New to canister filters

[cuda]

Wife is worried the return line could have a problem of some sort and the canister could drain the 120 gallon tank, how safe are they compare to hang on the back filters?

I was told for 120 gallons the emperor 400 would be nice along with a decent canister filter. My tank is not pre-drilled.

Any and all advice and or pictures of how these are setup and the risks appreciated.

[Zilla]

I don't have any advice, but I was going to ask the same question. I don't have a problem with HOB's but it would be nice to have all filter media in one filter versus spread out in 2.

I'll be watching this thread and see what the general consensus has to say.

[Oscar_freak12321]

Try starting with a Fluval, maybe a 305 or 405. It is very easy to set up, and powerful but safe. Fluvals actually come with an instructional DVD. That is my advice.

[cuda]

I hear ya zilla, I am hoping the canister can handle the 120 all by itself (Eheim 2217 is what I am looking at). That would make the tank quiet and simpler to maintain once its going one would think.

I might start with just that, I am pretty sure it can handle the mechanical filtration but am concerned about it handling all the bio filtration once the tank is heavily populated, at that point I might add the emperor 400 with its two bio wheels to the mix but if I can get away with just the canister I would love it.

[Oscar_freak12321]

I would still recommend the Fluval. You'd be surprised how much of a breeze maintenance is, and it's probably one of the better canister filters out there.

[ILuvMyGoldBarb]

I've never had a problem with return lines on canister filters but I've heard of some who have. If your wife is really worried about those lines, you can create peace of mind by simply adding hose clamps to all the joins on the intake and return lines. Just be sure not to over tighten them.

I personally like the idea of the Eheim 2217. IMO they are a far better filter then the Fluvals. That said, you could ask 5 different people and get 5 different opinions on the Eheims vs. the Fluvals. I have used Eheim for a while now and I have no complaints at all, as is the case with the large majority of Eheim owners. Some swear by the fluvals and haven't had a moment's trouble with them, others hate them and have had a myriad of issues with them. It's all a matter of personal choice. I think you will find that in most places, the 2217 is a bit less expensive then the Fluval 405, and it has a higher filtering capacity.

[Oscar_freak12321]

I'm a Fluval fan. That's just my preference. But it sounds like I might have to experiment with the Eheim...

[Fishguy2727]

On that tank I would use a Fluval FX5. Instructional DVD, very powerful, tons of media, tons of flow, runs my crowded 150 goldfish tank with ease.

Although I definitely cannot say an Eheim is a mistake, with my experience with the Fluvals and what I have seen of the Eheims I would definitely go with Fluvals. They are a little cheaper, but a few other differences are very important.

They may seem insignificant, but the intake strainer and the tank rim adaptors are much better in the Fluval. A big intake strainer spreads out the flow which means fewer clogs. The tank rim adaptors on the Fluvals strongly grip the hose to the tank. This means it won't pop off and flood your house.

The Eheims I have seen do not have these features. The intake strainers are small and the tank rim adaptor was nonexistant on the one I saw (A professional III, their best line). In addition the black/dark gray hardware of the Fluval looks much better in the tank than the bright green with bright white lettering on the Eheim.

The only other issue is pretty simple, Eheim gives them impression that their filters can go months without cleaning. This is not true. Any filter should be cleaned monthly to remove any debris before it breaks down, which can greatly increase the nitrate concentration (this is known as a 'nitrate factory').

On the plus though everyone I have talked to who has one says the Eheims are built very heavy duty. Next to a Fluval they are 'like a diesel engine next to a regular gas engine'.

[Fishguy2727]

For a HOB most people would consider an AquaClear 110 as a better option than anything else. Great flow, tons of media space, easily customizable, great overall.

[ILuvMyGoldBarb]

looks much better in the tank than the bright green with bright white lettering on the Eheim.Not sure if you are aware of it or not, but Eheim actually sells a replacement for the intake and return that removes both this issue, and the tank rim adapter issue. They are a dark tinted intake tube and return spray bar with a good clamp for the tank rim.

[Oscar_freak12321]

I agree with Fishguy. Aquaclears are probably the best option for a HOB for your tank, maybe a 110. If you do get a Fluval, I think 305, 405, or the Fx5 would be preferrable. I would have recommended an Fx5 in the first place, but I was thinking it might be a little too powerful. Sorry, that was actually where I was wrong. I would say Fx5. That's your best option, but of course if you want to keep it reasonable, try either 305 or 405, as they are usually pretty good on pricing.

[ko4000]

I chose a Fluval FX5 and a Emp 400 to handle the filtration for my 90g. Very happy with it.

[Fishguy2727]

I didn't know that, but at least the Fluval comes with it, not extra cost. I haven't seen them in person yet.

On that size tank it is more economical to go with the FX5 since it would take so many smaller filters to reach the same capacity as the FX5. For 50% more cost than the 405 you get 4x the filtration.

[Zilla]

In my situation, I have a 55 gallon with 2 AC 70's. The tank is being stocked very slowly, but when I'm done, it will be considered under stocked. So I wouldn't need anything super, duper heavy duty, but it needs to be big enough to get the job done on the days where I'm not doing water changes, vacuuming, ect and not leak. Water and oak hardwood floors are like the Odd Couple, if you know what I mean. LOL

I don't want to take over this thread, so I'll leave it at that. If somebody has suggestions or thoughts on this, I'm all ears. I don't mind spending the cash on something, but I don't want to get into a situation where I'm throwing money at a bad product either.