Filter for a 20L?

[hisxlency]

I finally got my tank the other day. After looking around it seems my intital plan for the Eheim 2213 might not be sufficient for my 20L. I looked at the Fluval 306 but it might be overkill?

What are the alternatives for the Fluval 306? I would like an eHeim but am unclear which model would suit my tanks needs

Thanks in advance

[somewhatshocked]

Eheim 2215 could work, depending upon your livestock.

If it were me? I'd want flexibility in terms of flow and media customization and would go with an Eheim 2217.

[CrypticLifeStyle]

The Eheim 2215 would put you at 8x the turn over rate for a 20, and $20 more then a 2213. for $25 more then the 2215 is the 2217 at 13x turn over rate which is a bit overkill on a 20L lol.

[hisxlency]

Good info, a glance on Amazon shows they list several under the same name, im assuming the 92 gallon one is the 2215 correct?

Amazon.com: EHEIM Classic 2215 External Canister Filter with Media for up to 92 US Gallons: Pet Supplies

Amazon.com: EHEIM Classic 2215 External Canister Filter with Media for up to 92 US Gallons: Pet Supplies

[freph]

Originally Posted by somewhatshocked

Eheim 2215 could work, depending upon your livestock.

If it were me? I'd want flexibility in terms of flow and media customization and would go with an Eheim 2217.

This.

Personal experience? Use a 2217 if you plan to use lily pipes. Use a throttled down 2217 if you plan to use anything that concentrates flow. Definitely use a 2217 if you're running anything in-line (heater, reactor, etc.).

[hisxlency]

Originally Posted by freph

This.

Personal experience? Use a 2217 if you plan to use lily pipes. Use a throttled down 2217 if you plan to use anything that concentrates flow. Definitely use a 2217 if you're running anything in-line (heater, reactor, etc.).

thanks for your feedback. Nub questions, can you throttle down the eheims? I would like an inline heater to keep the tank clear of hardware if it all possible based on my limited space.

Lily pipes? More reading... haha

[CrypticLifeStyle]

Never throttled down myself, but i'd suggest checking kensfish.com to compare prices, i guess it comes down to shipping costs ontop of base price

[mott]

Yup you can cut the flow on the output side quick connect, wouldn't do it more than 50% tho.
I think a 2217 might be a bit much unless you plan on getting a larger tank in the future.

[somewhatshocked]

2217 is definitely not too much. Especially if you want flexibility and factor in the similarity in cost. As others mentioned, 2217 likely won't be strong enough if you're hoping to use something like lily pipes.

2215 would be fine but you couldn't really meter flow. With a larger filter like the 2217, you have that option. As your filter ages, media matures and material collects? Flow will slow down a bit. If you have a strong enough filter, you can just turn things up a notch to buy yourself more time between cleanings.

With a 2217 or similarly-sized filter, you've also got the option of using any type of spraybar you could ever want. As well as the ability to use it on a larger tank if you so desire.

[talontsiawd]

I know my 2215 with a 2217 impeller has less flow than a 2217 but I wouldn't mind a tad more flow. I do have an inline diffuser (which didn't seem to affect flow much) and a UV sterilizer as well. I think most people would be happy with a 2215 on a 20 long but for me, I still would want more.

I think it's always better to go bigger as you can use the filter on a larger tank and their really isn't a downside. My 2234 was fine for a 20 long, but throttled back 50% still works on my 6 gallon, though I am not using it because it is just physically to large to fit into my makeshift stand.

[hisxlency]

thats settled, 2217 added to my shopping list. Everyones input is appreciated!

Now to read more and confuse myself on a co2 sytem lol

[pianofish]

Can someone please explain why you would need a 2217 to use lily pipes. What is the benefit of lily pipes over the spray bar besides aesthetic appeal?I'm also making a 20 L and am curious if I should go 2215 or 2217. I plan on DIY co2 so would I/ could I need an inline reactor? I am doing a crypt only tank.

[mott]

Lilly's on a 20l? Lilly's are nice but they get dirty sooo quick, I have a rimless 120p and never even considered Lilly's just because they are a pain to keep clean IMO.
I suggested a 2215 on the fact that I have a 2217 and a 2026 on my 120p, the 2026 QD broke on me and I only used the 2217 for a week or so but I felt the 2217 handled the tank fine. I can't even imagine one on a 20l. Should be a whirlpool but looking forward to see how you like it, it's prolly my fav filter ever.
Good luck with it!

[hisxlency]

Originally Posted by mott

. I can't even imagine one on a 20l. Should be a whirlpool but looking forward to see how you like it, it's prolly my fav filter ever.
Good luck with it!

just scored one on CraigsList for $60 in very good condition. I pick it up this weekend. VERY EXCITE!

[mott]

Originally Posted by hisxlency

just scored one on CraigsList for $60 in very good condition. I pick it up this weekend. VERY EXCITE!

Ohh possibly and old one! See if it says made in Germany on the pump head.
Some people have the old "made in Germany" cans running since the 80s!