batche81 Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 Hi guys, as the title saids i want to buy a new external canister filter and i'm not shore what to get. I want to spend around 150 and i don't want a aqua 1 or Pro aqua Brand. I've been leaning towards a Sacem Marathon 2000, does anyone have this type and are they any good?? Suggestions please... PS the tank is 4x1.5x1.5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spedwards Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 What sized tank are you looking at filtering? Although you've said you don't want Aqua One / Pro Aqua I can say they would probably both do the job for you, Aqua Nova and Aqua Pro are other "budget" options. If you are worried about quality, Aqua One is top notch these day and they others are more than good enough. I use a Aqua Pro CF-1200 for bio-filtration on my Tropheus tank, along with an Eheim 2213 and 2217, together they do a fantastic job. There was a problem with the CF-1200 developing a noisey impellar not long after getting going, but this was simply fixed with a replacement. Ben from AoA (forum sponsor) is selling the Aqua Nova CF-1500 (http://www.fluval.com.au/prod1479.htm) for a steal at the moment. His service is top notch and delivery is super quick. At almost half the price of the Marathon it's something to think about... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huzzy Posted September 3, 2006 Share Posted September 3, 2006 Avoid the Marathon 2000. Search this forum for previous references to experiences from myself and others. Take spedwards advice, for your $150 budget. Or get a Ehiem for about $300. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
parrdog Posted September 3, 2006 Share Posted September 3, 2006 I have tried many canisters over the years. The hype around Eheim is real. I have had troubles with every canister I've had except for Eheim. They are magic. I would get an Eheim 2217. Does 1000l/h and you could get one for about $220. Jamie. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spedwards Posted September 3, 2006 Share Posted September 3, 2006 As Jamie says, if your budget can handle it definately stretch out for the Eheim - as you can tell from my above example I am a fan! If budget is cannot be stretched, I would not hessitate with the Aqua Nova CF-1500. Having said that, other than the problem I had with the noisey impeller I am happy with the CF-1200. I have it filled with media which was bought seperate to the filter as I believe this is where most of the cheaper filter options are let down... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
10050460 Posted September 3, 2006 Share Posted September 3, 2006 maybe a JBL? i have seen the 1200lph one on special for $165 a couple of months back! its german brand but like all other products it is made in china these days! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
batche81 Posted September 4, 2006 Author Share Posted September 4, 2006 Thanks guys i'll spend abit more and go with the Ehiem (the poor man always buys twice). I've had a pro aqua and aqua1 canister before and had problems with both.. Is the Eheim 2217 ok for my tank 4x1.5x1.5 with about 12 8-14cm fish?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spedwards Posted September 4, 2006 Share Posted September 4, 2006 I would say that it would be plenty - your tank holds about 240 litres according to my calculations and this filter turns over 1000L/hr, approx. 4 times volume. More filtration never hurts, but with the stocks you currently have it should cope well. If you find things aren't up to scratch if you add mor fish or they start to grow (eg. ammonia spikes) add an AquaClear HOB filter for mechanical filtration and fill the 2217 up with bio media and you'll be laughing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
astric Posted September 4, 2006 Share Posted September 4, 2006 Go the Eheim, I recently took the plunge and got one and i never regret getting it iv only had it for about 2.5months and its due for its first cleaning soon, but just from putting it together i can already see thats its going to be a breeze to do compared to my aqua pro cf1500. You wont be dissapointed with the 2217. If ur worried u can always ad a internal filter or as spedwards suggest a hob although i have never used one my self I have heard ppl say great things about them , i do use a internal filter and it does the job but a pain in the buM to maintain as it gets dirty quite easily. Cheers Astric Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TOTO Posted September 4, 2006 Share Posted September 4, 2006 Man I have a 4ft tank also and running with 2 Resun 808 canister 1500l/hr. they are a cheap brand cost around $140. been running for 6 months now and still kickin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spedwards Posted September 4, 2006 Share Posted September 4, 2006 But how will the Resun be running in 10 years time? My 2213 was bought in 1996 and apart from a new O-ring and impeller assembly it's still kicking. All, and I mean all, of the non-Eheim canisters I have ever purchased (except the current CF-1200), including Fluvals and various other cheap options, have all failed on me or broken easily. If your Resun is still going in 10 years time then I'll stand corrected, but I know for sure that by paying the Eheim premium you are going to get a filter that will likely outlast 5 cheaper filters... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tam Posted September 5, 2006 Share Posted September 5, 2006 eheim is twice the price of aqua one filters i'd rather have two filters than one at the same price paid Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emp1re Posted September 5, 2006 Share Posted September 5, 2006 actually TAm, it is more than 4 times the cost. when comparing cf1200 ( $50 ) Vs 2217 ($230) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fordfish Posted September 5, 2006 Share Posted September 5, 2006 All i use on all my tanks is aqua1's and i have never had a problem with noise, water quality or cleaning, It takes me all of 15 minutes to set one up from scratch and install it ready to go, and the oldest one is around 3 years old and has never had a drama, have also had cheap heaters that are now over 10 years old and working fine, price and hype isnt everything see what works for you but at this rate an eheim filter or heater would need to last for around 20-30 years to be better value than the aqua1's ive purchased so im happy with my decision. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motorman Posted September 5, 2006 Share Posted September 5, 2006 AquaOne CF1200 for $50? where is that? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spedwards Posted September 5, 2006 Share Posted September 5, 2006 AoA had them for $60 a few months ago, that's when I got mine Ben currently has the CF-1000 for $50. Like I said, I'm happy with my CF-1200 filter, but I know that my Eheims will run forever and they just feel better built. They also seem to use a fair lot less power (20W for a 2217 and 30W for a CF-1000, nb. both 1000 l/hr filters) which has to be factored into cost analysis... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hathoor Posted September 5, 2006 Share Posted September 5, 2006 I think some of you have mistaken the Aqua Pro filter for Aqua One. They are different. I find the Aqua Pro filters noisier and its taps flimsier. In terms of power usage, Aqua One CF1000 is rated at 20.5 Watt. I've been running a Via Aqua filter, old model of Aqua One, for almost six years now and another Aqua One filter for almost two years. I've yet had to replace anything on these filters so far. Whilst I have no doubts Eheim filters are good, I believe you'd get more bang for your buck with Aqua One. Regards William Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spedwards Posted September 5, 2006 Share Posted September 5, 2006 Forgot to mention the number I quoted for the CF-1000 were for the Aqua Pro version... Aqua One have definately turned up the heat since they first made their debut, I have been bitten with one of the early models though and it's left a bad taste. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
batche81 Posted September 5, 2006 Author Share Posted September 5, 2006 Where's the best place to buy a eheim online ??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kilroy Posted September 5, 2006 Share Posted September 5, 2006 Where's the best place to buy a eheim online ??? Try clicking on the sponsors above!! I see the reef shop sells the 2217 for $225 with a $20 cash back, seems a good price. I'm thinking of getting one myself!! Good Luck Shane Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spedwards Posted September 5, 2006 Share Posted September 5, 2006 That's a fantastic price, jump on that for sure! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kilroy Posted September 5, 2006 Share Posted September 5, 2006 That's a fantastic price, jump on that for sure! Yeah I had to look twice, have been looking around and most other sellers are pricing it above $300 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
batche81 Posted September 5, 2006 Author Share Posted September 5, 2006 Cheers Kilroy, thats the best price i've seen. I'm order one tonight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tam Posted September 5, 2006 Share Posted September 5, 2006 thats dirt cheap, cheapest i've seen in a retail shop is $120 actually TAm, it is more than 4 times the cost. when comparing cf1200 ( $50 ) Vs 2217 ($230) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve24cro Posted September 5, 2006 Share Posted September 5, 2006 Id go with 2x aqua one cf1200, very good quality and mine have lasted me 5 years already, no impellor change and no probs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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