Stupid thing keeps losing prime and stops flowing despite not being dirty. On top of that...it's nearly impossible to re-prime to get it going again. I'm just done with it. Might be user error but I don't want a filter that is this difficult to keep going. I want simple.
So...suggestions for a replacement? 32 gallon heavily planted tank with light fish stocking. Looking at the Fluval 307 Performance Canister Filter but open to other suggestions. I just want to keep the price as low as I can but still get a quality piece of equipment that's not impossibly to use.
I have the Fluval 207 which is nice EXCEPT the hoses and rim connectors which I hate. I have had nothing but issues in trying to swap them out. I gave up and bought the Oase Biomaster 250 which I am loving. My tank is super clean, very easy to set up, love the prefilter cleaning feature and piece of cake to prime.
It is big! You can also get the thermo version with an integrated heater which seems cool.
If you are handier than I am, the Fluval is good, the quick release valves are nice. I just could not get another hose to stay put on it. But I am not the best at plumbing.
Do you have problems with the biomaster gurgling and releasing bubbles? I checked all connections and confirmed no source of air input into the canister but still get a lot of air trapped even after tilting and shaking the unit multiple times. Oase customer service person said that it is because of the fine sponges in the prefilter area in a CO2 supplemented tank! I really want to like this filter and not return it.
Yeah...sounds like a headache I might not want to deal with. I was looking at the Oase line of filters. They look nice. Little more than I want to spend but if it will work well and make life a little easier...might be worth it. I'll look into them a bit more. I will say that the hose system on the Fluval is definitely clunky looking and not at all pleasing to the eye.
I just got two Aqueon Quietflow 200 canisters for my 50G. They do 200GPH each. They have 300GPH and 400GPH models.
The thing I liked most is that it comes out of the box with three options for the return. You can use a redirector, spray bar, or this cool HOB "water polisher unit" that takes a slide in cartridge and all three are provided with it, nothing else to buy (except some extra filters if you use the HOB polisher). You can also use the HOB water polishing unit to prime it. It's been very quiet. Priming was easy once I figured it out. I have one unit setup with the HOB polisher and the other with a spray bar. I get lots of agitation. There are quick releases on the hoses on the filter side. I'm very satisfied so far.
The Aqueon seems like a neat way to polish the water after filtering through the canister. I think the Oase is different in that you can remove a tube which contains the prefilter sponges without having to disconnect and clean anything else. I have done this once since I set it up a month ago and it was super easy and totally clean!
Can you send a pix of the hose connected and the rim connectors? Those have been my big issues and they never show them in the ads. Can you use other floss in the HOB unit instead of the carbon? What is the size of the HOB unit?
I don't know what you mean by rim connectors, you mean the hose connectors? I just took pics of everything, hopefully they will help you out. The only thing I don't like is the intake is long. I have a 20" high so it isn't a problem. It extends too, so if you have deeper its good for that. I was hoping to have one intake low and one high in the water column (like a skimmer), but that would require some customizing.
One other note, the 400GPH model comes with a Y for the outflow and 2 HOB units. So with that one you can run both HOBs or any mix of the three outflow choices they provide. I went with (2) 200GPH models to have some fault tolerance and be able to keep one running while I maintain the other. It also allows a lot of variety for bio media.
Here are the hose connects to the filter. I have not used a canister before so was absolutely astounded at the room inside to put media!
Don't know why this image shows up sideways. Here is the connection on the one HOB I am running.
Inside of my running HOB
These are the other outflow options you get
Bottom of the HOB/hookups
Inside of the HOB. You could easily DIY the inserts. It helps that it has that little blue cage to mount them in.
The filter chamber is pretty good size if you wanted to do something with it. It's slim HOB but there is enough space. For sizing, the insert refills are their large size (same inserts used on their HOB filters)
This might not be what you want but it is true that if it IS user error as you've mentioned, it is quite likely to follow you to a new filter as well. Losing prime is kind of a basic thing that often can be as simple as needing to find the air leak!
I know of no canister that is not prone to losing prime if there is an air leak, so are you sure that is the way to go?
I would certainly want to know what itis that is failing, so that if it is in a part which I've connected to the filter, I'm not looking at the same part giving me fits when connected to a new filter. Jus tburning cash when we do that.
I have not had any issues with the gurgling and bubbles. I am not using C02 however. I did find that moving it closer or further away from the tank seems to make a difference depending on the length of your hose. I also keep the input near the bottom and the output about 2" under water. No idea if that makes any difference!! Hope it works for you as the idea of the quick and easy clean prefilter is awesome!
I suggest a Oase Biomaster or Biomaster thermo! I have the Biomaster thermo 350 on a 20 gal and I love it. Good flow and tons of room for media. It has a pre filter that doubles as a priming pump. The integrated heater is also a nice touch. It is easy to clean and the inflow/outflow are self sealing so that they don't siphon when they are removed. It does burp every once in a while but most canister filters do.
LOVE my two Oase filters.
The pre-filter is the freakin bomb. And the integrated heaters which have their own power cord.
I have yet to clean the actual filter. I just clean the prefilter every week or two. Been running almost a year now.
Flow could be a little stronger but i just added a powerhead inside the tank. https://amzn.to/3cjujwk
I would highly recommend the Eheim pro series. I have owned 3 2217's a 2215 and a 2211 and although they were fine. Maintenance was a big hassle and priming was the worst. Seems like a week later I would still hear bubbles going through the impeller lol. But I got a pro 3 E for my 120-P and it is amazing. Tons of room for filter media, very well put together. The clips have a safety feature that will unclip them to keep them from breaking (unlike the traditional eheims. It has self priming, all automatic, the hoses have a quick disconnect to clean lily pipes or whatever. And you can adjust the flow easily with an LED interface ( I think it has a mode that gradually changes the flow like a stream, it will slowly ramp up and down to simulate a river). Another awesome perk, is PetSmart has a deal for 60$ off for the Eheim pro 4+ 250. That filter is rated for 32 to 65 gallons so perfect for your tank.
Do you know that neatness is a symptom of a warped mind��
My wife would love you!!��
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