Upgrade canister filter - least bypass

[cosmicgabe]

Hello all,

I currently am running an API Filstar XP small on my 30 gal. Although the filter is easy for maintenence needs and runs very silent and seems to be keeping the tank super clean, Im concerned with the overall design of the canister. Seems to allow for alot of bypass. So in short I'm lookin to return it and replace with a sligtly stronger canister. I keep seeing mixed opinions and reviews everywhere so I turn to AC forum for expert advice here; here are my suggestive options..

Fluval 306, Marineland C360, Eheim Classic 2215

Fluval - I keep hearing they are good and I know they have been around the aquatic scene for quite some time now. However alot of people also mention that the quality of Fluval has degraded? Anyone have input on this particula 306 model? Im very interested in this one.

Marineland - toooo many reviews stating that the product leaks. Even after Marineland did a revision on this canister series, they still seem to be faulty, otherwise, quality seems excellent. We all know Marineland makes some of the best HOB filters so maybe with time they'll hit the mark on canisters.

Eheim - from what I research, this seems to be a favorite -- I just dont like the part where the filter does not self prime. Not too excited about having to suck the tube and maybe taste some aquarium water every time I do a water change lol. Anyone have input on this?

Thanks for your time!

[wgoldfarb]

Just a quick note on the eheim: you really only have to prime it by sucking once. After that, if you leave water in the intake hose when cleaning the filter, the water in the hose will prime the filter. Works very well, there are some youtube videos out there on how to do this. I've only had to prime by sucking the very first time.

[talldutchie]

Eheim - from what I research, this seems to be a favorite -- I just dont like the part where the filter does not self prime. Not too excited about having to suck the tube and maybe taste some aquarium water every time I do a water change lol. Anyone have input on this?

Thanks for your time!

With a classic you don't need to suck the hose any time, just when you clean the hoses . And even then just unhook the outflow hose and let gravity do most of the work.

Also a 2215 is quite a bit of flow for something that size. Not all species of fish will appreciate that. If you got slow flow or stagnant water species a 2213 is a better option

[Cliff]

What exactly is your concern with the Rena? I have used three of them now with never a problem

I would suggest one additional option not yet listed here. Leave the rena XP small on the tank and add a HOB filter, like a aquaclear 50

https://usa.hagen.com/Aquatic/Filtration/Clip-On/A610

If you want to just replace your current Rena, then I would suggest either the Eheim 2213 or the Fluval 306

[cosmicgabe]

Thanks for feedback guys, ive since returned the filstart api and switched to a Fluval 306. The fluval is better in every way just a bit noisier than the api if that matters to you

[Nautilus291]

Thanks for feedback guys, ive since returned the filstart api and switched to a Fluval 306. The fluval is better in every way just a bit noisier than the api if that matters to you

I've liked all of my fluvals. I had one marineland and had it leak on me and it just felt cheap compared to to fluvals.