2 FX5's vs 4 Eheim 2217's

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GBG

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Jun 2, 2006
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Guys: I'm not looking to start another flame throwing debate of FX5 vs Eheim because I've done a few searches and read them. They can get ugly. ;)

But as I explore some of the pricing, I noticed that for a shade under $500, one can purchase either

-- 2 Fx5's ($200 each) plus media (I figure about $75-$100 for quality bio media-- Bio Max or efimech/substrat-- to cover both); OR

-- 4 Eheim 2217 Plus kits ($120 each, media included).

Which filtration set up would you recommend as a supplemental filter for a heavily stocked 350g cichlid/catfish tank? (I've already got a wet-dry running, but I need more bio filtration because the wet dry is too small for my heavy bio load). Thanks.

GBG
 
Howdy,

Someone with an FX5 may correct me, but I believe the impeller on the FX5 is on the bottom. If you have sand substrate, this might be a problem. Eheims have impellers on top.

If you are interested in biofiltration only:
The biomedia capacity of the FX5 is 5.9 L (x2=11.8 L) plus foam
The filter capacity of the 2217 is 6.0 L (x4=24 L)

Besides that, I would personally prefer two filters over four. Because I would be too lazy to clean 4 filters ;)

HarleyK
 
I'm not much of a fan of Eheim 2217s (now, the Eheim Pro II is another thing entirely) since I find them to be a pain to maintain. I have no experience with the FX5, so no comment there.
 
I would rather have 2 filters than 4 filters.

4 filters on one tank would be a headache to me.
 
i am planning on 2 fx5s for my 180 i already have one and its marvelous and the flow rate stays powerfull even full of media.
cant comment on the eheims as i never used them but i am sure they would also be fine.
i also go with the 2 filters rather than 4
 
Lots of good points, thanks. :)

Having four filters (as opposed to two) doesn't bother me becayse I plan to fill these filters with bio only, so cleaning will be a very rare event (1x per year).

I'm old (41) and have many years experience with the 2217s, so they are in my comfort zone, whereas the FX5 would require some learning on my part. (Not a deal killer, but a factor).

Harley: your numbers are very helpful, thank you. I'm suprised to hear that the FX5 and 2217 have about the same media capacity. I had thought the FX5 was much bigger. :confused: Maybe the foam you mention in the FX5 takes up a lot of room? Can I nix the foam to increase space for bio?

Any filter I get needs to fit in my cabinet stand, so a monster wer-dry will probaly not work.

All in all, I'm leaning toward the 4 Eheims because it seems more Bio bang for the buck, plus they are (in my book) a proven performer. But am interested in hearing from any other FX5ers. Thanks again. :thumbsup:
 
GBG said:
-- 2 Fx5's ($200 each) plus media (I figure about $75-$100 for quality bio media-- Bio Max or efimech/substrat-- to cover both); OR

GBG
Click to expand...

What the heck do you want to put in there that will cost that much to fill? You have three baskets to fill - about the size of the full boxes of ceramic rings for each baskets. I filled one with 4 bags of Chemi-pure the rest with bio max ceramic rings (or similair). Sure as heck didnt come out to $75 -$100 to fill them....If you want to learn more about the FX5 you should do a search on this site - lots of good things said about them....

Duc
 
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