Eheim Class 350 vs Fluval 205

[maverick786us]

The Filter you have doesnt need it. When it comes to cleaning, turn the filter off and then shift the grey lever to the vertical position which will close the valve. Then you can lift the red lever which will remove the tubing assembly without any water siphoning from the the return/inlet tubing. a small amount of water will probably get pushed out from the filter itself once you remove the tubing assembly due to pressure build-up when the filter was running.

The connection valve will definitely make it easier but not required and also its another possible source of leakage in the future.

Thank you. Why the stock tubing doesn't work with lily pipes? You only have to insert the lily pipes inside the tubing

 

[maverick786us]

I was watching this video and it gave me a scary feeling that I have to change the carbon filter and phosphate every 4 weeks. I believe those items don't come cheap. People who are using Fluval 07 series filters, how often do you change it?

 

[FrozenShivers]

I was watching this video and it gave me a scary feeling that I have to change the carbon filter and phosphate every 4 weeks. I believe those items don't come cheap. People who are using Fluval 07 series filters, how often do you change it?

I don't use either. I just use mechanical and biological filtration within my filters, and sometimes chemical in the form of Purigen, but I would just run the sponges & default bio media the Fluval comes with, from memory they skimp a bit on media so you can buy some more but it's not a requirement - especially in a well planted tank. Once you've setup you don't need to repurchase or change anything every 4 weeks etc. Just clean the pre-filter every 2 weeks or so, and the main filter compartment can be cleaned far less often (6months - 1year+ using tank water). Double taps aren't a requirement but can make maintenance easier, the Fluval has a pretty good system @MoFish described. See how you get on with that first and failing that you could add a double tap.

 

[MoFish]

Thank you. Why the stock tubing doesn't work with lily pipes? You only have to insert the lily pipes inside the tubing

In my case the tubing didnt form a tight seal with the lily pipes. The last thing you want is 90L of water all over your floor. In addition the stock tubing did not fit the look i was going for.

I was watching this video and it gave me a scary feeling that I have to change the carbon filter and phosphate every 4 weeks. I believe those items don't come cheap. People who are using Fluval 07 series filters, how often do you change it?

no ignore that. In my case, I've been running the same sponges for over 3 months since i've bought it. you can buy off brand sponge replacements for cheap from amazon if you ever need to change them out.

For the carbon filter, it's not really important unless you have wood or other sources of tannins in your tank and you don't want the water to be stained. Even then I replaced the carbon filter with a 100mL bag of Seachem Purigen in the bottom basket. I bought two because since you can re-charge Purigen, I use one and recharge the other for the next time i do a filter clean.

The bottom basket i have the balck sponge and filter floss. The filter floss is optional, i notice it clears a lot of fine particles every time i clean the filter. You can buy rolls of filter floss for quite cheap and cut the to size yourself which is what I do.

The rest of the baskets I've filled with Seachem Matrix and these don't need to be changed out just maybe rinsed with old aquarium water when you clean your filter.

 

[Aqua sobriquet]

Do I need need "connection valve double tap connector" I saw the one sold by Eheim is too expensive. But if it will make cleaning the filter easier, should I go for it?

Many canister filters have an inlet/outlet manifold of some type that allows the hoses to be disconnected from the filter for maintenance. Sadly these can be a source of leaks after a while and notoriously difficult to stop. As a result some choose not to disturb this feature but instead use double taps like the Eheim ones you mention. It’s something I’ve done with all my filters and I’ve never had any double taps leak. If they did though it’s an easy O ring replacement job. The other advantage of double taps is that it’s much easier to remove the hoses themselves for cleaning.

Having said all that I do remove the manifold on my Biomaster for maintenance because it’s particularly convenient. No leaks so far but I did buy a spare as some folks have managed to break them during maintenance.

I’d advise anyone to get double taps if you can. They will reduce the flow slightly but it’s a trade off for the convenience. I’ve not owned other makes so can’t comment, but the Eheim ones seem well made.

 

[Aqua sobriquet]

Everyone has an opinion of the best media. I’ve used lots of stuff over the years but my personal favourite is Sera Siporax. I probably wouldn’t have thought to buy it as it looks very much like the ceramic rings so many other manufacturers supply. Luckily I received a pack of Siporax with one of the filters I bought. Siporax is made from glass and is much lighter and seems to have a far greater surface area than the ceramic stuff. It’s also more open so less likely to reduce the flow. I use foam in the rest of the filter before the Siporax.

How does sera siporax Professional work in aquarium filter? | Service | sera

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[maverick786us]

Thank you. I am waiting for my "16/22mm Aquarium Canister Filter Hose Pipe Airline Flexible Tubing, 3m" and 17 mm stainless steel lily pipes, and I hope those items perfectly fit without giving me a hard time

 

[dw1305]

Hi all,

I’ve used lots of stuff over the years but my personal favourite is Sera Siporax. I probably wouldn’t have thought to buy it as it looks very much like the ceramic rings so many other manufacturers supply. Luckily I received a pack of Siporax with one of the filters I bought. Siporax is made from glass and is much lighter and seems to have a far greater surface area than the ceramic stuff. It’s also more open so less likely to reduce the flow.

I've still got <"some Siporax"> that is at <"least 20 years old">. If some-one gives any sintered glass media to me? (<"Eheim Substrat Pro">) I'm going to keep it and use it, it lasts <"almost eternally">.

I use foam in the rest of the filter before the Siporax.

<"My suggestion"> as well.

cheers Darrel