REVIEW:Fluval FX5 vs Eheim Pro3 compared

[JonF]

Here is the response from Eheim:

"Both Pro 3 and the large Classics (2260 and 2262) provide the same level of filtration. The difference between these units is the ease of maintenance and the flow rate. The 2080 Pro 3 will pump a maximum of 450 GPH while the 2262 will pump the double (900 GPH).

Considering that the Classic series does not have baskets nor a maintenance indicator and can not be used with regular filter pads, I will consider the 2080 as a more complete unit. However if you are looking for more flow, the 2260 or 2262 will be your best choices."


Add to the points they made the lower watt draw of the 2080 and the TWO intakes on that unit, and I also think the Pro III is the top performer.

Thanks for the info!

- Jonathan

 

[taksan]

I should to be fair update this review now that I've had both filters running for over 2 years. It would be fair to say the following about the FX5's reliability and operation over that time .... its crap ! The Foam in the FX5 does NOT trap the really small particles that can build up and clog the filter baskets. In a real world situation with a well stocked tank of large fish the FX5 needs its BASKETS (not necessarily the foam) cleaned every 3-4 weeks to maintain anything like its flowrate in fact average flowrates for a operating FX5 drop to under 1000 liters per hours after 4 weeks without a clean. The problem seems to be with the design of the baskets being inside the foam which in fact does allow some bypass to occur. The question of reliability is also interesting. Out of the 6 FX5's I have had operating on tanks I've had no less then 4 fail at the pump level and out of those 4 I've had one replacement fail as well. I now only use one FX5 that is on a tank thats stand isn't high enough to take the ehiem. What seems to happen is that the pump just won't start .... nothing you do changes it. Discussions with the local distributor lead me to believe it is not a isolated issue. As for the Eheims well .... my 2080's have all gone too mainly because .... I've found something better ...the 2180 with inbuilt 500W heater. These are identical to the 2080 except they have a heater which is fantastic for keeping ugly heaters out of the tank and avoiding issues with heaters burning fish which can happen with fish such as rays and catfish. I must say that as for the 2080/2180 I've had absolutely no issues and maintenance periods are about twice as long as the Fluvals.
All up to update this review I'd now say the extra $ for the Eheim is money well spent as the FX5 just isn't of the quality to inspire confidence.

 

[brcacti]

I was at the pet shop the other day and the Ehiem 2260 had a MUCH smaller GPH rating on the box than what the last posts showed.

 

[Curly68]

Excellent review! I use two FX5's and haven't had that much trouble with them but saying that I have in operation 2x Eheim 2215's and an Eheim 2126 Pro2 thermo which I have had zero trouble with. I think that the Eheim's are better than Fluvals but not on price! A minor gripe really.

 

[rza_mib7]

Great review. Thanx a lot.

 

[Aussienative]

ttt

How is this not sticky?

 

[Titania]

So while the Eheim is clearly the better filter here I cannot honestly say its twice as good as the Fluval... issues of reliability and longevity not withstanding.

Issues of reliability and longevity are where the Fluvals ALWAYS fall short, IMO. I've had 3 over the years, not the FX5, but other Fluval canisters. I've NEVER had a Fluval canister last more than 2 1/2 years. They are garbage, IMO. My Rena's have been more reliable. On the other hand, I've got 2 Eheim Pros that are going on 11+ years with ZERO issues, and one Pro II that's 3+ years with ZERO issues. Despite their initial cost, those Eheims have long since paid for themselves in not needing to be replaced.

 

[brianp]

I run two FX5s and I would be the first to admit that their internal design is “strange”, to say the least. Taksan is correct when he states that the medium porosity foam does not trap small particles. Hagen recommends that you place either/both the blue and white water polishing pads into the central chamber of the baskets. However, it has apparently escaped their notice that this creates another problem. The surface area of the central chamber aperture is approx. 1/9 of the surface area of the white foam pads. As a result, they clog quickly…very quickly, based upon what others have reported. I have corrected this design flaw by cutting thin polyester mesh pads (Odyssea) and placing one in back of each white foam pad. By doing this, I have matched the surface area of the water polishing pads to the sa of the foam and there is now no accelerated clogging of the filter. As far as bypass, after studying the internal design thoroughly, I believe that this will only occur to a significant extent if the top of each white foam pad does not make contact with the underside of the plastic tray above it. Finally, I would also agree that the materials, fit and finish, etc., of the FX5 are certainly cheesy compared to the Eheim, but FX5s are comparatively inexpensive and push a lot of water and this system will provide respectable filtration when matched with individual requirements (and budgets).

 

[Hot Slime]

Wow, why didnt I see this thread before. Great stuff.

 

[Haavard b]

So why not make an eheim hybrid out of the FX and get the best from both?
Here is what I did to fix clogged filters (without destroying the filter):

1. Remove baskests and stove away.
2. Remove intakepipe (under the lid, inside the canister) just wigel it free without destroying it. It can be put back later.
3. Install a 90 dgr nosel where the pipe was. I used a vvs pipe. Install it so it creates a vortex when the filter is running.
4. Cut a sirkular shaped froam pad 5 cm thick of medium or coarse grade. Put it in the bottom of the canister.
5. fill the canister with biamedia to your liking. I use 10 cm of substrat pro.
6. cut a sirkular foam pad 10 cm thick of coars grade and put on top of the biamass.
7. Fill up to the rim with bio balls
8. put on lidd and ur ready to go

You have now created an upside down eheim hybrid very much like the 2260.
I opened mine after 1.5 years and there was no need for cleaning.
Tank settup was Blue Zaire with heavy feading of shrimpmix and granulat.

My other fx must be cleaned after 1.5 months