Advice On Eheim Models

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pica_nuttalli

don't be a twit
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Very simple question: should I go with the 2215 Classic or with the 2236 Ecco? This is for a 60g (4'x1'x2') with a spraybar attachment.

I currently own the 2232 Ecco and love how easy it is to use. But I've been in contact with Eheim and they suggested that I think about trying out the Classic.

I'm interested in hearing any experiences anybody's had with either model. I'd also like some opinions just based on the simple numbers and listed features.

Ecco stats
Classic stats
 
Without a doubt the 2215. Keep in mind that (with my experience) as great as Eheims are, they (as probably all other external filters) actually have a far lesser output than one would expect. And the filtration and volume per hour etc. is based on no media, no waste clogging etc. etc.
As a comparison, I ran a 2213 on a 19US gallon and I though that was sufficient - but by no means over filtered or powered.

Anyway, the Ecco's are said to be substandard to the Classic lines - with the mechanical bits prone to breaking (such as the handle prime mechanism) and the flow rate even less than that of a comparable classic model. Despite what it says on paper.

So that's my 2p :)
 
I would go for the Ecco as it is easier to prime, easier to work on and the handles have been upgraded to stop the breakage that was described above.
Eheims do not go for the larger flow-rates of other filters such as the Fluval range, but make up for it in larger filter volumes

Steve
 
It might be fractionally easier to prime - but it takes all of 10 second to prime the classic model - so no great shakes there. My lfs said one of the main problems with the Ecco range is the replacement handles (for the priming funciton) that needs to be ordered. A problem you will not encounter with the classic.
 
I'll take a classic over an ecco anytime ;)
 
Well if it were me i would go for the classic, i know lots of people have been disappointed with ecco filters, i have a 2215 on a 40US gallon tank and i think the filter is perfect for a tank this size, although if i had a 60 gallon tank i would use a 2217 as i think the flow rates on the 2215 may struggle a little and would need supplementing, the filter itself is fine for a 60 gallon, biologically it can hold lots of media etc, but you may want extra flow and this is the reason i would opt for the 2217. But the classics are a great filter, they have been around for decades at this stage and have changed very little, its the simplicity of their design that makes them so reliable, and an added bonus is that the filters are totally silent.
 
.......although if i had a 60 gallon tank i would use a 2217 as i think the flow rates on the 2215 may struggle a little and would need supplementing, the filter itself is fine for a 60 gallon, biologically it can hold lots of media etc, but you may want extra flow and this is the reason i would opt for the 2217.
I thought so too - though on second thought, thought the 2215 would suffice - because even though it's 4ft, it's only 4 x 1 x 2. However I do agree - in the long run the extra few ££'s or $$'s for the 2217 would be more than worth it and achieve a much higher flow rate.

The flow rate of the 2213 on my 19 US gallon is hardly noticable - and it's set up in the most optimum way for best flow even.
 
thanks for all the input guys!!

i'm pretty much set on the 2217 now--my only reservation is that if i have to downgrade tanks for grad school, it might be a bit too powerful... if such a thing can be imagined :lol:
 
If you do find the outflow too strong, it's easily remedied :) You can either turn the outlet pipe slightly towards the back of the tank (instead of flowing out forwards) - this will slow down the output quite a lot. Or just make the holes in the outlet bigger - easily done and either/both methods work a treat :good:
 

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