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Any thoughts on the best external filtation for a 400L

?Eheim 2217
?Fluval 404

Ideas greatly appreciated!

We have many years of experience with many Fluval and Eheim filters, including the two you mentioned. A decade ago we made these choices based on upfront cost (and chose Fluvals). Now we consider "cost of ownership" -- initial cost plus long-term reliability and ease of use -- and in this sense the Eheims are cheaper than the Fluvals by far. So Eheim is the more rational choice unless your time and fish have low or no value.

One thing I would add is that all systems fail, usually at the least convenient time, so it's best to use redundant filtration. I.e., use two filters instead of just one. On a 400 l, both the F404 and the E2217 could use some help.

/D.

Add one more vote to EHEIM from me...

Neither! I'd get the tank drilled, fit a sump and then have as much filtration capacity as most aquaria would ever need, and the pumps to return the water are so cheap it's no problem to keep a spare or two. For the cost of a decent-sized canister filter you could have the tank drilled, fit the pipework, buy the media and pump and still have enough left over to buy yourself a drink or two to celebrate.

i've never had any problems with eheims, one of mine has been pumping water non-stop for about 13 years and still working really well. very good filters, with little media bypass. get the old style "classic" 2217 ones. a lot cheaper and still very good. you can pick them up second hand on ebay for about £30 quid each.

i'd go for 2 of those on that tank. or if you want to do it "properly", do as coelocanth says and build your own.

Sound advice - thanks!

Would you guys recommend using two 2217 filters in preference to the 2260?

Secondly, do any of the classic filters come with media baskets?

Cheers,

Nick

the 2260 will be up to the job (although it depends on what you want to keep!), but as stated above by dinyar, two will always be better than one. when you clean them you'll lose a lot of bacteria, but with two filters you can stagger the cleaning which will reduce the potential for a problem.

the classic 2217 comes with some rubbish foam blocks which will obviously need to be replaced with some decent media. it doesn't have media baskets, you just stuff the media in. i use a pair of tights to put the main biological media in. this makes it a lot easier to clean the media.

i use:
efimech (ceramic tubes)
a coarse foam
efisubstrat

then a fine filter wool to polish the water.

hope this helps.

Yes I have tried few brands but now almost exclusively use Eheim. So far I don't have to replace any parts. Never have to replace impeller etc.
I have one 2217 and over here it comes with ceramic rings and eheim substrate also pipe connectors which is handy to have.
I also use the 2228 that does a similar job. I think 2217 is better value, does the same think but cheaper.

Do the Eheim classic filters come with stop valves, or do you have to remove the inlet/outlet hoses from the aquarium to access or replace media?

Hi!

You have to buy them as seperate parts...but not too expensive.

I never had a Fluval but an Eheim 2213 and except for the air in it after cleaning its quite allright. Especially that its very easy to get replacement parts for it although its allready quite old.

You have to buy them as seperate parts

the one i bought a couple of months ago in the uk came with taps! it was a "2215 plus" for £81.60

although if you hunt around for mail order you could probably get a cheaper one.
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