Question: Canister Filters

[Opacum]

I was just wondering which canister filters were the most popular for biological and mechanical/chemical filtration in regards to amphibians? I always used Fluvals for biological and Magnum/Marinelands for mechanical/chemical with fish. I haven't tried the large Rena ones and the Eheim ones seemed overpriced and a tad 'dainty' although you can pack them anyway you like as opposed to the compartmentalized styles. I want to use 1 or 2 for newts and I am debating tank sizes right now. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance! :frog:

 

[lea]

I was told to get(I think it has been the only thing the pet shop got right) a Eheim filter when I bought my axie and I havent has a problem with it.

 

[Opacum]

Thanks, Lea. They are very well made. I was just concerned with the flow rates on them as they tend to run a bit slower as they are more geared to biological filtration. They are fantastic filters for reliability. I wasn't sure if I should worry more about waste management or trying to keep the tank cycled for newts. But if you are having good water quality with an Eheim, I'll certainly consider it. Now I just have to size it for the amount of water I'll need. Ultimately, you want to turn your water over 10 times per hour. I have to see what monsters Eheim has if I want to go with a big tank. But I shall definitely keep under consideration your endorsement of Eheim. Thanks again!

 

[Jennewt]

For axolotls, a slower flow rate is better, since they are stressed by any significant current. I use one Eheim and it seems to have a fairly high flow rate for its size, but I don't have the specs. The good thing about Eheims is that they are well made and the replacement parts are widely available, so they should last for a very long time. I like the Fluval canisters too, but they eventually die and there's usually nothing to do but replace them.

This statement doesn't make sense to me:
" I always used Fluvals for biological and Magnum/Marinelands for mechanical/chemical"
All of those types of filters should do well at all 3 types of filtration, assuming they contain the usual media.

 

[Opacum]

Hi Jen. Magnums were the 'Evinrudes' of the fish world. You could use them for 'diatoming' your tank as they were super fast and geared to cleaning mechanically as the had a filter sleeve and carbon container in their housing. They weren't really set up for packing it with bio-balls or ceramic noodles. Also they ran too fast to allow bacteria build-up on the media. All of the others mentioned had larger capacities and were either bare or compartmentalized for using sponges and media specifically for biological purposes. They also ran slower. I usually had foregone the carbon and doubled the noodles in those types for even more surface area for bacteria. Eheims were nice because you could use the mesh as well. Fluvals worked very well for me though the clips would always invariably break. One of the great things about managing pet stores was the fact that you could and were encouraged to always try the new products out in your store.

 

[dazkeirle]

I use a Rena XP2. Silent, variable flow and adaptable pipe system and very easy to clean.

Very well made and great customer service.

Everybody here loves Eheims but I'm not sold

 

[Opacum]

Thanks, Daz. I have only used their internal filters which were fine. Never used their canisters though. I was out looking at canisters yesterday in a great place about 45 minutes from me. I'll take a harder look at Rena when I go again, as they had the whole line there.

 

[Shizeric]

I have a fluval 205 on a 30 gallon tank and a fluval 305 on a 55 gallon tank. I love both of them.

 

[Kaysie]

I used Rena filters for years and never had a problem. One time I bought a new one and the motor burnt out upon first use (it was wired wrong), and they sent a replacement in just a few days. On top of that, they're WAY cheaper than Eheim. I will make a shameless plug for Big Al's Online. I bought all 3 Rena's there for way cheaper than big-box pet store sells 'em.

 

[Opacum]

Eric, I've used the 403 and 303 and liked them a lot except for the aforementioned clip issues. I have to look at the 5 series to see what they are like. I found Fluvals exceptionally reliable and well priced. Kaysie, I hear you on the Eheims. They were always the most expensive, bar none, but they too, were reliable. Glad to hear another plug for Rena as well. I like to see what's new and I do need to check them out more closely. Again, these filters are going to be for newts so I will watch the turbulence factor, although I usually try and use a spray bar at the end as it adds oxygenation and attenuates the force a bit. And I know to watch for too many microbubbles in the tank as well. It has been a while since I have been 'in the game' as it were, but having worked for a pet chain that specialized in fish for quite a few years in management really allowed me to experience hardware first hand, and I got to go to seminars and conventions by all of the famous manufacturers we have been talking about. And while I have perused the new equipment I have found that it really hasn't changed all that much in the last 15 years. I was worried that there would be some drastic changes, but it looks as if you just have more efficient filters that do the same thing. My real queries are going to be about eventual breeding anyway. I've kept newts and salamanders before with no trouble, but as I have got older I want to be less a collector and more conscious of breeding to keep captive bred stuff in the forefront and leave the wild populations be. But thanks for weighing in. You guys have had more experience with these caudates and I appreciate any wisdom handed down to me.

 

[Shizeric]

I think they have redesigned the "clip"...if what you are referring to is the mechanism that keeps the lid on the base. They are very sturdy on my fluvals.

 

[Opacum]

Well that is good to know. On the 3 series they were brown, clear plastic with two little nubs that clicked into the base. You had to make sure you carefully pulled up and straight back to release them or they would invariably snap.

 

[Shizeric]

Oh..the new clips are large and sturdy solid gray plastic. They are definitely made to last.

 

[Opacum]

LOL! Now THAT'S what I'm talkin' 'bout! Thanks, Eric. They pretty much totally revamped it. We always used to complain that the clips were fragile and undersized. Guess the boys at Hagen finally listened. :happy:

 

[capital G]

I have a new model Fluval canister (same as the one above), never had a issue with it and its been great since purchase. Easy to open and replace/clean media, and the aqua-stop valve is great too.

 

[Opacum]

I think I'm leaning more towards the Fluval but I do want to look at these Renas. If Fluval has the clip glitch fixed, that would go a long way to selling me on one of them. Thanks CG! I am feeling better about those filters for sure.

 

[kimax]

+1 on the Fluval 5 series.

I also have used the previous Fluval series and they have made improvements for sure. I run a 205 on 25 gallons and just adjust the flow. I also made a spray bar that adapts well to the Fluval tubing.

One small problem to watch out for with this series (and it may just be in my experience and my friends) is that the impeller cover is made of plastic that I have found rather fragile and have broken the little locking nub on 2 of them. I would suggest just being gentle in this case, I think I was too rough with both of the ones I broke.

Lots of basket room for whatever media selection you choose too. Mine is just loaded with biomax.

Kelly

 

[Opacum]

Thanks, Kelly. They were always work horses when I used them. Hagen makes pretty good stuff overall. I shall be mindful of the impeller issue. I always buy extra impellers when I purchase a canister. That always seems to be an issue with most canister filters in that they snap in two at the join between blades and magnet. Once I hear the filter start 'chattering', that usually is the bell tolling for the impeller. That is why I always monitor the wear on the magnet as well and look for uneven rubbing after a while. Very rarely do I snap one of the blades but I have seen it happen when customers would come into the stores saying their filter didn't work. That seemed to be malady #1.

 

[iChris]

I've got a Aqua One CF1000 canister on my big tropical fish aquarium, and its been running without a hikkup for close to 6 years with my changing the filter media as needed.

I have only had to replace a worn impeller which was readily available.

 

[Opacum]

Hmmm... now that is a brand I've not heard of Chris, but you can't argue with that track record. That's a terrific run. Well if those are available in The States, I'll certainly give it a gander. Wish I was down there to check out what other goods you guys use in the Southern Hemisphere. Not to mention just herping! Sigh...