Best cannister filter....?

On 2006-02-08 05:27:20 -0500, "Big Dummy" said:

Eheim, Fluval, or some other brand? Which model?
I've used power filters for two decades and primarily because my girlfriend
hates the sound of running water am finally switching to a cannister filter.
Problem is, while for example I know Aquaclear are the most reliable lowest
maintenance power filters made, and biowheels often fail to turn after a
while, I know nothing of Cannister filters, I'm like a veritable babe in the
woods.

Which are most reliable? Are there problems with leaks and the like? Which
type requires the most frequent maintenance. I like a hands-off aquarium.
Which types end up costing you the most with filter media etc.? Which type
are the least likely to break down? Which retain their flow best?

Jr

Never too late for another $0.02, right? (Long!!)

I've been a big fan of Marineland's pumps and canisters (particularly
the 350 Deluxe kit) since 1991 or so.

Pumps
---------
I have a number (~10) of their 550 and 660 powerheads, including a few
of their reverse-flow kits for the 660's. (Makes UGF a viable filter.)
All "tops". In those I had 4 of the 550's (my oldest pumps) stop
working after a few years. One call to Marineland and 4 replacement
impeller assemblies were on their way, no charge. (YMMV) I also have
a Bio-Wheel 30 that's driven by one 660-series.

(BTW, that's my entire experience with broken Marineland products and
their support. Not bad!)

Canisters
--------------
I also have 2 Magnum 350's (both from deluxe kits) that have served
extensive duty since the mid-90's and are still humming. They offer
great flexibility that no other canister can brag. You have micron
filtering as well as a media container that you can load with just
about anything you'd want to.

Over time, I've run them both with the micron filtering cartridges (no
diatom. earth) for extended periods. These filters recycle VERY well
with a good rinse and soak in a mild bleach solution. I replaced both
micron filters once.

I've also run them both for extended periods with the media chamber
packed full of cheap filter floss. This was my setup for my 75gal
Oscar tank when both Magnum 350's were on one tank.

Flow-rate is so good from the 350's that I've also used them just as
circulation pumps, using no filter media at all. Granted, any canister
can be run empty for circulation, but most do not have as strong a pump
as this. FWIW.

Noise was never an issue. If I stuck my head inside my cabinet I could
clearly hear a hum from the motor. Outside the cabinet it was barely
audible in an otherwise silent room. A light sleeper with this next
to the bed might not be so pleased, but I doubt his experience would be
different, in that case, with any other canister.

The setup for a Magnum 350 sounds similar to what you experienced with
the Fluval. It's a little complicated if it's your first canister. My
first time I wound up with the mal-sized hoses just like you, in fact.
;-) However, the double quick-disconnects that come with the Deluxe
kit work very well once installed.

The only parts that ever wore out on me are the foam rubber rings that
seal the filter module in place (replaced once, $5) and the pleated
micron filter cartridges (also replaced once, but used less
later....the media chamber is much handier and cheaper to keep running).

Magnum's are the only consumer level (i.e. Marineland, Eheim, et al.)
canister that are CLEAR plastic -- you can SEE INSIDE. Obviously this
is a better way to tell what's going on inside than guessing or
disassembling the filter.

Bio-wheel
-------------
At least for most freshwater tanks, I'd recommend a bio-wheel or set
of Bio-wheels. Great tech. No better/simpler/cheaper way to get the
effectiveness of wet/dry bio-filtering. Never had a problem with
mine...give it an occasional rinse in old water-change water and it
just keeps turning. (No filter is maintenance free, btw.)

For smaller tanks, or if you can't tolerate a little water drippage
from servicing the Magnum 350, I'd heartily recommend the "H.O.T."
Magnum 250. Again, go with the Pro kit if at all possible. Advantages
here are that there's no messing with hoses during setup -- it's a
canister that sets up like a power filter.

Conclusion
---------------
If money is less of an object, feel free to shop around and try the
other brands. Eheim especially seems to have a great reputation (and
the best variety of accessories). For my money though, I could never
justify the 150%-450% price difference to step "up" to one. Everything
from the canister to the accessories to the replacement filter media
are priced this way.

Lastly, as others have said, it's unlikely these days that you're going
to get a BAD canister filter...probably varying degrees of "good" ($250
bare classic Eheim) and "bang for your buck" ($99 loaded Magnum 350
kit). If you shop around, read and buy according to your needs and
your pocketbook, you should be safe.

Resources
--------------
Good info on all these links...I checked!

Old article I wrote:
http://groups.google.com/group/rec.a...8f2fe5e53458b0

Google

for Magnums:
http://www.google.com/search?q=magnum+350+canister

Google for Eheims:
http://www.google.com/search?q=eheim+canister

Canister run-down:
http://saltaquarium.about.com/cs/fil...canistsers.htm - (the
reviews are not sal****er-oriented at all)

Vendors:
http://www.marineland.com/products/prod_consumer.asp
http://www.eheim.com/index2.htm