Eheim 2215 filter discussion

[Aquanoob]

I am using a Eheim 2215 filter with double-tap for my 2 feet tank right now and I have to say that it is doing the job well and what else can I say of something from Germany. I want to check whether the media are sufficient as I am thinking of changing the media inside.

Outlet
White colour pad
Green Divider
Normal Ceramic Ring
Red colour Biohome
White colour pad
Green Divider
Inlet

Am I correct with such media placement? I am thinking of putting bio-ball at the bottom below the green divider and to change the normal ceramic ring with lava chip as I read that lava chip is among the best filter material?
Lastly, I am also thinking of switching the filter to Eheim 2234 or 2236 to replace the 2215 as I feel that the Ecco pro series look like a better filter?
Hope that the experts like Shadow can shed some light into my questions?

[Shadow]

I can't really tell you right or wrong on the media placement. I'm not even sure if there is wring or wrong in the first place

Anyway, my media placement is as follow:
(from bottom)
Inlet
1. Green divider -> Reason because if there is shrimp such inside it will still be able to grow on this area
2. Coarse pad. Filter pad with bigger holes -> reason to trap to big size thing like leaf after trimming
3. white color pad x2 -> to trap small particle like mud. I can just trow away and change to new one
4. Ceramic ring or biohome or biorio or others brand -> at this point the water should be clean from particle, thus no need additional white color pad
5. Green divider
Outlet

I heard the Ecco old model have many complain on broken handle, hopefully they fix it on pro series. I like the classic series to to simple design as well as provide the best del. head compare to other model at the same flow rate. Del. head will tell you how long the hose before it start effecting the flowrate. It can also mean how many external device (chiller, CO2 reactor, etc) you can put in series or how long before you need to clean the media to maintain flow rate.

[Aquanoob]

Robert, you have any comment of using bio-ball and lava chips as filter media? Read and heard that they are good biological filter media. Thanks.

[Shadow]

Lava chip is good, it has lots of holes which increase the surface area for BB to colonies. Its also contain mineral that may beneficial to the plants. As for those plastic bio-ball, I'm not really sure, never use them. I personally think, as long as you don't over load, you can use any filter media and have the same effect.

[Aquanoob]

Thanks Robert, that was what I read about lava chips too. Will try it out the next time I do filter maintenance. I will try out the bio-ball also. By the way, how long do you clean your filter, because I will only open it and clean after about 3-4 water-change and that will be about 3 months.

[Shadow]

Never, until the end of scape . So some times 6 months but some time even a year . That is why I need filter with high Del head , otherwise the flow will be affected sooner because of dirt clog.

I did back flow though (if not lazy maybe once a month), meaning I take out the inlet, put on the bucket and let the water flow out from inlet. It will suck the tank water from outlet and flush out those dead leaf, dirt, etc.

[polyho]

Hi Experts

I would like to ask the pros out there which Eheim Classic model should I get for the following tank size. I am not too sure which model give a better flow rate.

140cm (L) x 30cm (B) x 30cm (H).

Intend to keen planted tank and a few fishes only. Also any recommendations for LED Lighting brand too and where to get it as the tank size is neither here or there.

[Aquanoob]

I am already using 2215 for my 2 feet tank, I guess you have only the next classic 2217 to go for or you can look for other model like the Pro series. The height of your tank is quite shallow for a 140cm tank, are you sure it is the right height? I will leave the discussion on LED light to Shadow.