Eheim vs Fluval

PlecoLad-UK

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Nov 11, 2009
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Hi all, i have a 3 footer with a fluval 305 on it and am looking to add another external to share the load of a full tank of plecos. I have around £150 to spend as well as an old 205. Was just wondering if anyone thinks it is worth buying a new eheim or just stick my old 205 on the tank? Reason i ask is Eheim seem to have some kind of magical power according to some and was just wondering if they truly are worth the extra money?

Cheers
 

2wheelsx2

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Dec 21, 2009
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In the end, it's what you like. The Fluvals have a lot of bypass as soon as the filter material gets dirty. The Eheim Classics have zero bypass and the Pro's have limited bypass. But if you have the 205 why not use it? It's not like they don't work, they're just not as quiet/efficient as the Eheims.
 

macvsog23

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Eheim every time last a long time and have remained the same for years
Fuval bring out a new model every year.
 

2wheelsx2

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i have only ever used ehiem. sell both your fluvals and buy a ehiem pro3 350 for the tank, just my opinion.
If you only ever used Eheim, how do you know how Eheim compares to Fluval? I have Eheim, Fluval, and Rena Filstars, so I've used each one and know the pros and cons of each. Not meant as a criticism, but how can you objectively say sell the Fluvals when you have not used one?
 

weisel

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If you only ever used Eheim, how do you know how Eheim compares to Fluval? I have Eheim, Fluval, and Rena Filstars, so I've used each one and know the pros and cons of each. Not meant as a criticism, but how can you objectively say sell the Fluvals when you have not used one?
that is a fair point my friend but in my defence i run a aquatic shop and atleast once a month i have a fluval bought in from customers cause something is wrong, o-ring, propeler, motor, etc, like i said its only my opinion.
peace.
 

macvsog23

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that is a fair point my friend but in my defence i run a aquatic shop and atleast once a month i have a fluval bought in from customers cause something is wrong, o-ring, propeler, motor, etc, like i said its only my opinion.
peace.
Once a month lucky u I get them every week.


It is just a cheap load of clap that is never going to work.

Heaters by Fuval are spot on heater guards are spot on but the rest is just junk.
 

PlecoLad-UK

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i have to say the shop i worked used to get a hell of a lot of fluval back but we only sold fluval so i was kinda in the dark as regards Eheim. Does anybody know about like pipes blocking up and what media to use for eheim as ive heard there very exspensive?
 

macvsog23

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i have to say the shop i worked used to get a hell of a lot of fluval back but we only sold fluval so i was kinda in the dark as regards Eheim. Does anybody know about like pipes blocking up and what media to use for eheim as ive heard there very exspensive?
Quality cost money as your aware I am sure

I belive you work for Maidenhead Aquatics?

They did sell Eheim at one point but they are now very tied in with JBL.

A company who do outstanding food and treatments but clap on the rest.

From my point it is like a person who is a electrician I would not use him to service my car for me as I would not use a car mechanic to wire my house.

Eheim make filters the sell heaters and tanks but they are not what they make so the rest of the filter manufactures make every thing and cant be expected to reach the stranded of design that Eheim have .

My point is illustrated by the classic range developed and first manufactured in the early 60,s and still going strong.I admit Eheim have made the odd duff filter but it was the ideas that were duff not the quality.

I had a classic I brought before my Daughter was born she is now in her mid 30,s I sold this to a friend who is still using it today. Quality cost and this filter cost me second hand around £50:00 in today's money. Spend £50:00 on a second hand Fluval and show it to me in 35 years time .


As for the cost of the media it is not mandatory to use eheim media you can use lots of things I have used plastic scouring pads , hair curlers, plastic golf balls, grogg glass and plenty of different things. I use eheim media because its long lasting and works for me.

Sadly I learnt long ago fish keeping is never going to work on the very cheap.
Sure make your own tank ect but when it comes to the most vital part of the kit ie heaters and filters I will not skip on quality or cost.

On the subject of blocked pipes what will block a pipe? Only crap and it will block any pipe or impeller so the manufactures name means diddly squat here.

Hope this helps.

Dr Eheim
 

PlecoLad-UK

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10/10 for that explanation, you'll be happy to here ive now ordered a pro 3 350 so thats one for the eheim team lol!

Cheers for that, really did help
 

macvsog23

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Never used or worked on the Pro 3 range so cant coment but I am sure it will be a good filter.
 

weisel

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i can comment as i have them on my new tanks, its very easy to set up and to use. ive even had to turn the power down as it was making waves, lol. u wont be disapointed im sure.
peace out
 

2wheelsx2

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Dec 21, 2009
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that is a fair point my friend but in my defence i run a aquatic shop and atleast once a month i have a fluval bought in from customers cause something is wrong, o-ring, propeler, motor, etc, like i said its only my opinion.
peace.
Well, I guess that's why I brought up the point. Lately, at least in North America, the main gaskets have been failing on the Pro II's. Almost everyone I know with one has had a failure, myself included (2028). It's gotten so bad some guys are changing them out every year. My Fluval 204, on the other hand, has not had a single problem.

And as I said, not a criticism, but just a data point.
 

macvsog23

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the Pro 2 series are prone to head gasket failings.

I have had around 50 that I have refurbished and as a matter of course I swap the head gasket out.

I clean and boil the old one and they are as good as new.


Regards Bob
 

macvsog23

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I soak them in a de scaler for two days to remove any crap, then boil them it makes the rubber softer.

The trick is when fitting a new one to use the grease that Eheim sell then they dont dry out.