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Now I've gotten over the shock of the cost of canister filters I am able to compare different Eheim types.
I am looking for a cannister for a 40gal or 150ltr (3ft x 15" x 18" tank and one day I hope to have more expensive and better looking plecos than the few common bn's I have now.
Therefore, I want to get a suitable cannister first; get over the shock of the cost; then shock myself all over again at the cost of good plecs.

I am getting confused as to what is good tho. Is wattage range of 8 to 15 really important? Does a higher wattage make a better filter?

Is the real importance in the flow rate? I am looking from 116g/hr or 440l/hr to 250g/hr or 950l/hr.

Is media capacity something I should also check?

Which is best for plecs? Never mind about any other tank mates, plecs come first.

Here a great article on canister filters:
[link] http://www.fishchannel.com/fish-health/healthy-aquariums/canister-filters.aspx?cm_sp=InternalClicks-_-RelatedArticles-_-fish-health/healthy-aquariums/canister-filters[/link]

I use Cascade canister filters, I been running a Cascade 1000 and a 700 for 2 years now. I never had a problem with them and my water is clear a glass. They are sturdy, no cheap materials here. Very quite, my light fans make more noise.The flow rates are higher than most, and the blow by rate is very low. media baskets are larger than most. It does use a a magnet driven impellor, and not a sealed motor which means if uses more watts. Which is the only draw back, and the only reason I can see for the affordable price. However, I know that is a tried and true method in aquarium filters, very simple eazy to repair if ever needed. It comes ready with hoses shutoff valves which are ball valves two types of returning water to the tank, spray bar and just spill return. These filters are great and I setting up a 75 gal and I will be running a 1200 in that one. Some if I going by another that the best review any product could want. I read alot of reveiws, and I only found a few that had something bad to say, but they also seem like they were writen as an adverts for another type a filter. Says like 4 out of 100 reveiws. Penn-Plax has been around for years, making affordable products.

Here's a Cansiter filter Compairson Chart on all major filters:http://www.petsolutions.com/Info.aspx?id=59

I hope you find something in there, that you find usefull.

Djrichie
"So Long, and Thanks For All The Fish" Douglas Adams

Hi,

First, you want your filters to "turn the tank over" an
average of 5 times within an hour.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?aid=243
and others (type aquarium filter flow rates? and
search)

As far as the media is concerned, Dj's link is good.
Additionally, another link:
http://fins.actwin.com/aquatic-plants/month.9912/msg00507.html
In this one, note that they are talking about well planted
tanks, with very light bioload....not your tank with the
plecos, but the information is good and applies.

As far as the wattages quoted is concerned, it can be
taken two ways.
One, the efficiency of the motor as it
converts electrical energy into mechanical energy.
Depending upon the size and type of wire used, you could
get, say 350 gallons per hour, out of a 10 watt motor
or a 110 watt motor. The output of the filter depends
on (among other things) the type of water pump (size,
impeller type, efficiency of the pump, etc) and the
speed of rotation.

The second way it can be taken, is the amount of energy
consumed per hour. Many folks these days are concerned
with how much it costs them to run their aquariums. We have
had threads on occasion here on FP about wives (generally)
being concerned about how much their husband's many toys
are costing the family. So filter manufacturers have
started to list the wattage of the motors, etc.

As far as the media is concerned, you will want to think
about what the habits of your fish are. Are they messy
eaters scattering food fragments around the tank? Also
what kind of waste to they produce and how much. Gauge
your media based on that. IMO, you are trying to get
rid of the solids, and using water changes to get rid
of the chemicals. If you opt to use carbon to help
with the chemical side, then you will need to change
that carbon out at a regular interval. Depending upon
the size and quantity of the fish, you will need to
change it out as often as every week or two.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

After our little chat last night re my Canister. Am I correct in thinking you are trying to cut down on your work load, cleaning canisters etc.

Here are a few of the Eheim Range

Pro11 2026 (mine)
350 Lt tank capacity
950lt per hr
Canister capacity 9lt

Being for a larger tank not a problem there and you can upgrade to a larger tank very easily.
The flow rate is excellent but like all canisters this figure is greatly reduced if poor maintenance eg not cleaned regularly eg monthly depending on your tank. If it is full of poopers it MUST be done and if a low capacity load it can be done 6-8 weeks but never any longer.
Having a 9lt capacity this gives plenty of area for the good bacteria to live and also enough for the gunk to collect in the bottom and not inter-fear with the filters efficiency.

Eheim Classic 2215
350lt tank capacity
620 Lt per Hr
Canister capacity 4.8

Just comparing those figures it will become very obvious that this filter will require more maintenance at least every 2-3 weeks and certainly no more.

Ecco 2236
300lt tank capacity
600 Lt per Hr
Canister capacity 5lt

This would be the smallest I would consider BUT several big concerns no upgrade flow rate too low and the canister capacity far too small for what you want to do.

Now a quick recap what do you want and at what price?
If you want Quality Pro11 made in Germany others not that is not saying there is a lesser quality. It does come with a few extras including the adjustable spray bar. You mentioned less work well the Pro11 is the only one that will do that.
Cost the Pro11 is certainly top price. Hunt around there are some good bargains out there but it will take some finding. Finally it can be upgraded to a bigger tank very easily.

As you know BEWARE of cheap Eheim copies and sales talk.

We can discuss this more in chat if you would like to.

Have a look in [link=My Profile] http://www.fishprofiles.com/forums/member.aspx?id=1935[/link] for my tank info

Look here for my
Betta 11Gal Desktop & Placidity 5ft Community Tank Photos

Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT?
VOTE NOW VOTE NOW

Thankyou all for your help.
I decided to go with the Eheim 2215 Classic.

My budget for my very first cannister just couldn't go high enough for the supa dupes.
Since my tank is only 150 ltrs, I figure a filter for up to 350 ltrs which can pump 620 ltrs/hr was not too shabby.

I might have to call on your expertise again when it arrives as to how to set it up.

I was wondering if the noodle things or the little rocks need to be replaced or just rinsed occasionally and how do you know when they aren't working up to par?

Hi Bren,
Those "things" are designed to be the homes for the
bacteria colonies that are the Nitrogen Cycle. They
should never wear out as nothing moves, and are not
water soluble so they should last the life of the
system. Because they are at the "end" of the filter
cycle very nearly all the detritus is removed and
"clean" water is what runs over and through them.

Unless they clog up I can't think of any reason to mess
with them.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--