The Puffer Forum

Hi.
I am looking to switch out my AQ HOB filter because it is just too noisy. I am looking to get a Eheim classic cannister but am lost on a few things..
I have a 38 gallon tank with 3 SAPs:

Which model should I get for enough filtration for my tank?
Eheim Plus
2213-37 102gph
2215-37 134gph
2217-37 208gph

For those that have this filter, would you recommend this filter? Pros / cons?

Also how long should I run both the HOB filter and canister filter before i remove the HOB filter and run the canister by itself?

I had a 2213, I consider that filter about the right size for a 10 gallon tank, can't handle much more.

Personally, I'm not a huge fan of the Eheim classic series.. they will run great for you, but I really prefer them to have individual media baskets (unless they've changed that). Having everything stuffed into one basket makes it kind of a pain to rinse out the filter pad, etc.. it all kind of packs together, media stuck to the pad, etc.

For the money, I prefer the Filstar filters, the XP2 would give you some good strong current on a 38 gallon tank, maybe a bit too much.

Many people love the Fluvals, but I hate, hate, hate mine. Getting that dang thing to prime and hold the prime was a major problem for me.

Myaj wrote:Many people love the Fluvals, but I hate, hate, hate mine. Getting that dang thing to prime and hold the prime was a major problem for me.

love the Fluvals!
media baskets & foam elements are really easy to maintain
seems that the "priming" has a lot to do with the position of the canister in relation to the aquarium, that is, the lower the canister (below the aquarium level), the better

I love my Eheims! I put the media in pantyhose (fishnets work great, if you can still find them).

seems everyone prefers something different. As far as flow rate, how many gph should I look for in a cannister filter for a 38 gallon tank?

You really want to look for 10x the water volume. So for the 38 I would go with something that does 320-380 gph. The reason I will go to 320 is because substrate and decor can take away a few gallons, but I really try to shoot for 10x the tank volume without decor and substrate.

Another vote for fluval here. In my 30 gallon, Im currently running a 205 rated at 180gph and it keep the water crystal clear. I just bought another filter off ebay; a fluval 405. I got it for $129, which is an awesome deal IMO. So I figure if I run both, I should be way more than covered. And I can ditch the noisy powerheads.