Equipment Review and Discussion :: Eheim 2217

[ACF&RESLOVER]

How is the Eheim 2217 Filter for turtles?

Ease of use?

Good enough for 75 gallons?

Setup?

[steve]

Should be fine. You can also look into an XP3 for that size and should be cheaper. Now, the Eheim Pros are a different story...

[ACF&RESLOVER]

Are The Pros much better?

The one negative I read about 2217 was that changing the filter medium was a big pain in the neck.

[marisa]

The 2217 model is one of Eheim's "Classic" line of filters, as opposed to its Pro 2 Series (which includes the much lauded 2028) and the more recent Pro 3 Series. A self-described Eheim fanatic uses the 2217 on 40-gallon breeder and 55-gallon tanks and says they're a great filter. I would think, depending on what else you've got in the tank, they would be OK in a 75-gallon tank, but personally, I'd go for a more powerful filter.

One difference between the filter you're considering and the Pro Series filters is that the latter have an auto prime button. And, if you're using the spay bar above the water line and the power goes out, the filter will need to be reprimed.

I've read that currently, for Classic series filters, Eheim is prepacking the filter with not only media and sponges, but also, as a bonus, quick connect tube valves as well. This would make it much easier to clean the filter. (It would be good to confirm this if you're going to buy the filter.) The quick disconnect hoses are standard with Pro Series filters.

Eheims are pricey, especially the Pro Series. You need to do a little searching and compare prices, but they're considered to be great, long lasting filters. The 2217 is supposed to give good value for the buck. If you can afford it, though, I'd go for something like a 2028 Pro II.

[ACF&RESLOVER]

Thanks for the input.

At this point I want to buy a filter that's going to work very well on the 75G and be easy for me to use, clean etc.... I would much rather spend extra money now getting something that's going to make me happy for a long time than try to save a few dollars and be miserable or have to buy something else to help with the filtering process.

Without experience, it's a tough decision.

The Fluval's don't seem to have enough power expect for the FX5 (which I would also consider), but it's hard to decide. Other people have mentioned other possibilities.

[ACF&RESLOVER]

People seem to love their XP3 filters.

Anyone know anything about the XP4?

[DavidY]

The XP4 is more powerful than the XP3 but it is almost twice as expensive. I got my XP3 at BigAlsOnline.com for $89, only $15 more than the XP2 but a whopping $90 less than the XP4. I think the XP3 is pretty decent for my 90gal tank but if I wanted some serious water movement the XP4 would be better for that. I think for your 75gal the XP3 is good. It's rated for 175 gallon tanks while the XP4 is rated for 265 gallons. They also come with a flow control valve on the output hose so if it's too strong you can turn it down. I think the FX5 would probably be overkill on a 75gal.

[SpotsMama]

I use an XP3 in my 100 gallon tank and it keeps the water nice and clean. There's not serious water movement, as DavidY said. I have one 7" turtle in it.

[octpusgirl8]

I just got an XP3 for my 75 gallon tank and so far i'm loving it. It's got tons of room for filter media, it moves a lot of water, and it seems like maintenance will be really easy. It's a really good value, especially if you move quick and get it on sale from big al's like i did! (thanks for the tip DavidY!)

[DavidY]

Yea in my 90gal I can still see the water moving and it seems to be just right for my bigger turtles. In a 75gal it will probably move the water a little more which will help keep stuff from settling on the bottom of the tank. But if you like seeing your baby turtles doing cartwheels in the water then go for the XP4 or the Fluval FX5.

(you're welcome Octpusgirl8!)

[marisa]

If you've got the money, and want a Rena, I'd get the XP4.

[Safdar]

Haha i saw the xp4 at petsmart for $235

[marisa]

I would think you'd fine it cheaper on-line (but it will be more expensive than the XP3).

[DavidY]

BigAlsOnline has the XP4 for $179

[ACF&RESLOVER]

Thanks everyone.

I have it narrowed down to the XP3, XP4, FX5, or one of the Eheims. There are so many Eheim models, that in itself is confusing. The 2217 is rated for 135 gallons. The 2028, 2229 (wet dry?), 2128 are all rated for 160 gallons. What's the difference between them?

I also saw somewhere that the 2028 has been discontinued. Is that true?