Fluval or Eheim?

**Australian natives** · 07-24-2010, 04:25 AM

so i am just wondering which canister filter (out of the Fluval 305 and the Eheim Classic 2215) u guys would suggest for a 60g fresh water aquarium (which may become a 6 foot in the future)

let it be known that cost is a relevant factor (im a student =P).
(i also have 2 aerator filters, and a submersible filter)

**Cliff** · 07-24-2010, 04:27 AM

IMO the best filter for a 60 gallon would be a fluval 405 or a XP3. I have a 405 running on a 55 gallon and it dose a great job. I can't comment on the Eheim, never owned one. The 305 would be a little small for a 60 gallon.

**Australian natives** · 07-24-2010, 04:37 AM

it says the XP3 is suitable for aquariums up to 660L, thats a lot of water.. =P.
Hm, they are both pretty costly. $270, and $295. although i am in no hurry, so if it is worth the extra, i will just save for a bit longer i suppose.
would u recommend the 405 over the XP3? as XP3 is cheaper =P.

**DrNic** · 07-24-2010, 04:41 AM

I recently went through the same decision with my 75G. I got a chance to look at a smaller Fluval and and Eheim first hand. I went with the Eheim 2215 and I LOVE it. The eheim filter ran me about $110 online while the Fluval options were significantly more (almost $200 I think). Eheim filters are based around biological filtration (rather than mechanical/chemical) which I prefer as well. The Eheim filters are also DEAD silent. It's really scary how quite they are while they're running.

There is a good thread HERE regarding the different types of filters here that I found really helpful.

A word of warning though. If you plan to by the Eheim filter, DO NOT order them from Petco online. Although their site claims they are in stock they are on severe backorder. I waited 2 months and never got my filter from them and eventually they canceled my order (without telling me!). I eventually ordered the filter from Drs. Foster and Smith and had the filter in about 4 days.

Let us know which you get!

**Cliff** · 07-24-2010, 04:44 AM

In all honestly, you can’t go wrong with a XP3 or 405, both really high quality products. I can’t speak to the Eheim brand only because I don’t have any first had experience with them, but I’m sure there are at least OK.

I would suggest you wait for a few more members to give you some advice on a appropriated sized Eheim filter. Then start looking for deals out there and get the best priced option: Fluval, XP, or Eheim

**toddnbecka** · 07-24-2010, 05:03 AM

I have both fluvals and eheims, and overall prefer the eheims. The classic series are tough to beat for long-term reliability, while you can be sure you'll need replacement parts for the fluvals sooner or later.
Incidentally, I'd go with the 2217 rather than the 2215. Not a big difference in price, but the 2217 has a larger canister, larger diameter hoses, and moves more water.
The Pro II series are also good filters, a little more convenient for cleaning than the classics simply because they have media baskets and a priming pump. If you look around on e-bay for a while you can probably pick up a used one for a good price. I have 2, and paid less than $200 for both including shipping.
If you want a great filter for the 60 for a lot less $$ consider an aquaclear 70 or 110 hob. The 70 pumps 300 gph, the 110 pumps 500 gph, and they all have lifetime guarantees. Two of the 110's would be enough for the 125 down the road.

**FishGirl-Seattle** · 07-24-2010, 05:09 AM

There was a thread recently on the differences between these two filters - it was excellent and I recommend you take a look at it before you commit to one or the other. It's not a pro or con thing, but rather goes into the design considerations of each type. It was very enlightening. It's a sticky at the top of this section.

**~Col~** · 07-24-2010, 11:08 AM

The other thing to consider is part replacements. I also live in SEQld and I've been trying to get parts for my Eheim and everyone is telling me there is a month wait. I've never had that problem with my Fluval.

**Australian natives** · 07-24-2010, 05:38 PM

that thread was very informative, and i think i am leaning more towards an Eheim. mainly because they are cheaper. but i will be doing a fair bit more research before buying anyways, so i might yet change my mind.

The other thing to consider is part replacements.

hmmm. had not thought about that. ill ask petbarn and the pet centre about parts i suppose.