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

 

[maverick786us]

Finally I got 16-22 MM hose tubing, with it my stainless steel lily pipes, I installed my filter in my main 90L tank, and Eheim class 250 went to my small 37L tank.

I have a question. with both these filters. Whenever I install them , I face issue with water flow, the water flow is laggy and it stops after few seconds. In both the cases I had to turn it off and on for few seconds and repeated that cycle 10-12 times and it worked. I still don't understand why it happens, and in future when I clean the filter, how do I get the full flow instantly?

 

[hypnogogia]

I face issue with water flow, the water flow is laggy and it stops after few seconds.

Do you prime the filter properly and wait until water flows through and out the outflow? When properly primed, the water in the return hose should rise to the same level as the water in the aquarium. Once that is done you should have no air lock and the filter will flow when turned on, still expelling some bubbles for a while.

 

[maverick786us]

Do you prime the filter properly and wait until water flows through and out the outflow? When properly primed, the water in the return hose should rise to the same level as the water in the aquarium. Once that is done you should have no air lock and the filter will flow when turned on, still expelling some bubbles for a while.

Can you provide more information and procedure to prime these 2 filters? The water did reach outlet but the flow was low and it stopped, until I restart the filter. It was so frustrating for me that I was in a position to throw something on the wall and I was worried that turning on and off the filter with air lock might harm the electrical components of the filter

 

[Maf 2500]

Can you provide more information and procedure to prime these 2 filters?

I can't speak for priming the Eheim but I know that the Fluval has a priming pump that has to be pumped a few times before starting the filter. From the 07 series manual (page 10 of the pdf):

INSTALLATION AND USE
EN-7
9. Insert the AquaStop valve into the intake and output connectors on the cover, and
push down on the locking lever to lock it in place.
10. Open the AquaStop valve by pushing the valve lever all the way down. (The valve
must be fully open before the unit is turned on or primed.)
6. Start the filter
1. Check your installation.
Be sure lift-lock clamps are securely closed.
Make certain that the AquaStop valve is
fully open and pushed all the way down.
Check that the intake assembly is fully submerged in water.
2. Pump the instant-prime handle by pulling it
up and pushing it down 3 to 4 times until you
hear water being drawn into the unit. Return
the instant-prime handle to the down position.
As water flows through the intake hosing, it
will fill the canister, pushing air out of its way.
Air will be expelled through the output nozzle,
which should be located slightly above the
water surface. To expel all the air in the system
as quickly as possible, the AquaStop valve must
be fully open. Be sure the lever is all the way down.
3. Once the bubbling in the tank stops, you’ll know the air is out of the system, and the
canister is full; plug the power cord into an electrical outlet.
THE PUMP WILL START IMMEDIATELY. Water should flow from the output nozzle continuously. If it does not, check your
installation to be sure of the following:
IMPORTANT: To prevent damage, never plug the filter in unless the canister is completely full of water.
Adjusting Water Flow
Once the filter is operating continuously, you can use the top lever on the AquaStop to regulate the water flow.
To reduce the water flow, lift the lever up to halfway, but no higher. This can be done once the unit is fully operational,
and will not harm the motor. However, never run the filter with the lever up (closed) more than half way.
Air in the Filter
Some air will become trapped in the canister as it fills; air may also be released by new media.
Eventually, the filter will expel all air pockets. If you notice excessive bursts of bubbling over an extended period of time, check all hosing
and connections for air leaks. Also, make sure there is no air source (such as an airstone or aeration device) near the intake strainer.
a
b
c
• No kinks or loops in the hosing.
• The base of the canister is not more than 4.5 ft. (1.4 m) below the water level.
• The water is not more than 7 in. (17.5 cm) below the aquarium rim.
• The intake assembly is securely attached to the aquarium wall.
• No air is bubbling into the water at points where the intake assembly and the output nozzle connect to the hosing.
• No water is escaping from the hosing at the AquaStop valve connection points.
• The canister cover is securely closed.
• The AquaStop valve must be fully open before the unit is turned on or primed.

 

[hypnogogia]

Can you provide more information and procedure to prime these 2 filters?

I’m sure it will be in the instructions manual that came with the filters. With the Eheim, it’s a matter of sucking on the filter’s pressure side until the water starts flowing (you’ll feel the pressure in your mouth) and then allowing the filter to fill up with water until it comes out the pressure side and rise up in the return hose.

 

[Aqua sobriquet]

I’m sure it will be in the instructions manual that came with the filters. With the Eheim, it’s a matter of sucking on the filter’s pressure side until the water starts flowing (you’ll feel the pressure in your mouth) and then allowing the filter to fill up with water until it comes out the pressure side and rise up in the return hose.

This method works just fine. I’ve found it handy though to use double taps.
Once you’ve done this once though it’s just a matter of closing the taps for maintenance and then opening them once everything’s connected again.
Having said all that, getting trapped air out of some filters can be a bit of a pain. None of the ones I’ve had seem particularly well designed in this respect.

 

[maverick786us]

So earlier I made the mistake of using fine pre filter sponge, but I replaced it with coarse filters. With so many levels of filtration, I believe these performance canister filters (Fluval 207 and Eheim Classic 250 doesn't need internal cleaning for at least 6 months?

 

[hypnogogia]

doesn't need internal cleaning for at least 6 months?

That depends entirely on your stocking levels and how much you feed. Flow will reduce as your filter starts clogging, so keep a careful eye on that.

 

[maverick786us]

That depends entirely on your stocking levels and how much you feed. Flow will reduce as your filter starts clogging, so keep a careful eye on that.

I hope thats pre-filter sponge that will not allow uneaten fish food, dead leaves and gunk inside the filter, will ensure that my filter doesn't clog for 4-5 months on an average? With hang on back filters, it's OK to clean filter internally and but opening and cleaning these performance canister filters frequently is going to be a tedious job. I wouldn't mind cleaning the pre-filter sponge once a week.

 

[Aqua sobriquet]

That’s quite a small sponge but hopefully once a week will do the job?
Funnily enough ny Eheim 350 became quite noisy last night and it was, as I suspected, the sponge on the inlet pipe. It’s quite a fine sponge so I swapped it with a slightly more coarse one I prepared earlier. All back to normal.

 

[maverick786us]

That’s quite a small sponge but hopefully once a week will do the job?
Funnily enough ny Eheim 350 became quite noisy last night and it was, as I suspected, the sponge on the inlet pipe. It’s quite a fine sponge so I swapped it with a slightly more coarse one I prepared earlier. All back to normal.

Oops those sponges looked too big to so I cut them in half and used it in both my tanks

 

[Aqua sobriquet]

Oops those sponges looked too big to so I cut them in half and used it in both my tanks

Ah well, it’s relative. Maybe if I saw them in the flesh so to speak I’d agree with you?

Edit: This is my old inlet pipe you asked about. I’ve got a lathe so I turned the Red plastic plug to close off the skimmer inlet.
I felt the stainless mesh shown was still a bit too coarse to stop baby shrimp being sucked up which is why I now use sponge instead.
It also obviously adds extra filtration. You live and learn.