Hi all,
I recently switched from a closed loop canister to a wet/dry with sump and wanted to relate my experience with the canisters I chose and the reasons for swapping
I originally planned and setup a wet/dry if you remember, but replaced it with the closed loop.
I was using two of the Eheim model 2080 filters for approx 9 months now. I had a hydor heater inline with one of the filters and an eheim 1103 nw pump inline (for c02) on the other canister.
Likes:
1. Quiet.
2. Large capacity for media.
3. Excellent bio filtration
Dislikes
1. Not a lot of flow considering the size of the filter. I know that these are designed for low flow, but was a bit underwhelming to say a MAGNUM 350.
2. They are heavy when filled with water and need to be moved even though they have wheels.
3. I have had to replace 3 different head units on two filters so far, so reliability with THESE models IME is an issue.
4. I personally have had issues after maintenance getting a prime started. I realize this was exacerbated by the inline components on the outlet side, but still.
I swapped to a wet/dry for the following reasons:
1. Better 02 24/7.
2. Quicker degassing of c02 overnight. There were times that c02 was still too high for fish many hours after c02 was off. You could see the fish stressing, rapid breathing, etc.
3. More flow through the filter itself which helped eliminate multiple powerheads to help for flow alone.
4. Surface skimming via the overflow!
5. Easier maintenance. Sump has 3 easily removable/cleaned sock filters and the drip tray filter pad. No more issues with priming.
6. C02 is now in the sump and out of sight. Also is distributed via the sump pump.
7. Aesthetics to hide the CPR overflow and two outlets is better than the 2 sets of 3 tubes for the canisters. Plus the plant growth needed to HIDE the tubes
8. Removal of powerheads for c02 and surface ripple, overall movement. I am pushing approx 1000 gph or so via the filter now, as opposed to perhaps half that with the canisters.
Has been a week so far and been very happy with the swap.
The CPR unit takes up much less space than the Lifereef model I have so that is less of an issue. With the dual intakes on the CPR I have gate valves on each. I can slightly close one intake and the noise is not that bad at all. Nothing compared to the silence of the eheims.....but is very tolerable.
Vids later I hope.
Later.
