Eheim Canisters: PRO III vs. 2260 vs. 2262

[4wheelvfr]

I was thinking of going with the 2260 or 2262 for my 265, but I may just do a couple of the larger Classics. Folks seem to like the older ones a bit better from the reviews I've read.

 

[cchhcc]

Howdy,

The 2080 is a great filter ... for 75 gal. From personal experience, I cannot recommend it for a bigger tank, please read HERE and THERE

The 2260 and 2262 are much more suited for /\/\onster tanks. I had my 220 gal in storage and am in the process of setting it up again now that we've moved. A 2262 will be my filter of choice.

HarleyK

THOSE were the threads I saw. Thanks for finding them!

I do have to say, other than the greater capture of particulate matter due to its higher flow rate, the 2262 shouldn't be able to process any more ammonia than the 2260 as they both have the same filter volume. Biofiltration ins't improved through high flow rates, and it actually can be diminished with high flows as dwell time in the bio-media decreases.

Does anyone know for certain if the 2262 is an after market product or is it factory fitted?

Also, I don't know how the 2080 is less capable as a mechanical filter than the Classic Series. It just doesn't seem possible. I've used both versions, and the 2080 seems more capable to me (with the addition of a prefilter and an additional intake tube, and the presence of everything else the Classics have). I know you have indicated you think there is a chance for bypass, but I don't see how the chances are any different than with the Classic Series. Certainly there are baskets in the 2080 and not in Classics, but that isn't really an issue as the fit of the baskets is tighter that the "fit" of bio-media. Also, both canister designs feature a final floss pad stage that fits snuggly in the canister body.

Ultimately, I think canisters are far from good solutions as stand alone filtration in a large tank. There is no way to easily eliminate solid waste accumulation in a canister (as compared, for instance, to a wet/dry), and all that waste sitting in the canister for months on end can really complicate nitrogen cycle management.

Any thoughts?

 

[Miles]

I am running the eheim 2260 on my 375g.. It's currently my only filter in that tank. I have it filled to capacity with bio-balls, and use a large sponge pre-filter for mechanical. It moves a ton of water, and I've never had an ammonia spike in the 375g. It currently contains 9 snooks, 2 severums, 1 geo, 1 ck, and a few other fish, all good sized.

I purchased it used 2 years ago with the 375g, and it had been running non-stop for 8 years prior. It is very quiet, too. I have never opened the top of it to maintain it, because it has an external draining outlet that I use.. about once a month, I hook my python up to this outlet and flip the butterfly valve.. I give the canister a few shakes, and out comes the detritus.. I know, not good practice, but it's all bio-balls and no media to really 'clean' out.

Just my 2 cents on the bigboy Eheim.. I love it. Way better than the Xp4 IMO..

 

[Miles]

oh I was also going to say I have the Eheim Pro II, in-canister heater is nice.. but those filters (xp3, 404) are childsplay compared to the 2260..

 

[HarleyK]

Howdy,

I was thinking of going with the 2260 or 2262 for my 265, but I may just do a couple of the larger Classics.

These are the biggies of the Classic series

I do have to say, other than the greater capture of particulate matter due to its higher flow rate, the 2262 shouldn't be able to process any more ammonia than the 2260 as they both have the same filter volume. Biofiltration ins't improved through high flow rates, and it actually can be diminished with high flows as dwell time in the bio-media decreases.

Absolutely right. The reason I'd prefer the 2262 is simply turnover and, thus, mechanical filtration. With buckets that size, I have no concern about biofiltration, even if it is slightly decreased by the higher flow rate.

Also, I don't know how the 2080 is less capable as a mechanical filter than the Classic Series. It just doesn't seem possible.

Just look at the innards of each series. The Classic simply pumps water thru media. One direction of flow. No bypass possible. Water enters are the bottom and exits at the top. 2280: Sophisticated flow directions up and down, buckets that might look like they fit but still allow massive byflow. BTW: I had to clean my 2080 after a power outage a few weeks ago. The strips of filter pads that I had packed in the cracks had turned into muddy messes. Definitely a sign that water bypassed the buckets at these cracks! Believe me, it is very possible (to the point of it being fact) that the Classic series in superior in that regard. Feel free to try it out yourself, but this is my experience with the product.

I think canisters are far from good solutions as stand alone filtration in a large tank. There is no way to easily eliminate solid waste accumulation in a canister (as compared, for instance, to a wet/dry), and all that waste sitting in the canister for months on end can really complicate nitrogen cycle management.

Wet/dry filter mostly operate by overflow. I am not sure how detritus that settles on the bottom of a tank can be efficiently removed if you don't have other equipment to support the movement of detritus to the w/d. A canister withdraws water from the bottom of the tank, where organic matter settles. And removes it.
I have a Classic 2211 run on a 15 gal tank. I cleaned it on Christmas. The last time I cleaned it before that was October 2006 (i.e. 14 months interval). It's not a /\/\onster tank, but it's also not a /\/\onster canister. Fish and plants are just fine. It all depends on customizing your set-up to your own tank-needs. I agree that there are tanks and hobbyists where a canister might not be the best solution. From my own experience and reading Miles' report, I am however confident that it is possible to maintain even large tanks with an Eheim.

But then, filtration is like religion. There are many believes.

Just my $ 0.02

HarleyK

 

[cchhcc]

Wet/dry filter mostly operate by overflow. I am not sure how detritus that settles on the bottom of a tank can be efficiently removed if you don't have other equipment to support the movement of detritus to the w/d. A canister withdraws water from the bottom of the tank, where organic matter settles. And removes it.

True, but the "dirtiest" water is actually on the surface (that's where all the dissolved proteinaceous waste tends to accumulate), and an overflow skims that off completely whereas a canister cannot do so (without a skimmer adapter at least). Also, the newer overflow boxes take water from various points in the tank (surface, bottom, and middle).

Still, with enough flow, you can get very good particulate suspension, and extraction, with a wet/dry system.

I'm probably going to buy a new 2262 now, though, so I can compare it to the 2080. I thought I had already upgraded my canisters!!!

 

[Jam17]

got a pro 3 2180 and works great, easy to use, clean, setup etc, a little pricey but last forever from what i've heard, and not too loud either

true true i pick mine up for £100

 

[johndoe21ro]

Cchhcc, did u buy your 2262? Can u make a comparison with the 2080 now?

 

[that one guy]

ah, the Eheims, ive seen these on youtube..