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Aquarist Forums => Equipment / DIY => Topic started by: missmandy on February 19, 2007, 09:39:04 AM

Title: Best Canister Filter
Post by: missmandy on February 19, 2007, 09:39:04 AM
Hi I was wondering what is the best canister filter? I need the quietest one aswell because the tank is in my bedroom.
Title: Re: Best Canister Filter
Post by: BigDaddy on February 19, 2007, 09:51:32 AM
Eheim... definately as quiet as they come
Title: Re: Best Canister Filter
Post by: darkdep on February 19, 2007, 09:52:18 AM
Oh man, here we go again  ::)  This question gets asked frequently.

There is no "best" canister filter; the "best" canister filter, if it existed, would eliminate all others on the market because of it's perfection in all areas.  That being said, here's a brief overview of several brands that I'll try to make impartial (as others will throw in the standard opinions momentarily :) )

Fluval - Pros: Inexpensive, lots of media capacity and options, easy to find, quiet, effective.  Cons: Some people have leak issues (almost always easy to fix tho), there is the perception from earlier models that they don't "last" as long.

Eheim - Pros: Lots of capacity and medium options, quiet, very effective.  General perception of "high quality".  Cons:  VERY Expensive.  Although cheaper ones exist, the higher end ones will rival the cost of your tank, lighting, fish, etc combined.

Rena - See Fluval.  Different brand, similar pros/cons and opinions.

Magnum - A bit of a more specialized animal; It has very few media options and low media capacity, and is more complicated to set up.  However, it is a STELLAR mechanical filter, far better than any other period.  Alas, this too has a big con...much more frequent maintenance required.

Most canisters can go several months between cleanings, although magnums generally NEED to be done every week or two or they just clog up.
Title: Re: Best Canister Filter
Post by: Toss on February 19, 2007, 10:16:37 AM
If you can afford it ... Eheim, if not get the Eheim knock off, Astro. I believe ottawa discus/ Loyed sells them  ;)
I have both, not much different, eheim is slightly quieter.
Title: Re: Best Canister Filter
Post by: ottawadiscus on February 19, 2007, 10:31:21 AM
As Toss says there is not much difference in performance but there is a big difference in price. I sell Eheim and Astro filters and here is the price difference;

Eheim 2026 ($240.00) == Astro 2010 ($119.00)
Eheim 2028 ($260.00) == Astro 2012 ($129.00)
Title: Re: Best Canister Filter
Post by: darkdep on February 19, 2007, 10:53:49 AM
I've never heard of Astro, but I'm intrigued...do they have a website?
Title: Re: Best Canister Filter
Post by: missmandy on February 19, 2007, 12:36:24 PM
SO IF ANY WHAT EXACTLY TYPE OF SOUND DO THEY MAKE? cuz im a light sleeper
Title: Re: Best Canister Filter
Post by: darkdep on February 19, 2007, 01:18:04 PM
I had a Fluval 304 in my bedroom right near my light-sleeping wife.  The Canister when full made virtually no sound at all.
Title: Re: Best Canister Filter
Post by: sniggir on February 19, 2007, 01:33:45 PM
I have tried fluval and ehiem... and i don't like fluval's but for the price they are great choice but If you get your filters off Loyed get the astro, or get the ehiem, I use only ehiems at home but the astro I am interested in.
Title: Re: Best Canister Filter
Post by: artw on February 19, 2007, 01:38:42 PM
I have to look at the spraybar to make sure my Eheim 2217 is still working.
Title: Re: Best Canister Filter
Post by: missmandy on February 19, 2007, 03:22:21 PM
ok loyed i would like to buy one off you, either astro or eheim. I was wondering one big one or two medium ones would work best? its for a 90 gallon.
Title: Re: Best Canister Filter
Post by: ottawadiscus on February 19, 2007, 04:10:56 PM
I send you a pm.
Title: Re: Best Canister Filter
Post by: az on February 19, 2007, 04:29:58 PM
i'd go with eheim, very quiet and reliable.
Title: Re: Best Canister Filter
Post by: beowulf on February 19, 2007, 04:30:07 PM
I am on my first canister and it's a Rena and after 6 months no problems so far but I guess it's kind of young.
Title: Re: Best Canister Filter
Post by: White Lightning on February 20, 2007, 10:26:33 AM
Eheim all the way!!!!!!
Title: Re: Best Canister Filter
Post by: missmandy on February 20, 2007, 12:39:12 PM
how much are you selling them for?
Title: Re: Best Canister Filter
Post by: babblefish1960 on February 20, 2007, 06:23:31 PM
Quote from: ottawadiscus on February 19, 2007, 10:31:21 AM
As Toss says there is not much difference in performance but there is a big difference in price. I sell Eheim and Astro filters and here is the price difference;

Eheim 2026 ($240.00) == Astro 2010 ($119.00)
Eheim 2028 ($260.00) == Astro 2012 ($129.00)