Best Canister Filter

[missmandy]

Hi I was wondering what is the best canister filter? I need the quietest one aswell because the tank is in my bedroom.

[BigDaddy]

Eheim... definately as quiet as they come

[darkdep]

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.

[Toss]

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.

[ottawadiscus]

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)

[darkdep]

I've never heard of Astro, but I'm intrigued...do they have a website?

[missmandy]

SO IF ANY WHAT EXACTLY TYPE OF SOUND DO THEY MAKE? cuz im a light sleeper

[darkdep]

I had a Fluval 304 in my bedroom right near my light-sleeping wife.  The Canister when full made virtually no sound at all.

[sniggir]

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.

[artw]

I have to look at the spraybar to make sure my Eheim 2217 is still working.

[missmandy]

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.

[ottawadiscus]

I send you a pm.

[az]

i'd go with eheim, very quiet and reliable.

[beowulf]

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.

[White Lightning]

Eheim all the way!!!!!!

[missmandy]

how much are you selling them for?

[babblefish1960]

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)