Switching from AC to an Eheim Canister Filter

[Zaxxon]

Hi, I'm looking to switch from my current HOB filter (AquaClear something) to a canister filter. I was looking at the Eheim Classic 2213. I have a 30g tank.
http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2753158 Seems to be a good one based on a lot of the reviews I've seen online.

I was just wondering how much work it is to run a cannister and how much it costs. I know with my AC it was pretty minimal and the media sponges were cheap. It looks like the Eheim takes about 3 or 4 different types of media. How often do they need changing?

Any insight into these filters would be useful for this hob-noob,

Thanks!

[matt]

running a canister is way easier than an AC.

maintenance is virtually non existant. I had mine running for about 4 months before I had to clean. And even the I would only rinse the media in tank water. No replacements at all.

[Iceman]

I believe HOBs offer better mechanical filtration however I would definitely go for the cansister as they offer more biological filtration.

[zima]

Eheim's cannister filters are considered to be top of the notch when it comes to filtration. I have mine running for about a year, and have not yet thought of changing the media. Rinsing it in tank water is all I've been doing every couple of months. And the bonus is that you can experiment with media that is cheap instead of purchasing the expensive media offered by Eheim and others. The filters are also very quiet and very reliable.

[beowulf]

Eheim's cannister filters are considered to be top of the notch when it comes to filtration. I have mine running for about a year, and have not yet thought of changing the media. Rinsing it in tank water is all I've been doing every couple of months. And the bonus is that you can experiment with media that is cheap instead of purchasing the expensive media offered by Eheim and others. The filters are also very quiet and very reliable.

Totally agree love my Eheim and so do the loaches it has great flow.

[mbunabum]

Why switch?.... I'd use both... All my tanks utilize multiple filters. Larger tanks both Ac's and canisters. Best of both worlds.... AC for mechanical... easy to clean the sponges... and canister for good bio filtering.

[ricklude]

the canister filter are not to expensive to run cause of the media you only have to rince the only thing i change is the white and blue sponge but only 2 time a year,but the diferance is there.