Eheim Exernal Canister & CO2 Regulator

[VSGenesis]

Hi guys,

I know this question has been posed many times. I've been reading for 2 days on external filters. I need some advice.

I have a 3ft tank. Freshwater aquarium with planted plants, 6 guppies, 6 cardinal tetra, some aquascapping (iwagumi), gex soil and Aquazonix 4 x39W. (Switched on only 2 of them for 4 hrs-6hrs each day) The tank right now is run on Fluval C4 filter.

Doing some research right now to get these two main things next month. I am totally torn.

1) Eheim External Filter Vs Fluval 405
I have heard that the Professional 1 and 2 has some leakage problem. That youtube fella Dustinfishtank just threw away his and bought a Fluval FX5.

The Fluval 405 has good reviews and just like Eheim also comes with some bad reviews like the leakage problem. Eheim spare parts can easily be found here while fluval not much, probably Petmart has some. I've been checking out Seaview and Yishun on the Eheim. I have a friend who keeps arowanas and he mentions about getting the classic instead of the newer ones. I prefer the basket sort actually. Self priming with or without doesn't matter to me.

What do you recommend for newb like me to get for his 180litres +- tank? Once I get it the Fluval C4 will move to the bottom aquarium.

Yes, I check out that BluePlanet and very much like the 2224. Can't find much review on it though.

Any feedbacks will be much appreciated.

2) JBJ CO2 Regulator
With all the terms and technical stuffs i've been reading here got me uber confuse. I'm just looking for something that works. If I want 1bps or 2 bps it will not suddenly inject more or less than what I asked for.

JBJ is like the best package for a newb or guppy which ever u prefer . The think I heard is that I should get the the needle valve change to a better one in the market. Don't need much technical explanation, can someone recommend a complete dual co2 regulator for me and from where? Plug and play. =P

PS: A bit embarrass to put my aquarium pic up now so err when things settle I'll post it. Taking a weekly shots to see progress.

Appreciate any feedbacks. Thanks!

[stormhawk]

First off, everyone's experience with Eheim filters differs, but for local usage, they are by far the best filters you can buy if budget is of no issue. I have no issues with Fluval filters but the FX5 does have good reviews. Don't believe everything that is said on Youtube, because they are after all, personal opinions.

I used to run my Eheim Pro II 2026 on my old 3ft tank. The filter is still in operation, and it's at least 8 years old by now. I can't remember when I got this but it was Nature Aquarium at Balestier Hill, so you see, different experiences for Eheim users. Some swear by it, like myself. Others don't. Leakage issues is usually due to the canister head gasket failing, or an O-ring that needs replacement at the output/input head piece. The worst thing that can happen with a Pro II is a damaged gasket under the self-priming button, which can set you back by a bit if you send it for servicing at Qian Hu. I do not use the self-primer function so I guess I'm lucky.

For a tank of your size, if you intend to run an inline CO2 reactor, or a chiller, a higher flowrate is better. Eheim Classic 2215 or Pro 2224 will be good for you.

http://www.eheim.asia/prod_e_extfilter_pro3.html

The first in the series, 2071 aka 250 might be perfect for your purposes. However, the newer range can be pretty expensive. I read somewhere that some of the older models are no longer in production.

[VSGenesis]

First off, everyone's experience with Eheim filters differs, but for local usage, they are by far the best filters you can buy if budget is of no issue. I have no issues with Fluval filters but the FX5 does have good reviews. Don't believe everything that is said on Youtube, because they are after all, personal opinions.

I used to run my Eheim Pro II 2026 on my old 3ft tank. The filter is still in operation, and it's at least 8 years old by now. I can't remember when I got this but it was Nature Aquarium at Balestier Hill, so you see, different experiences for Eheim users. Some swear by it, like myself. Others don't. Leakage issues is usually due to the canister head gasket failing, or an O-ring that needs replacement at the output/input head piece. The worst thing that can happen with a Pro II is a damaged gasket under the self-priming button, which can set you back by a bit if you send it for servicing at Qian Hu. I do not use the self-primer function so I guess I'm lucky.

For a tank of your size, if you intend to run an inline CO2 reactor, or a chiller, a higher flowrate is better. Eheim Classic 2215 or Pro 2224 will be good for you.

http://www.eheim.asia/prod_e_extfilter_pro3.html

The first in the series, 2071 aka 250 might be perfect for your purposes. However, the newer range can be pretty expensive. I read somewhere that some of the older models are no longer in production.

Dun you have work later? LOL! I can't sleep. Been reading for hours now.

Great! Thanks for the feedback stormhawk. Appreciate it.

Sometimes you're more or less set on what you want. You just want to hear from other experience users to justify your decision. Pro 3 is kind of over my budget. I will go for the Eheim 2224. And if budget permits maybe the 2226 or the pro 2 series.

Since, I am on a budget, buying the filter and the co2 system; a chiller will not be on the list right now.

There's way too much technical info on the CO2 and it's confusing. To those with experience with a good dual stage regulator, pls show this guppy the way. To make it easier, a budget of $200. As mentioned the JBJ is a complete set. It's much easier for a guppy like me but due to some not so good review, I'm looking for another alternative or perhaps something I should change like the needle valve.

As always, thanks in advance.

[Shadow]

for 3ft tank, I would recommend Eheim 2217, simple design, last very long but price wise will not be cheaper than newer model .

What wrong with your JBJ CO2 regulator? it is one of the best locally.

[Navanod]

Stormhawk pretty much covered all the bases but I would like to add to his reviews on the Pro and Pro 2.

The Pro is basically built like a tank. I have a 2nd hand 2226 that had been running for almost 4 yrs without issues and I'm still holding on to it.
The only issues with the Pro, if you need to connect it to chiller or other equipment, is that the inlet and outlet hose sizes are different. Inlet 16/22, outlet 12/16. The 12/16 outlet is sometimes hard to match to certain things and restricts future upgrades.

The Pro 2's main issue is that irritating self priming button. It gets jammed with age and cannot be user serviced.

Both the Pro's also have rubber gaskets on all the baskets that go bad pretty quick, even when properly greased during installation. But they are cheap to replace and failure does not cause leakage.

As for leakage, all canisters will leak if the main Oring is not cared for and replaced when needed. I always grease the orings so it does not dry up and crack. The grease also helps it to seal better.

Eheim sells an aquarium safe grease pack that's less than $5 (enough to grease all the Orings on at least 2-3 canisters) so no excuse not to protect those expensive Orings.

[polyho]

for 3ft tank, I would recommend Eheim 2217, simple design, last very long but price wise will not be cheaper than newer model .

What wrong with your JBJ CO2 regulator? it is one of the best locally.

Which Eheim model would you recommend for a tank size like 140cm x 30cm x 35cm (h)?

[Shadow]

you can use 2217 as well your tank volume is actually less than standard 3ft tank.

I look at the fluval FX5 picture, seem like the motor is at the bottom, which is good to avoid air lock.

[VSGenesis]

Hi Robert/Navanod

Thanks for the feedback. Great info. I'm pretty much settle on the Eheim 2224 or the 2226 I think. (a bigger filter won't do harm right, except for my pocket, hopefully within my budget. )

Will check it out at Seaview next Saturday. Need some rocks, plants and restocks on some of my items anyway. Will update if they restock on rocks when I return.

As for the JBJ, well I did readings online about it on a couple of issues including the valve needle. If its cool, I'll get it as well. Will check with Seaview if they have it. Its typical that for every product we find reviews there will be someone who finds it bad but I think what most guppies like me look for is that the number of good feedbacks outweights the negative comments.

Oh the FX5, that one looks like a tank with a jet engine. An Abraham tank if you like.

Once again, thanks guys. Hope you don't mine the questions and all. I want to rescape. LOL! I got way too excited. This time, I will get my stuffs prepared before anything else.

Why no pictures because as you can see from here. It's embarrassing. Pictures taken when I have not completed scaping it properly and putting the plants. So give me time, I'll pick up tips and hopefully, I can come up with something more decent. It's weird for me to say this, but those darn rocks you want are so hard to find. Rocks with charisma.

[limz_777]

I have heard that the Professional 1 and 2 has some leakage problem. That youtube fella Dustinfishtank just threw away his and bought a Fluval FX5.




fx5 also have it fair share of complains too , thou support is poor here , certain parts must order

[VSGenesis]

fx5 also have it fair share of complains too , thou support is poor here , certain parts must order

You're right. I look out for reliability and a track record for products. Fluval and Eheim has been the two I always look out for. No disrespect to other brand but when someone says its design in Germany, you'll be interested to know more. They did build the rockets right. LOL.

[Shadow]

My JBJ regulator are running fine for years, so does my Taiwan brand which is half the price. The only different is JBJ solenoid run cooler compare to Taiwan one.

by the way, you need much bigger rock and lots more

[VSGenesis]

My JBJ regulator are running fine for years, so does my Taiwan brand which is half the price. The only different is JBJ solenoid run cooler compare to Taiwan one.

by the way, you need much bigger rock and lots more

See that's why i didn't want to post. LOL!! I was too excited and wasn't ready. So I just filled it up. But I like the two rocks a lot. Still searching. I basically was dumping whatever rocks that was available. Almost wanted to get some from Mizu but then worried I might not get what I am looking for. If I go Japan remind me to bring a pickaxe.

PS: Are those plants on the mesh mini pellia? Sorry not good with plant scientific names. I just go by beginner plants list, and I name them carpet, medium size stems, background plants. Hehe.

[stormhawk]

I have a JBJ solenoid too, and it came with a needle valve. Was a gift from a friend who was quitting the hobby. It still works though, so you can rest assured that you're getting value for money with JBJ. There are more expensive options in the market like ADA and Dennerle, but for what it's worth, JBJ is pretty good. If you have problems trying to figure out the CO2 injection system, I'd advise you to hire someone to set up the tank for you, so you learn as you watch them rescape etc for you.

[VSGenesis]

I have a JBJ solenoid too, and it came with a needle valve. Was a gift from a friend who was quitting the hobby. It still works though, so you can rest assured that you're getting value for money with JBJ. There are more expensive options in the market like ADA and Dennerle, but for what it's worth, JBJ is pretty good. If you have problems trying to figure out the CO2 injection system, I'd advise you to hire someone to set up the tank for you, so you learn as you watch them rescape etc for you.

Can't hire. Don't have that spare $$$. It's either save for marriage or the guy who's gonna come over to set up my stuffs. U know what the lady will say.

In everything, I guess its best to learn, get tips and diy. Learn from mistakes and screw ups. Anyway, I am all set. Typing out my setup on words. Got most of it except for the main two items above. Pretty exciting!!! Muahahahaha.

Sorry.

[Shadow]

See that's why i didn't want to post. LOL!! I was too excited and wasn't ready. So I just filled it up. But I like the two rocks a lot. Still searching. I basically was dumping whatever rocks that was available. Almost wanted to get some from Mizu but then worried I might not get what I am looking for. If I go Japan remind me to bring a pickaxe.

PS: Are those plants on the mesh mini pellia? Sorry not good with plant scientific names. I just go by beginner plants list, and I name them carpet, medium size stems, background plants. Hehe.

Actually if you want to improve you should post before you even fill the water. You can number the rocks so that easier for others to give comment. You should not fill the water before all the hardscape ready because every time you move the hardscape around, you disturb the soil and cloudy the water.

That is not mini pellia, cant see clearly to give positive ID but 100% sure not mini pellia

[VSGenesis]

Actually if you want to improve you should post before you even fill the water. You can number the rocks so that easier for others to give comment. You should not fill the water before all the hardscape ready because every time you move the hardscape around, you disturb the soil and cloudy the water.

That is not mini pellia, cant see clearly to give positive ID but 100% sure not mini pellia

Ya i know. I was fooling around to see what happens if I add substrates and rocks. Just wanted to see how its done. The feel one gets. Plus I had to convince my lady on the expenditure. Oh and no livestocks in this top tank. N u are right about the soil. Rescaping will be bad once you have your layout with the plants all set.

The bottom tank is where the livestocks are. Where my C4 filter, air stone, gravels, some decor. I emptied the top tank and "played" with what I had around.

So what will happen next for me is to learn those plants. Names, how they grow, what they need and what's best for a beginner like me to have.

Next month setup will be in place. One step at a time. Once I'm satisfied with the rock layout, take pics. Happy move on to the next step etc. Will keep a personal journal. It'll be great.

I think right now, the hardest part are the rocks. Been to Mainland, Yishun and Seaview. Still searching for my rocks.

As for the plants, it came with the mesh. Will try to id them later.

[wongce]

Iwagumi a bit challenging for newbie.IMHO,u Can try out normal planted tank with easy plants first,once you get the hang of the stuff like cycling,fert regime,lighting period,wc, misc algae issues...then you can start a NEW iwagumi tank....

For rocks,my pals in aq and I have been traveling around sg for decent rocks...it very much depends on luck. Good rocks or DW are hard to come by as they are natural,none is alike... Maybe we can open a new thread and share our findings..haha

The plants you have on SS mesh looks like pearl grass?? Maybe you can take more pictures.

The hardest part to settle is your lady,its quite hard to convince non hobbyist to spend money on tank, guys have diffiulty understanding ladies who spend thousands of dollars for a bag too..lol...no offence nothing is wrong,it is just the perception of value is different...just sharing... I have similar problem with my co, so the tricks are:- buy little bit at a time,tidy up your mess and keep everything clean.

For easy plants:- moss,ferns,hornwarts are nice easy care addition to your tank.

[VSGenesis]

Iwagumi a bit challenging for newbie.IMHO,u Can try out normal planted tank with easy plants first,once you get the hang of the stuff like cycling,fert regime,lighting period,wc, misc algae issues...then you can start a NEW iwagumi tank....

For rocks,my pals in aq and I have been traveling around sg for decent rocks...it very much depends on luck. Good rocks or DW are hard to come by as they are natural,none is alike... Maybe we can open a new thread and share our findings..haha

The plants you have on SS mesh looks like pearl grass?? Maybe you can take more pictures.

The hardest part to settle is your lady,its quite hard to convince non hobbyist to spend money on tank, guys have diffiulty understanding ladies who spend thousands of dollars for a bag too..lol...no offence nothing is wrong,it is just the perception of value is different...just sharing... I have similar problem with my co, so the tricks are:- buy little bit at a time,tidy up your mess and keep everything clean.

For easy plants:- moss,ferns,hornwarts are nice easy care addition to your tank.

Thanks for the feedback! Really appreciate it.

Yup, the hardest part is the lady, then the rocks. I can count myself lucky, lady not into branded stuffs. Phew! It takes a lot of convincing. Still remember some time back when I got interested in road bicycles. (PG/SK member here - LOL) That was worst than this.

Lady has soft spot. So once I showed her what I had planned, she said okay. Now, I am basically reading, watching and taking notes. Gathering ideas on my own aquarium. It'll be a slow progression but I know it will be worth it. Minimalism is the word. 1 type carpet and 2 type of short/medium plants.

The rocks man. I went to seaview a week ago. Some rocks but not what i am looking for. Loads of good looking bogwoods and driftwood though. I say we get them pickaxe and start hacking. Passport ready, we're going Japan.

Anyway, the bottom tank, I might give away and switch to a smaller tank for the fishies. The space will give me room for my other equipments.

[felix_fx2]

For scaping Try out few arrangements and take a picture of each. Then settle on 1 for the day. Don't flood it 1st.

Halt for 1-2 days. Look back at the photos and choose which you like the best, then plant and flood.

Rock you can accumulate similar rocks that compliment what you already have. Having alot of pretty rocks that cannot compliment each other is just a waste of money.
(btw, the starting batch normally are similar when you buy them. Do keep pictures of them on your mobile so you have something to refer to when your buying)

[tetrakid]

These days, things are getting super high tech and complicated. I remember I used to rear guppies in a rusty Vinilex 4L paint can. And the active guppies kept on multiplying like nobody's business, lol.