Eheim 2262 classic, 2080, or fx5???

[Jgray152]

You obviously do not like the 2080. That's fine.

Wrong. The 2080 has tremendous by-pass, that's why it sucks in mech. It's a faulty design.

I'll give you that one.

If I have to mod a filter in order for it to perform, then I'd rather upgrade and get a filter that lives up to my expectations.
Yes, I also drive a stock car, I don't even mod my Harley.

HarleyK

Think of it this way. The cost of the Fx5 ($250 +/- after mods and media) will give you a filter with a 600 GPH measured flow rate, 10-12L of media and a 108 sq/in surface area for mechanical filtration with ZERO bypass. Doesn't sound to shabby to me The design will also allow you to pop the cover off, remove the sponges from the surface, clean them, put them back in all without disturbing the bio media. Oh, and I can gravel vacuum with my Fx5 with the help of the "drain port". Not trying to stir up a debate though...

I agree though, if I had the money, a 2262 would be the filter of my choice.

 

[bumlethal]

But on a side note are you considering a sump for your setup? A sump when properly set up has a lot more benefits than a canister.

damn...u had to bring up a sump to complicate my decision......haha....jk....yes i have considered a sump but im new in the hobby......about 2 months now........and dont know much about em......i hear bout a lot of good benefits about em but i figure i gotta start with canisters .....one day wen i upgrade my tank i might consider a sump....plus this tanks goin in my room and i would like a closed filter to keep the fish smell to the minimum.....wat u think?

 

[ward1066]

I recently had the same decision. I chose the Eheim 2180 because of the built in heater, dual intakes and increased biomedia. I also have a filstar xp3 and the flow rate on it is pathetic compared to the Eheim. I actually turn down the flow on the Eheim because with too much flow my fronts dont breed as well.

 

[Jgray152]

I recently had the same decision. I chose the Eheim 2180 because of the built in heater, dual intakes and increased biomedia. I also have a filstar xp3 and the flow rate on it is pathetic compared to the Eheim. I actually turn down the flow on the Eheim because with too much flow my fronts dont breed as well.

There are two properties included in "water flow" that you should ask your self. Is there to much flow volume (GPH) or flow velocity (FPS)?

Try getting adapters that increase the tubing size and use a larger DIY output nozzle. This will reduce the flow velocity so you can crank up the flow without blowing your fish all over the place.

 

[ward1066]

There are two properties included in "water flow" that you should ask your self. Is there to much flow volume (GPH) or flow velocity (FPS)?

Try getting adapters that increase the tubing size and use a larger DIY output nozzle. This will reduce the flow velocity so you can crank up the flow without blowing your fish all over the place.

thats a good suggestion, but wouldnt slowing your flow actually increase you biological media/ water contact time and make each pass of you water through the canister more efficient? I mean cranking up the flow really only serves to increase mechanical filtration and if your water is crystal why not turn it down? Or is my thinking flawed

thanks

 

[Jgray152]

Your right. There is a point though when have a flow to slow, depending on the bio load, will not have the proper turn over to keep up. I wouldn't worry at all about the contact time, especially if your stats are good. Its like increasing your bio media from 4 liters to 10 liters just because you now have more of it, though your stats were already fine with 4 liters of media so increasing the media wouldn't have any positive effect.

 

[FSM]

The 2262 is a better filter, but the FX5 will be adequate especially if modified. Excess biomedia doesn't help.

 

[HarleyK]

I actually turn down the flow on the Eheim because with too much flow my fronts dont breed as well.

Try getting adapters that increase the tubing size and use a larger DIY output nozzle. This will reduce the flow velocity so you can crank up the flow without blowing your fish all over the place.

An advantage of throttling the flow rate of a well-dimensioned canister is that you can open up that valve again later when the flow rate drops due to waste accumulation. Then simply unleash the beast, open that valve fully, and get a free extension of service interval out of it

HarleyK

 

[4D3]

You obviously do not like the 2080. That's fine.

I'll give you that one.

Think of it this way. The cost of the Fx5 ($250 +/- after mods and media) will give you a filter with a 600 GPH measured flow rate, 10-12L of media and a 108 sq/in surface area for mechanical filtration with ZERO bypass. Doesn't sound to shabby to me The design will also allow you to pop the cover off, remove the sponges from the surface, clean them, put them back in all without disturbing the bio media. Oh, and I can gravel vacuum with my Fx5 with the help of the "drain port". Not trying to stir up a debate though...

I agree though, if I had the money, a 2262 would be the filter of my choice.

Where is this mod for the increased media capacity?

 

[administrator]

+1

The 2262 beats both others hands down (just not in price).

The 2080 is suitable for tanks 75 gal or smaller (use the search function and enter my name and 2080, and you'll find out more). The 2080 is probably the least suitable for your needs. I wouldn't call it a "good filter"...

The FX5 is great at mech but could be better in bio. Besides, browse this forum for filter troubles, and you'll see the FX5 pop up more than any of the Classic Eheims.

Just my $0.02
HarleyK