Eheim filter media options?

"Fish2Keep" wrote in message
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"NetMax" wrote in message
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"Bill Stock" wrote in message
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"Bill Stock" wrote in message
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"Fish2Keep" wrote in message
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"Bill Stock" wrote in message
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I've used both Ehiem and Fluval canister filters, I would rate Ehiem
as being much better. The problem with the fluval canister filters is
the water can flow outside the baskets

Usually on the floor. (Kidding)

meaning the water is not filtered as well as how the Ehiem's work.

I've read this a few times, but I wonder how signicant this is. It
would be interesting to do a controlled test to see how both filters
performed with varying particle sizes, given the same flow rate.


For no-bypass systems (Eheim), I think the advantage is a higher
filtration efficiency (particle removal efficiency as a function of
water volume moved) but the disadvantage is there is a greater
difference in flow rates from empty to filled, and in a worst case
condition, your nitrifying bacteria could die off if the water flow was
too low. Generally requires a pump with higher head pressure to
compensate for this (push through the obstruction), and the impeller is
(in theory) designed to free-spin (spin without damage in the absence
of waterflow).

By-pass systems (Fluval), conversely would have to move more water to
achieve the higher efficiency, but even if the filter is clogged, the
bypass ensures there is always a minimum water flow. Early Fluvals
would still have a nitrifying bacteria die-off (the bypass went around
the sponges), but the current Fluval's bypass keeps the bacteria in the
main sponges alive. Generally this requires a less fault tolerant
(less expensive) motor/impeller design, as there is less likely to be a
significant reduction in flow (which acts as a coolant to the motor).


Any idea what percentage gets bypassed on the various Fluvals?

Nope, but it would be variable to the amount of back pressure caused by
the build-up in the filter stages.
--
www.NetMax.tk

With ideal maintenance: the Eheim is slightly better.
With normal maintenance: comparable imo
With poor maintenence: the Fluval is slightly better.

In other words, a dozen of one, or twelve of another ;~) ...but it's
still fun to watch the hype at work ).
--
www.NetMax.tk

http://www.fish2keep.com
Share your fish keeping skills!!!










Everybody is different, I've used both types "Fluval and Ehiem" and would
rate the Ehiem's as a better overall canister filter myself. But each to
there own..
--
http://www.fish2keep.com
Tropical | Marine | Coldwater
Community Forums


Absolutely, and we aren't even discussing all the other factors which make a
filter good or bad. In the 70s, I would have gone hungry standing on a
soapbox complaining about all the filter defects and crappy designs. Today
there is a lot less to complain about, making the differences between
manufacturers smaller and smaller. My personal favourite filters are not
Fluval or Eheim, but matt filters, but I put up with canisters for their
convenient (plug & play).
cheers
--
www.NetMax.tk

"NetMax" wrote in message
nresend...
"Koi-lo" wrote in message
...

"Bill Stock" wrote in message
...

"Fish2Keep" wrote in message
k...
"Bill Stock" wrote in message
...

I've used both Ehiem and Fluval canister filters, I would rate Ehiem as
being much better. The problem with the fluval canister filters is the
water can flow outside the baskets

Usually on the floor. (Kidding)


$$ No you're not. I had a valve split after a few weeks and walked onto
a cold wet carpet one morning. Then the seal leaked and and had to be
replaced. Then one of the tabs snapped off that holds the top on. Then
the second (disconnect) valve got a hairline crack and leaked. This all
within a few months. What TRASH. I wouldn't buy another Fluval if I won
the lottery.

Fluval redesigned their filters (more than once ;~). The 400 series still
had leaking problems when introduced, but this was corrected in a
re-design about 3 years ago. I sold many Fluvals and the quantity
returned because of leaks was zero. I also used them around the store,
and the quantity of leakers was zero. I'm satisfied now. Statistically
you will still be able to get defects, but at a rate comparable to other
canisters now.

Perhaps your information is a little dated, kind of like saying Hondas are
trash (which would be true looking at my (their) first Civic ;~).

meaning the water is not filtered as well as how the Ehiem's work.

I've read this a few times, but I wonder how signicant this is. It would
be interesting to do a controlled test to see how both filters performed
with varying particle sizes, given the same flow rate.

$$ The sponges in mine always were full of stuff from the water and I
believe it filtered the water really well. The workmanship and overall
quality of the product was a real disappointment. I'd rather stick to
the Aquaclears and Vortex Diatom filter (when needed).

Aquaclear are real workhorses, but I could write a lot about their defects
too. As for the Vortex Diatom filter, that would be a mercy killing ;~).
They sure could polish water, but what a PITA filter!

I've found the secret is not to take the Vortex apart, just backflush it
clean. Although mine has been sitting in the closet lately.

--
www.NetMax.tk

Koi-Lo.... frugal ponding since 1995...
My Pond & Aquarium Pages:
http://bellsouthpwp.net/s/h/shastadaisy
~~~ }((((o ~~~ }{{{{o ~~~ }(((((o

"NetMax" wrote in message
...

Hagen does sell AquaClear parts through dealers, but the cost of a housing
would be the same as a new filter. Beware of the small plastic tab which
is pressed into the bottom of the filter to act as a spacer. On early
smaller models, this tab would fall off, and the filter would angle
backwards slightly. Ordinarily not a problem, except if the sponge rode
up (from clogging a bit), and now the water finds an easier path down the
back of the filter, emptying half the tank (until the waterline reached
the intake).

* Yep! I had that happen with a mini. :-) I have a clothes-pin behind
that filter to keep it level until someday I get off my lazy backside and
hot-glue something permanent to the thing.

Most of us here know that sinking feeling of hearing a splash when you
walk into a room ;~).

* Or walk into a cold wet puddle. :-() aaarggghhh!
--

Koi-Lo.... frugal ponding since 1995...
My Pond & Aquarium Pages:
http://bellsouthpwp.net/s/h/shastadaisy
~~~ }((((o ~~~ }{{{{o ~~~ }(((((o

"Fish2Keep" wrote in message
k...
"xbit" " " wrote in message
...
Hello Bill,

may I ask why you replaced your AC 500? I have two AC 110s (same as
500) and they seem to be doing a good job on my 220gal tank.

Bill Stock wrote:
I just got an Eheim 2026 for the plant tank to replace the AquaClear
500. I want to use a spray bar and run a UV filter.

I've always kept a bag of Aragonite in the AC500 to keep my KH/PH
stable as I inject CO2 based on the PH. But I'm wondering about the
best place to add it to the Eheim. I guess the logical choice is to
mix it in with the BioMedia. Although I'm a little concerned about
obstructing the water flow too much.


Aside:

I haven't actually used the Eheim yet, but I think the quality is
over hyped based on my initial impression. The media options are far
more restrictive than the Fluval. I like the auto shutoff valves on
the Fluval better. No question the construction of the Eheim is
moderately better, but at three times the price of the Fluval I would
hope so.I do like the settling chamber idea on the Eheim, now if they
had a back-flush valve for intermediate cleaning. I guess the real
disappointment is the manual (complete with spelling errors), it
looks like they ran the German version through Google translator.



What you need to keep in mind is, they work slightly different from
each other, without a doubt the Ehiem will give you more clear polished
water and do a better job than a Fluval canister filter overall. The
Ehiem is designed to filter all water that passes through it. Were the
design of a Fluval canister filter with it's baskets is designed to
also let some water pass around the baskets without getting filtered
(probably to put less wear and tear on the motor) to keep and even flow
going without restiction.

But this means it will do a slightly worse job than the Ehiem.

Agreed, however what does a slightly worse job mean? If it means that
the water is not kept as clean, then you may be running too close to the
operating limits of the filter. It *will* mean that for equal flow
rates, one filter will clean faster than the other, but if the water is
already clean, the difference should only be apparent the first time you
use it, or every time you dirty the water up. Makes sense? Another
factor is that most filters (dependant on media, ie: closed or open cell
sponges) rely on biofilm to a certain extent, to cause particulates to
stick. This is why a brand new filter (any manufacturer) is generally
not the greatest, and only really starts polishing after the biofilm
develops. So much depends on your setup and the circumstances.
--
www.NetMax.tk almost always ready to *gently* stir the pot ;~)

--
http://www.fish2keep.com
Tropical | Marine | Coldwater
Community Forums

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"NetMax" wrote in message
...
"Fish2Keep" wrote in message
k...
"xbit" " " wrote in message
...
Hello Bill,

may I ask why you replaced your AC 500? I have two AC 110s (same as
500) and they seem to be doing a good job on my 220gal tank.

Bill Stock wrote:
I just got an Eheim 2026 for the plant tank to replace the AquaClear
500. I want to use a spray bar and run a UV filter.

I've always kept a bag of Aragonite in the AC500 to keep my KH/PH
stable as I inject CO2 based on the PH. But I'm wondering about the
best place to add it to the Eheim. I guess the logical choice is to
mix it in with the BioMedia. Although I'm a little concerned about
obstructing the water flow too much.


Aside:

I haven't actually used the Eheim yet, but I think the quality is
over hyped based on my initial impression. The media options are far
more restrictive than the Fluval. I like the auto shutoff valves on
the Fluval better. No question the construction of the Eheim is
moderately better, but at three times the price of the Fluval I would
hope so.I do like the settling chamber idea on the Eheim, now if they
had a back-flush valve for intermediate cleaning. I guess the real
disappointment is the manual (complete with spelling errors), it
looks like they ran the German version through Google translator.



What you need to keep in mind is, they work slightly different from
each other, without a doubt the Ehiem will give you more clear polished
water and do a better job than a Fluval canister filter overall. The
Ehiem is designed to filter all water that passes through it. Were the
design of a Fluval canister filter with it's baskets is designed to
also let some water pass around the baskets without getting filtered
(probably to put less wear and tear on the motor) to keep and even flow
going without restiction.

But this means it will do a slightly worse job than the Ehiem.

Agreed, however what does a slightly worse job mean? If it means that
the water is not kept as clean, then you may be running too close to the
operating limits of the filter. It *will* mean that for equal flow
rates, one filter will clean faster than the other, but if the water is
already clean, the difference should only be apparent the first time you
use it, or every time you dirty the water up. Makes sense? Another
factor is that most filters (dependant on media, ie: closed or open cell
sponges) rely on biofilm to a certain extent, to cause particulates to
stick. This is why a brand new filter (any manufacturer) is generally
not the greatest, and only really starts polishing after the biofilm
develops. So much depends on your setup and the circumstances.
--
www.NetMax.tk almost always ready to *gently* stir the pot ;~)

You're not referring to bob marley are you? ;-)



--
http://www.fish2keep.com
Tropical | Marine | Coldwater
Community Forums




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"Daniel Morrow" wrote in message
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"NetMax" wrote in message
...
"Fish2Keep" wrote in message
k...
"xbit" " " wrote in message
...
Hello Bill,

may I ask why you replaced your AC 500? I have two AC 110s (same as
500) and they seem to be doing a good job on my 220gal tank.

Bill Stock wrote:
I just got an Eheim 2026 for the plant tank to replace the
AquaClear
500. I want to use a spray bar and run a UV filter.

I've always kept a bag of Aragonite in the AC500 to keep my KH/PH
stable as I inject CO2 based on the PH. But I'm wondering about
the
best place to add it to the Eheim. I guess the logical choice is
to
mix it in with the BioMedia. Although I'm a little concerned about
obstructing the water flow too much.


Aside:

I haven't actually used the Eheim yet, but I think the quality is
over hyped based on my initial impression. The media options are
far
more restrictive than the Fluval. I like the auto shutoff valves
on
the Fluval better. No question the construction of the Eheim is
moderately better, but at three times the price of the Fluval I
would
hope so.I do like the settling chamber idea on the Eheim, now if
they
had a back-flush valve for intermediate cleaning. I guess the real
disappointment is the manual (complete with spelling errors), it
looks like they ran the German version through Google translator.



What you need to keep in mind is, they work slightly different from
each other, without a doubt the Ehiem will give you more clear
polished
water and do a better job than a Fluval canister filter overall. The
Ehiem is designed to filter all water that passes through it. Were
the
design of a Fluval canister filter with it's baskets is designed to
also let some water pass around the baskets without getting filtered
(probably to put less wear and tear on the motor) to keep and even
flow
going without restiction.

But this means it will do a slightly worse job than the Ehiem.

Agreed, however what does a slightly worse job mean? If it means that
the water is not kept as clean, then you may be running too close to
the
operating limits of the filter. It *will* mean that for equal flow
rates, one filter will clean faster than the other, but if the water
is
already clean, the difference should only be apparent the first time
you
use it, or every time you dirty the water up. Makes sense? Another
factor is that most filters (dependant on media, ie: closed or open
cell
sponges) rely on biofilm to a certain extent, to cause particulates to
stick. This is why a brand new filter (any manufacturer) is generally
not the greatest, and only really starts polishing after the biofilm
develops. So much depends on your setup and the circumstances.
--
www.NetMax.tk almost always ready to *gently* stir the pot ;~)

You're not referring to bob marley are you? ;-)


Once had a boss who wished that I wasn't so quick to stir things up from
the status quo, so I told him that I would try to stir gently. I think
his exact term was that I was a sh*t disturber ;~).
--
www.NetMax.tk


--
http://www.fish2keep.com
Tropical | Marine | Coldwater
Community Forums




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"NetMax" wrote in message
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"Daniel Morrow" wrote in message
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"NetMax" wrote in message
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"Fish2Keep" wrote in message
k...
"xbit" " " wrote in message
...
Hello Bill,

may I ask why you replaced your AC 500? I have two AC 110s (same as
500) and they seem to be doing a good job on my 220gal tank.

Bill Stock wrote:
I just got an Eheim 2026 for the plant tank to replace the AquaClear
500. I want to use a spray bar and run a UV filter.

I've always kept a bag of Aragonite in the AC500 to keep my KH/PH
stable as I inject CO2 based on the PH. But I'm wondering about the
best place to add it to the Eheim. I guess the logical choice is to
mix it in with the BioMedia. Although I'm a little concerned about
obstructing the water flow too much.


Aside:

I haven't actually used the Eheim yet, but I think the quality is
over hyped based on my initial impression. The media options are far
more restrictive than the Fluval. I like the auto shutoff valves on
the Fluval better. No question the construction of the Eheim is
moderately better, but at three times the price of the Fluval I
would
hope so.I do like the settling chamber idea on the Eheim, now if
they
had a back-flush valve for intermediate cleaning. I guess the real
disappointment is the manual (complete with spelling errors), it
looks like they ran the German version through Google translator.



What you need to keep in mind is, they work slightly different from
each other, without a doubt the Ehiem will give you more clear
polished
water and do a better job than a Fluval canister filter overall. The
Ehiem is designed to filter all water that passes through it. Were the
design of a Fluval canister filter with it's baskets is designed to
also let some water pass around the baskets without getting filtered
(probably to put less wear and tear on the motor) to keep and even
flow
going without restiction.

But this means it will do a slightly worse job than the Ehiem.

Agreed, however what does a slightly worse job mean? If it means that
the water is not kept as clean, then you may be running too close to the
operating limits of the filter. It *will* mean that for equal flow
rates, one filter will clean faster than the other, but if the water is
already clean, the difference should only be apparent the first time you
use it, or every time you dirty the water up. Makes sense? Another
factor is that most filters (dependant on media, ie: closed or open cell
sponges) rely on biofilm to a certain extent, to cause particulates to
stick. This is why a brand new filter (any manufacturer) is generally
not the greatest, and only really starts polishing after the biofilm
develops. So much depends on your setup and the circumstances.
--
www.NetMax.tk almost always ready to *gently* stir the pot ;~)

You're not referring to bob marley are you? ;-)


Once had a boss who wished that I wasn't so quick to stir things up from
the status quo, so I told him that I would try to stir gently. I think
his exact term was that I was a sh*t disturber ;~).

I've always considered that a positive quality.


--
www.NetMax.tk


--
http://www.fish2keep.com
Tropical | Marine | Coldwater
Community Forums




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