at NA too.

[illumnae]

i'd rather not risk a short running life with Atman filters i'm sure they last long enough for the 1 year warranty to pass by uneventfully...but i'm looking longterm here, don't want to find my living room flooded one morning 2-3 years down the road that's why after considering for some time, my only 2 options are the Eheims and Tetratecs

[o2bubble]

Ehiem flow rating based on actual flow with media and more trusty than other brands rating. Its my own opinion however and stick to ehiem. If u buy 2 new 2028, might be better to get 1 2078 instead. I used it for 4ft with chiller, uv and reactor and with 2 outlets. Flow is very good.

[illumnae]

thanks for your feedback o2bubble =) i did consider getting a 2078, but i was thinking for redundancy purposes (e.g. 1 is spoilt or needs maintainance, i still have 1 running). i think i'll get the eheims then if they're rated with media

[krueger15]

Excellent choice. Been running my 4x2x2 with 2 eheim 2028 for the last 4 years. Only notable maintenance done so far was changing the rubber rings last year, though lots of people recommend yearly change. You won't be disappointed with Eheim.

[eddy planer]

Hi ,

This brand, Tetratec EX120 is just like Fluval X5 whereas Eheim ProII 2028 is well known for all aquarist's most trusty canister but where money concerns , spend it well.

But I thought that you are getting Fluval X5? Dont tell me that you got 2nd thoughts or opinions or you not happy with it. I'm going considering buy it very soon!

Share your thoughts please.

[David Moses Heng]

Hi ,

This brand, Tetratec EX120 is just like Fluval X5 whereas Eheim ProII 2028 is well known for all aquarist's most trusty canister but where money concerns , spend it well.

But I thought that you are getting Fluval X5? Dont tell me that you got 2nd thoughts or opinions or you not happy with it. I'm going considering buy it very soon!

Share your thoughts please.

the fluval fx 5 is one good buy( Yi Xiang, please correct me if i am wrong) I will be getting it for my 4 by 1.5 by 1.5 in may. Alternatively, I am also looking at the tetra model. Good value for money and Tetra is made in japanese.

My 2 cents worth.

[yeoyl87]

I would say fluval is a good brand. Half the price and equal in satisfaction.

[illumnae]

I am very satisfied with the Fluval FX5 on my current 4x2x2 eddy, so don't worry...it's still value for money in my eyes. the reasons i got the Eheim proII series (already went to buy the 2 filters after work today):

1. redundancy purposes, as i explained to o2bubble when he suggested the proIII 2078
2. i want to use an external reactor, and the large ribbed hose of the FX5 doesn't allow that - the hose of the FX5 is my 1 major gripe about the filter
3. my fiancee decided she wanted to make my entire 4x2x2 setup a wedding present for me, and she trusts eheim (because her dad, who also keeps fish has said that eheim is the absolute best), and she said she wanted me to get something reliable, so since it's a present from her, i respected her wishes
4. i decided upon tetra because of the good reviews in the plantedtank forum (in america it's branded as Marineland C series). however, i googled around abit more and found a number of contrary reviews. the Marineland C series has only been in the market for 1 year or so, so reliability hasn't been really tested though first impressions are very good

i can't remember why else but those were my main reasons. the Fluval FX5 was ruled out some time ago due to the redundancy and hose reasons. for all other intents and purposes, it's better than my choice of 2x 2028s i feel. MUCH lower price (more than $200 less), takes up less space, higher filtration power and the sexy water change feature. i wish fluval would stop using those stupid hoses!

[o2bubble]

Actually, what are the changes of Eheim filter breakdown and requires repair? It's good to have redundancy but I had no problem at all with eheim so far. It all personal choices, I do not like the space need for 2 filters, extra hoses, pipes, electricity to run 2 filters, cleaning 2 filters etc.

[eddy planer]

Hi YiYang

You're rite..i hate that Fluval 404's stupid hose , too!

I still have 2 units of Marineland "Magnum" canisters still working for nearly 18 years and no breakdown occurs . But I decommissioned both of them last Nov due to its flowrate has reduced down, perharps this reliable units lost its full function.

My congrats that your fiancee supports your being an enthusiast aquarist even her dad another like us...too!

hey i'm keen to see your 422tank before you move out,leh?

[illumnae]

haha i've been so busy at work lately! you able to drop by late at night say after 10?

[illumnae]

Actually, what are the changes of Eheim filter breakdown and requires repair? It's good to have redundancy but I had no problem at all with eheim so far. It all personal choices, I do not like the space need for 2 filters, extra hoses, pipes, electricity to run 2 filters, cleaning 2 filters etc.

lately there's a thread going on about eheims and poor flow rates anyhow, abit too late as i already bought the filters...Chan from NA actually recommended me to get 2 as well.

[Savant]

Googling FX5 now