(2) Eheim 2217 vs. FX5

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
I'm starting to have 2nd thoughts now... The Eheim only does 265gph and is rated for a 135g tank.
I'm getting 9 piranhas so my load will very heavy. I may have to get the FX5 and another smaller canister like an XP3.
Or do you think the 2 Eheims will be enough.
 
my vote is 2 2217's.
 
get the 2 ems
 
Lower flow = better bio filtration. Higher flow=better mechanical filtration.

The two eheims will perform the duty more than adequately, and are much more reliable. FX5 still have quite some time before I'd even begin to consider calling them any form of reliable.
 
Ok so the 2 eheims will provide a balanced mix of Mechanical and Bio filtration?
I don't want any hang over the back filters, so I'm staying away from the AC's
If I have to add a 3rd filter later in life I will. Maybe a 3rd 2217.
I like uniformity :)
 
theoaklandraider;1576198; said:
This is great! Good Advice!
Basically I can get a new FX5 for $239 or (2) 2217's for the same price at my LFS.
I'm leaning towards the Eheims...

Not to mention the eheims come complete with media, wereas the FX5 this will cost extra. You can get FX5 for cheaper though, contact johnptc.

brianp;1576189; said:
The redundant filter argument is quite valid, but is it worth spending 2x for an event which may or may not happen? Particulalry, since the FX5 does not appear to be subject to premature breakdown. In the event that the two-filter scenario is compelling (and it does make sense), I would go with the two Rena XP3s. I have had a pair running on a 150 gallon tank continuously for 3 years without even a hint of malfunction.

Currently the eheims are a better value then the XP3s, though all I run is XP3s.
 
are the 2217 the old classice eheim ?

i cant stand the fx5 i think its a pile of junk

but if you are getting any type of pro eheim then go for eheim

but the classic eheims can be hard to close up after cleaning they are great filter but i used to get water ever where when i used to clean my old classic eheims out getting the sealing ring in the right place and the silly metel clips closed can be a pain

any of the pro eheims over the fx5 any day
 
On my 150 i run 1-fx5 and 1-xp3 and i`d say go for the 2 ehiems as 2 filters is always better than one.

But i wouldn`t go for the xp3`s as any overflow of water that occures when dissconnecting the hoses goes into the top of the filter and then you have to remove 4 screws to drain it propely and over time the removal and replacement of the screws ruins the threads which are plastic and then the filter just happens to overflow from time to time unless you use some PTFE tape on them or move up thread sizes on new screws.

Not a huge problem but if you don`t notice to soon a little water spreads a hell of a long way..

Good luck which ever you go for thoough....

By the way though i do think the FX5`s are bloody good and also alot more shops around here stock the parts where as they don`t for ehiem so make sure you can get replacement parts quick and easy..
 
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