Eheim Thermofilters - 600l Tank

[Spiceweasel69]

Hi

Looking for some advice on new filter.

As per usual, im looking to choose between the fluval fx5 and the eheim 2080. Noise is a huge factor so i have heard the eheim is quieter so im tipping towards that option - however in doing so, i will need to buy 2x300W heaters, which i dont want to be seen in the tank. To this end, im looking at the 2180 thermofilter, essentially the 2080 with a built in 500W heater. Anyone ever had one? Are the elements reliable and need regular cleaning to keep them efficient etc?

For the fluval nuts out there, is there anything you can come up with to change my mind?

Ta

 

[rabbut]

Considering Eheim themselves admit there are relaibility issues with the thermo's, I seriously would avoid them Stick to the 2080 if you go Eheim, and get a pair of Hydor EHT 300's in the 16/22 modle (I think the 2028 uses 16/22mm hose...). Use a plastic Y fitting to split the outlet into two and fit one in-line heater to each pipe. This gives you the 600W total of heater power you need, in a nice out-of-the-tank option You may require valves on the seporate pipes however to get a good ballence of flow across the two heaters

All the best
Rabbut

 

[Spiceweasel69]

Considering Eheim themselves admit there are relaibility issues with the thermo's, I seriously would avoid them Stick to the 2080 if you go Eheim, and get a pair of Hydor EHT 300's in the 16/22 modle (I think the 2028 uses 16/22mm hose...). Use a plastic Y fitting to split the outlet into two and fit one in-line heater to each pipe. This gives you the 600W total of heater power you need, in a nice out-of-the-tank option You may require valves on the seporate pipes however to get a good ballence of flow across the two heaters

All the best
Rabbut

They acknowledge theres a problem??

Theyre not a vast amount more than the 2080, probably the cost of a 500w heater or the 2 hydors. Do you not think its worth taking the risk? Dont eheim provide a warranty or guarantee?

 

[rabbut]

They do provide a warrenty (3 years I think) but if your tap water is not soft (less than say 4-5GH, or 1-2KH, each in german degrees) I would not even think about it, more trouble than worth, especially if it's the only filter being ran. If it goes wrong, you're without a filter while you await the warrenty repair.....

With this size of tank, I always recomend running a reduntant system. If one piece of hardware fails, it should not lead to a system crash. This would mean doubling up running two filters, each able to run the tank alone While Pro series Eheims without heaters very rarely fail, IMO, with several hundered pounds of live stock to which you are personally attached to reliant on the equipment, you should always plan for the eventuality of a hardware failure

All the best
Rabbut

 

[Spiceweasel69]

so is it the heater element that fails as opposed to the pump / impeller?

Isnt the 2180 exactly the same prts as the 2080 but with a filter?

 

[raptorrex]

so is it the heater element that fails as opposed to the pump / impeller?

Isnt the 2180 exactly the same prts as the 2080 but with a filter?

it seems so, but they still fail, far more often than other Eheims. i would go for 2x2260's, on your tank. these are more basic than the 2080 (but more powerful), far less to go wrong. and are known to run and run. as for heaters, stick with separate items (hydoe in-line are worth a look).