Choosing filter for future planted tank?

jshchrtn · January 17, 2012, 06:55:42 AM

So I' be got a lead on a good deal on a Fluval Osaka 155 (41 gallon). This tank looks great, and will fit in my living room well!

http://www.hagen.com/pdf/aquatic/Fluval-Osaka-details.pdf

I have been researching and looking at what products to also purchase, probablygonna do the fluval stratum or Ada aqua soil. I'm trying to decide which filter to go with was looking at eheim Classic 2213 & 2215 and the eheim Ecco 2236. I also plan on hooking up a hydor 200w inline heater. I want a heavily planted tank with nerite sails, cherry & amano shrimp, school of cardinal or neons and the rest are undecided. I also plan on running pressurized co2 tho not right away due to budget, I want to buy slowly but quality products that will last.
Just hoping to get some pointers thanks!

charlie · January 17, 2012, 09:47:44 AM

I noticed you already choose a good brand of filter

, forget the 2213, i would suggest getting the biggest flow you can afford from eheim, probably the 2217 if you like the classic line, ecco 2236 not too bad on a 41 gallon.
Just my penny

pm · January 17, 2012, 09:49:03 AM

I have a 157 litre heavily planted tank and have done quite a bit of research on these filters (currently I have a different brand). My conclusion is that all three would work from a filtration point of view, but the 2213 (not sure about the 2236) would not be enough flow. This is easy to remedy, however, by adding a small powerhead, but that is an extra piece of equipment you need to account for.
In the end, the decision is really just one of budget and aesthetics.

jshchrtn · January 18, 2012, 12:37:39 AM

Thanks for the replies, my good deal didn't work out. Pretty disappointed the guy wants 575 for tank stand and light fixture with 2 bulbs, was hoping to get for 3 or 4 hundred. The tank is brand new never been used. Guess I must keep searching! May just buy a tank and build my own stand to match, I want it to match the furniture in the room, and I liked the modern look of the Osaka.
Thanks again!

jshchrtn · January 18, 2012, 01:06:26 AM

Just placed used Ottawa and kijiji looking for ads for the tank... Kinda have my heart set on it just not my wallet yet... Maybe I'll place a looking for in the classifieds here. First time for everything...!
Wish me luck lol

Darth · January 18, 2012, 10:50:54 AM

Quote from: jshchrtn on January 18, 2012, 01:06:26 AM
Just placed used Ottawa and kijiji looking for ads for the tank... Kinda have my heart set on it just not my wallet yet... Maybe I'll place a looking for in the classifieds here. First time for everything...!
Wish me luck lol

found this good price, and still available
http://ottawa.kijiji.ca/c-pets-accessories-large-52-gallon-aquarium-w-stand-and-all-requirements-W0QQAdIdZ332963233

jshchrtn · January 18, 2012, 05:14:48 PM

Thanks I messages them about the measurements and if it was still for sale

Darth · January 18, 2012, 06:59:06 PM

I asked this mornng and it was still available may be able to get them down on the price a bit as well as its been listed for over a month
good luck

jshchrtn · January 19, 2012, 02:47:49 AM

They replied sais it was still available to me too. Not sure if thats the style i want, i'm only allowed one more tank in the house and I am pretty determined to get a modern or custom looking tank and stand. I might just have to save up....
thanks for your replies!

This is another good deal I've seen today :
http://ottawa.kijiji.ca/c-pets-accessories-56-Gallon-Aquarium-Stand-and-Accessories-W0QQAdIdZ347358008

Darth · January 19, 2012, 07:32:57 AM

Quote from: jshchrtn on January 19, 2012, 02:47:49 AM

This is another good deal I've seen today :
http://ottawa.kijiji.ca/c-pets-accessories-56-Gallon-Aquarium-Stand-and-Accessories-W0QQAdIdZ347358008

I have that exact tank for my reef, nice tank they have a newer version of it out now as well with a differnent stand,
but the one in the kijiji is a good price
here is a link for the same tank (the newer version)
http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3804456&lmdn=Fish+Aquariums+%26amp%3B+Bowls

so cinsidering all the extras you are getting the one in the add is a great price

charlie · January 19, 2012, 08:50:10 AM

Hey Josh, here are few things to consider in your tank choice
Get the biggest tank you can fit & afford now
Try to stay away from tanks under 15 inches in depth if you can, 18-24 is better - when you start to aquascape etc, you will be happy to have the depth.
Try to stay with standard lengths - 2ft, 3 ft, 4 ft preferably 4 ft - lighting options is so much more.
Regards

exv152 · January 19, 2012, 09:30:38 AM

Another thing I've learnt with regards to the eheim classic filters, they're an excellent reliable choice but be aware the classic line is exclusively made in China now. I just bought a 2213 on boxing day based on my experience with eheims, expecting to get a made in Germany product, and it said made in PRC (people's republic of china). Although the filter seems to be made just as well as the German filters, I probably would've thought twice before buying it had I known in advance. I contacted eheim and they confirmed the classic and liberty line of filters is now made in China. That said, they may work just as fine. Just my two cents.

jshchrtn · January 19, 2012, 10:31:42 AM

Quote from: charlie on January 19, 2012, 08:50:10 AM
Hey Josh, here are few things to consider in your tank choice
Get the biggest tank you can fit & afford now
Try to stay away from tanks under 15 inches in depth if you can, 18-24 is better - when you start to aquascape etc, you will be happy to have the depth.
Try to stay with standalengthshts - 2ft 3 ft 4 fpreferablybly 4 ft - lighting options is so much more.
Regards

Thanks for this tip, what do you think about bow front tanks? Should I stay away from them?

Quote from: exv152 on January 19, 2012, 09:30:38 AM
Another thing I've learnt with regards to the eheim classic filters, they're an excellent reliable choice but be aware the classic line is exclusively made in China now. I just bought a 2213 on boxing day based on my experience with eheims, expecting to get a made in Germany product, and it said made in PRC (people's republic of china). Although the filter seems to be made just as well as the German filters, I probably would've thought twice before buying it had I known in advance. I contacted eheim and they confirmed the classic and liberty line of filters is now made in China. That said, they may work just as fine. Just my two cents.

There building them for a cheaper price I guess but I bet the savings won't be passed on to the buyer... Thanks for the info!

jshchrtn · January 19, 2012, 10:38:50 AM

http://ottawa.kijiji.ca/c-pets-accessories-46Gal-BowFront-Stand-T5-canopy-W0QQAdIdZ346360035

What's the opinion on this tank?

Darth · January 19, 2012, 10:57:32 AM

Quote from: jshchrtn on January 19, 2012, 10:38:50 AM
http://ottawa.kijiji.ca/c-pets-accessories-46Gal-BowFront-Stand-T5-canopy-W0QQAdIdZ346360035

What's the opinion on this tank?

for this tank getting the coraline algae off is a pain, lots of soaking lots of vinegar

in rregards to what charlie said the other tank (the one I have) the dimesnsions of the tank are 30" long 24"inches deep and 18" wide nice tank as I said

but all in all you have to go with what you like and trust me even after you purchase if you are like me you are gonna keep on looking in hopes you got the best deal you could, and then once its set up you will love it, and then still look for that "one day I wanna tank like this scenerio "

exv152 · January 19, 2012, 02:48:07 PM

Quote from: Darth on January 19, 2012, 10:57:32 AM...but all in all you have to go with what you like and trust me even after you purchase if you are like me you are gonna keep on looking in hopes you got the best deal you could, and then once its set up you will love it, and then still look for that "one day I wanna tank like this scenerio "

Unfortunately, I think everyone involved in this hobby has come across this issue, but what stops me short is the fact that I'm inherently lazy and the thought of having to do more water changes brings me back to reality. That's why five tanks is my limit.

Darth · January 19, 2012, 05:16:29 PM

Quote from: exv152 on January 19, 2012, 02:48:07 PM
Unfortunately, I think everyone involved in this hobby has come across this issue, but what stops me short is the fact that I'm inherently lazy and the thought of having to do more water changes brings me back to reality. That's why five tanks is my limit.

What stops me is lack I space and the wife I been trying to convince her to let me set up a poco tank again for my daughter she keeps vetoing it

jshchrtn · January 20, 2012, 08:39:41 AM

Quote from: Darth on January 19, 2012, 05:16:29 PM
What stops me is lack I space and the wife I been trying to convince her to let me set up a poco tank again for my daughter she keeps vetoing it

What's a poco tank?

I still havent decided what tank to go with I may consider getting a custom built one because I do want aqua scape, I have to admit I am stuck on the fluval Osaka with its open top 18" deep and rounded corners it's so sharp looking!

Darth · January 20, 2012, 01:42:36 PM

LOL typo it was supposed to say Pico! LOL

Medym · January 20, 2012, 02:13:47 PM

Quote from: jshchrtn on January 19, 2012, 02:47:49 AM
They replied sais it was still available to me too. Not sure if thats the style i want, i'm only allowed one more tank in the house and I am pretty determined to get a modern or custom looking tank and stand. I might just have to save up....
thanks for your replies!

This is another good deal I've seen today :
http://ottawa.kijiji.ca/c-pets-accessories-56-Gallon-Aquarium-Stand-and-Accessories-W0QQAdIdZ347358008

That is a fantastic deal. That said, I am biased because it is my listing!

I also have an air pump, drift wood and some other stuff I am going to be adding to the listing after work. (I will also be posting it to OVAS later tonight too)