Level 1
Posts: 52
IP: 65.40.97.51 Posted: 4/23/03 12:03 pm
Question for Eheim Pro Canister users
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I have been using a Regent AquaTech 30-60 and an additional AquaTech 20-40 on my 55 gallon tank and I am just sick to death of the constant filter rinsing and cloudy water, not to mention the fact that I have to slice the bottoms open and try to shake the carbon out when I'm medicating. I am thinking of taking the big financial plunge and investing in an Eheim Pro Wet-Dry Canister, but I need a little advice and some questions answered.
First, is the Wet-Dry Model now the top of the Eheim line? Is the wet-dry any better than the regular pro? The advertisements lead me to think so. Secondly, is it really true that when you use a Eheim canister that you can go several months without cleaning the filter? I am now having to clean at least every other day, if not daily. What a joy that would be. Lastly, do they really keep the water as clean and clear as they indicate? I would sure appreciate any comments, as you know these are quite costly. Thanks all, Love Karen
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Kiko2700
Level 5
Posts: 529
IP: 67.86.37.97 Posted: 4/23/03 1:33 pm
filter
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Canister filters are terrific, but messier than maintaining hang-on power filters which are easy to maintain. I would also like to know about those wet/dry filters.
best wishes,
kiko
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jetman73
Level 2
Posts: 285
IP: 67.8.82.230 Posted: 4/23/03 1:45 pm
Re: filter
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Well I have the eheim 2028 pro canister and it is fantastic. I am really not sure about the wet/dry filters.
The big myth about these canisters is they are a mess too clean but with newer filters it is a breeze. That have shut off valves for no leakage, filter material contained in baskets, and a primer on top too get them going. They are completely silent and while they do not turn the water over as fast as the HOB filter, the water is forced through at least 10 times the amount of media. If you go with the canister you will not be disappointed. They will also go months without needing a cleaning.
Just want too add the best price I have found is bigals.com. I got my 2028 with all the media for $200.
*Rob*
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kokopalee
Board Owner
ezSupporter
Posts: 7223
IP: 68.6.70.34 Posted: 4/23/03 3:41 pm
Re: filter
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I agree with Jetman.....The Eheims are the best, alittle pricey but worth the money in the long run for goldfish. Easy to clean and to service.
Wet/Dry filters arent really needed for the goldfish guys, they are for more surface area of good bacteria. I dont think you would really need one
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darkmoondreamer
Level 1
Posts: 53
IP: 65.40.97.51 Posted: 4/23/03 4:04 pm
Re: filter
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Well, I have done a little more research since I posted..I called 5 different Eheim dealers in 5 different states and asked them about the differences. They all agreed that the Wet-Dry models are a headache because they always have a new bug that needs to be fixed, and are no more, if not less effecient than the Pro 2028 like Jetman has. So, I think I might just have to try the 2028. Can i expect the water clarity to be significantly better than the hang on filters?
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kokopalee
Board Owner
ezSupporter
Posts: 7227
IP: 68.6.70.34 Posted: 4/23/03 4:10 pm
Re: filter
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Well My tank set up is follows
I have a 36 gal tank with.........
3 goldfish.
A 2026 Pro Eheim and a Whisper hang on for the top particles in the tank.
a 130 Watt light
and Plants a plenty.
My tank is crystal clear all the time
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PhilWong
Level 2
Posts: 134
IP: 202.156.2.218 Posted: 4/23/03 5:21 pm
Re: filter
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I just setup a new 50 gal tank & got myself the Eheim 2028 pro II after long consideration. Mainly due to the cost factor too. It one of the best canister out there but the price is also one of the highest.
Its extremely easy to setup & operate... have not tried cleaning it because mine is only 3 weeks old. Eheim recommend cleaning the filter every couple of months. To aid the cleaning, they also have accessories to get the job done in a snap.
Go to the Ehiem site & checkout the details. My water has been crystal clear since day 1. Been running for the past 2 weeks.
Phil
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darkmoondreamer
Level 1
Posts: 54
IP: 65.40.97.51 Posted: 4/23/03 6:15 pm
Re: filter
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Thanks everyone! I am off to buy my Eheim 2028 now. I couldn't have made the decision without your help.
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kokopalee
Board Owner
ezSupporter
Posts: 7233
IP: 68.6.70.34 Posted: 4/23/03 6:29 pm
Re: filter
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Glad to have helped
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jetman73
Level 2
Posts: 289
IP: 67.8.82.230 Posted: 4/24/03 10:07 am
Re: filter
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Remember Bigals.com sells the 2028 with all the media for $200. I don't think you will find a better price than that. Good luck with the new filter, you are going too love it.
*Rob*
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darkmoondreamer
Level 1
Posts: 55
IP: 65.40.97.51 Posted: 4/24/03 11:07 am
Re: filter
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Rob thank you, I did buy at Big Als at your recomendation. They were the cheapest I found by far. Only one thing confused me a little......What is the difference if any in using the synth pads or the loose synth. Which do you use?
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jetman73
Level 2
Posts: 290
IP: 67.8.82.230 Posted: 4/24/03 12:17 pm
Re: filter
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Well it comes with the pads so I used those initially. I also bought a box of the ehfisynth for replacing the floss and a box of ehfifix too replace the coarse pad. That is why the maintenance costs are almost nothing. The ehfimech I clean out thoroghly with tap water and the ehfisubstrat I rinse out with tank water. They suggest too replace a small amount of these items when you clean them but I think you can go a year before you have too start replacing portions of them. One other media I have found and just started using is matrix which is made by seachem. It looks almost identical too the ehfisubstrat and it says it never needs replacing.
*Rob*
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jetman73
Level 2
Posts: 291
IP: 67.8.82.230 Posted: 4/24/03 12:20 pm
Re: filter
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Forgot too add that I don't use the carbon pads. They have a very short life and need too be replaced frequently. But since they come with it they will be there if you need them.
*Rob*
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darkmoondreamer
Level 1
Posts: 57
IP: 65.40.97.51 Posted: 4/24/03 2:45 pm
Re: filter
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Jetman, I'm sorry I'm such a pain, I always seem to get confused and make things more complicated than they should be, but I want to make sure I'm doing things right. Are you saying that you don't use carbon at all in your canister? Is carbon not needed in these canisters as some other substance takes it's place? Don't you need carbon to flush out medications?
I bought the 2820 with media, which included EHFISubtrate, EHFIMech, and the carbon filter pads.
In addition I purchased some Biological Prefilter cartridges, some EHFIFIX, and an EHFISynth/Corse (blue and white) pad set. I was totally confused as to whether I should have gotten the EHFISynth/Corse, plain EHFISynth white pads, or just loose and fluffy EHFISynth. Did I get the wrong things? Thank you for your patience with me, I just hate to pay this much money on the filter and then not fill it correctly.
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PhilWong
Level 2
Posts: 136
IP: 203.125.220.37 Posted: 4/24/03 10:06 pm
Re: filter
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This is how you should use your filter media. I'm using the Eheim carbon media for mechanical filteration.
Phil
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PhilWong
Level 2
Posts: 137
IP: 203.125.220.37 Posted: 4/24/03 10:10 pm
Re: filter
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Oh another thing. Must sure your clean the subtrat & mech media thoroughly or else your whole tank will be filled with very fine white residue.
The carbon pad should be placed between the white pad & the top basket.
[img]http://www.eheim.com/images/e/technik_filter_schichten_1.gif[/img]
Phil
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darkmoondreamer
Level 1
Posts: 58
IP: 65.40.97.51 Posted: 4/24/03 10:36 pm
Re: filter
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Thank you so much Phil for your reply, and taking the time to post the photo as well. I thought it would be pretty cut and dry as far as what the layers were, but it seems like you can use several different things if you choose. The diagram helped me understand alot better. Thanks again, Love Karen
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jetman73
Level 2
Posts: 293
IP: 67.8.82.230 Posted: 4/25/03 6:46 am
Re: filter
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Sorry I am a little late but I don't use the carbon pads in my eheim. Like I said, since it comes with them they will be there if you need them too remove some meds like you mentioned. It will not hurt if you use them but I think even eheim suggests too only use them for short periods of time.
I also have my filter set up exactly like shown above except I have been experimenting with the seachem matrix in one of the baskets that is meant for the substrat.
*Rob*
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PhilWong
Level 2
Posts: 138
IP: 202.156.2.218 Posted: 4/25/03 8:02 pm
Re: filter
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You are welcome..
Actually that picture was taken off the Eheim website..
Go www.eheim.com for more information.. they got a good FAQ repository to answer most queries.
On top of that, you might want to ring up their head office if theres one in States. I rang them up once after having problem getting the subtrat. The sales rep was extremely helpful & managed to locate one store which stock them. Qudos to their excellent service.
Phil
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kokopalee
ADMIN
ezSupporter
Posts: 7263
IP: 68.6.70.34 Posted: 4/25/03 8:06 pm
Re: filter
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PhilWong and Jetman......great post and advice......This post is going into the Frequently asked part of them board later.....just wanted to give you guys a pat on the back
Great Job guys
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PhilWong
Level 2
Posts: 139
IP: 202.156.2.218 Posted: 4/26/03 6:41 am
Re: filter
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I guess thats all I can contribute for now..
Phil
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