Eheim 2217-Enough for a 55 gallon?

[Ekrindul]

Currently, I'm running an Ecco 2236 and a 2234 on my 55 gallon tank. I am using 2 koralia nano 425s to help with flow. The only thing I'm not happy about is the mechanical filtration. My cories and the powerheads do a good job of getting the junk off the plants and substrate and into the water column, but the filters just don't seem to be able to keep up. I have a decent fish load.

I'm wondering if a classic 2217 to replace the ecco 2234 would be enough of an upgrade to make a real difference.

 

[nipat]

I think you probably won't see real difference.
Because I have the same problem with my tiny 20 G tank (using a 2217).
My fish load is very high though.

 

[Tug]

Hi Ekrindul,
Does the flow from the output run the width of the tank or from front to back? If it runs across the width of the tank, I like a pump that cycles 8 to 11 times every hour. Just remember actual flow rates are about 25% less then what manufacturers say they are.

 

[Ekrindul]

Currently, I have each outtake pointed at the front corner on each side. I use the koralias more to control actual circulation within the tank. I can get the water clean of debris if I drop in an internal filter for a few hours, so I think I'm just slightly under where I need to be. The substrate is usually pretty clean when I do water changes, at least on the surface as I don't actually vacuum down into the Eco-Complete, so I think the powerheads and cories are doing a good job kicking up stuff into the water column. My main concern is whether a 2217 is enough of an upgrade over a 2234 to be worth it, or if I should wait until I can get something stronger.

 

[Tom Barr]

Rena 3-4 would be better I would think.
Then say a rio 800 in the upper corner for added flow.


Regards,
Tom Barr

 

[Ekrindul]

Rena 3-4 would be better I would think.
Then say a rio 800 in the upper corner for added flow.


Regards,
Tom Barr

I acquired an XP4 for $124 today. LFS was having a 50% off moving sale today. I have an Aqua Clear 50 in the closet that should act as a substitute for the Rio 800 if my thinking is correct that the Rio creates directed, high pressure flow, which its design appears to suggest. Hopefully the fitler upgrade fills the gap in my mechanical filtration.

 

[Gerryd]

The filter is NOT going to hurt, at any rate... I think you may in fact notice a difference...

I think you will like it. I have an XP3 and is quiet and nice...

 

[Ekrindul]

The filter is NOT going to hurt, at any rate... I think you may in fact notice a difference...

I think you will like it. I have an XP3 and is quiet and nice...

Well, it's installed. I replaced the 2234 which was on the right side of the tank. The 2236 is still on the left side with the inline heater attached. The powerhead is on the left side, pointing to the right wall.

My initial impressions: I hope I never have to put one together again, solely due to attaching the hoses. I have a blister on one hand from all the effort required to attach them. I tried hot water, but wasn't willing to try something oily. Otherwise, it wasn't hard to set up.

The flow is definitely improved. I was initially worried the pearl gouramis might be bothered by it, but they figured out they can just camp under the spray bar. The pygmies love it. It is louder than the eheims, but it's nothing I can't live with. I'll take a low rumble if it means healthier fish. I had to install the spray bar on the back wall due to the narrow depth of the 55 gallon tank, but I'll just push the powerhead on the other side closer to the back wall and swivel it toward the front wall to get some more flow to the left side of the tank.