Hi! Questions about Eheim media... 1/6/2008
Hi! First off, thanks for all of the VERY helpful information on your site. I've been spending a lot of time researching things before I set up my newest freshwater aquarium, and your site has helped a great deal. Thank you!
<You're welcome.>
I have a new 90-gallon tank in my new home that has been waiting for me to have enough money to work on. I am finally ready to start.
<Very good.>
I've had two 10-gallon and a 29-gallon freshwater tanks before, and I loved them. I had very good success with them. But I was using Bio-wheel over-the-rim filters in them, and now since I am setting up a 90-gallon, I am going to be using my first canister filter. I'm a bit nervous about it :)
<Don't be. Canister filters have improved dramatically over the years, and most are very easy to install and maintain. The two things to always have at hand are a bucket and a towel though, because even though modern filters come with taps and valves to prevent leaking, there's always a little water left behind that can get out. I highly recommend setting up your filter one time with the tubes stuck in a bucket of water. Do this in the kitchen or on the porch. Go through the process of setting up and then taking apart. It's much easier to learn this by practising first, than figuring it all out when the filter is wedged in a cabinet under the aquarium!>
I purchased an Eheim Professional III model 2180 (the one with the heating element). I'm waiting for it to arrive, but I'd like your expertise on what kind of media I should fill it with. I've searched the FAQs and articles, and found that Bob recommends Eheim's Grob and Fein Flocken, but I am getting quite confused...
<Every aquarist has favoured media, but the bottom line is they're all pretty good, and if you decide to buy according to budget and availability, you can't really go wrong. That said, there are a few brands that get the nod in terms of being that little bit better than the rest. But any such differences will be minor, and not the sorts of things that end up with dead fish!>
First, the Eheim products all have non-US-friendly names to them...
<German products, German names... I'd imagine most Germans find words like "Hummer" and "Pop Tart" pretty silly sounding, too! Anyway, the Ehfi- part of the name is some sort of standard prefix, like "Mc" at McDonalds. The second part of the name describes the media. So EhfiSubstrat is Eheim Substrate (='Substrat' im Deutsch) for biological media; EhfiTorf is Eheim Peat (='Torf'); and so on. In the same way McNuggets are McDonalds brand of mechanically-recovered minced chicken carcass shapes bound together with salt and skin.>
second, the Grob and Fein Flocken is a little hard to find... and third, being that this is my first canister filter, I'd like your expertise on what I should fill it with, and just as important, in what order (from top to bottom).
<This is quite easy to figure out. Look at the flow of water first. You put mechanical media (media to remove silt) in the first compartment(s), and biological media (media to remove ammonia) in the later compartment(s). The idea is you want to remove the silt before the silt suffocates the bacteria. Simple as that. Beyond this basic rule, you can pick and choose whatever you want.>
I wouldn't waste your time if I didn't look throughout the FAQs already for a nice breakdown of what media you recommend in it and in what order. The info I found is kind of recommends products here and there, but what I'd find very helpful is if you could recommend something like:
Top layer: Ehfi-ooga (this will trap large particles)
Next layer: Ehfi-booga (this will do x)
Next layer: Ehfi-oogey (this will do y)
Bottom layer: Ehfi-boogey (this will polish)
...etc :)
<I'd go with some sort of filter wool for the first compartment, coarse filter media for the second, and then the last two both biological filter media. Using Eheim products, that'd be something like EhfiSynth, EhfiMech, and then two lots of EhfiSubstrat (or EhfiSubstrat pro). But there's no need to restrict to just Eheim brands. Siporax filter media is at least as good for biological filtration, and filter wool is much the same whoever makes it, and the point to filter wool is that you CHANGE it regularly. If I was keeping clean fish (like tetras) then going with 1 x mechanical media and 3 x biological media would be possible. But if the fish are messy (like cichlids) then 2 x mechanical media and 2 x biological media is more sensible.>
Thanks SO MUCH for your help and your continued service to the fish community. It's very much appreciated!
- Chris
<Hope this helps, Neale.>

Re: Hi! Questions about Eheim media...
Thanks so much, Neale! It's definitely a huge help.
<Glad we could help.>
And the term "mechanically-recovered minced chicken carcass shapes bound together with salt and skin" is pure genius :)
<And technically correct, too! Cheers, Neale.>

Eheim Filter Instructions 7/30/07
<Hi, Pufferpunk here>
I just bought an Eheim filter 2217 and the instructions suck!!! I haven't figured out how to set it up yet - particularly, I can't get the outlet pipe connected to the curved piece - it seems like I'm missing a small connector, but I'm not sure. Do you have any suggestions on where I can get better instructions? Thanks.
<Try here: http://www.rexgrigg.com/Eheim%20Classic%20Canister%20instructions.htm
I just cut off a small piece of the soft tubing to connect the hard ones. You may use a hose clamp if concerned with them separating or leaking. Make sure you fill the canister to the top with water & leave the top connection open, to let displaced water out, so the top can close. ~PP>

Eheim filter, inst.   7/28/07
<Hi there! Paul here>
I just bought an Eheim filter 2217 and the instructions suck!!! I haven't figured out how to set it up yet. Particularly, I can't get the outlet pipe connected to the curved piece. It seems like I'm missing a small connector, but I'm not sure. Do you have any suggestions on where I can get better instructions? Thanks.
<Let's see if we can't get this fixed... Okay, the Classic series by Eheim features the little pipe coming out of the bottom of the canister and turning 90 degrees upward. If this is the curved piece you speak of, then it should only have a single threaded nut which screws on and off of the pipe. This nut should be screwed as far down onto the tube as it can without forcing it. Then the tubing is pushed down onto the tube so that it is now barely touching the nut that was previously screwed on. Once this is done simply unscrew the nut so that as it backs up the tubing, it screws onto the tubing clamps it tight where the barb is located inside. The reason why I suspect this as the problem is that when I first got my hands on connectors like that, I couldn't get them to work either. If this isn't the solution, then you might have better luck contacting Eheim through their website: http://www.eheim.com/classic.htm Hopefully that helps. Cheers>

Re: Looking for a quiet external pump   7/16/07
http://wetwebmedia.com/pumpselmar.htm
Dear Bob and Neale,
<Howdy!>
Thank you so much for your advise. I really like your web site and spend hours reading through and it surely helps me. I have also read your books and your information is very valuable. Thank you for so much of your time.
<Welcome>
I understand that you said the ocean clear canister are larger pressurized with a great deal of surface area and also I need to have two of those for better in-between service for my 170 gallon tank of freshwater.
<Actually "two of those" cartridge elements... just one filter... Understand? Please read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/clncarta.htm>
Now I would like to ask you another question, what if I just use two Eheim Canister and would they produce the same crystal clear water for such a large tank. I am thinking of using two Eheim Professional 3 (2028) with an output of 450gph.
<Very nice units>
Would that be a good way and which is the best choice in your opinion?
Two Ocean Clear canister or two Eheim Professional 3 (2028)?
<I vastly prefer the Eheims... much easier to service, much longer service intervals, and MUCH less energy cost to operate>
Also please advise on the Eheim Pro II 2028 versus Eheim Professional 3 (2028). Which is your favourite for a 170 gallon tank? Your advise is very much appreciated and thanks again.
<Well, the latter is better... larger, more flow... but retails for about another hundred dollars... I'd rather have two units, one at either end... so, whichever you can afford. Bob Fenner>

Noisy Eheim Pro 2028   7/8/07
Hi
I have purchased a 2nd hand [had been used for 6 months] Eheim 2028.
<A very good product in my estimation: http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=EH2028K>
It works perfectly but seems as if air may be present as it ‘rattles’ when the taps are fully open. If I partially close the taps the noise stops. Is this normal?
<No>
If not how can I dispel any remaining air?
<Mmm, a few ways, but the most assured is likely to turn the power off, disconnect the discharge line, and have it lowered into a bucket, allow the water to drain/siphon through the unit... perhaps while giving the filter itself a few gentle shakes side-to-side to dislodge any air caught in the pump... If you can get a friend to help, watch the lines/water, try turning the pump motor on/off a couple times during this process...>
Thanks
Alan
<Welcome. Bob Fenner>

How to improve on Eheim filter / Red Sea skimmer set-up - 06/27/07
Dear Crew
Hope you are all well.
<Thank you>
I have been reading and enjoying your pages as much as ever, but now I have to ask the 2 questions that have been bothering me since I started in the hobby 18 months ago.
<Go ahead>
I have a 40 gallon marine tank with a Red Sea Prism skimmer and 2 Eheim 'Professional' filters, 1 wet and dry and 1 mechanical. I have 5 fish, all of which look healthy and get on well : 2 true percula clowns, 2 blue tangs and a dwarf angel fish. The tank has 3 or 4 soft corals and 4 T5 tubes for lighting (2 blue, 2 white). I have quite a large amount of good quality live rock in the tank, although I am unsure of the weight of that. I use R O water only to top-up and for water changes, and test results show nil for ammonia, nitrite, and phosphate, with nitrates at around 0-15. I have no room for a sump, so will have to stick with essentially the same set-up of filters and skimmer.
Firstly, I have read that the wet and dry filter is not one of Eheim's best ideas,
<Agreed>
and that it is best to do away with some or all of the media in the filters, or even to do away with the filters completely, or run them empty of media. Am I misunderstanding anything here?
<Not as far as I can discern... this is one of Eheim's not so great engineered products>
I like the Eheim filters, partly because I spent a small fortune on them, but also because they provide all of the water movement and circulation in the tank, and they are very quiet.
<I am of the same opinion>
I have been thinking of putting a PolyFilter in the mechanical filter - is there any point in that?  What else can one put into the filters to permanently replace the present media which is so often described as a 'nitrate-factory'?
<Mmm, "denitrator" one-time purchase media... Siporax, Ehfi-Mech... other ceramic and sintered glass products...>
Secondly, is there to your knowledge a skimmer which is a similar
size/shape to the Red sea skimmer but more efficient?
<Look to the Aqua-C Remora line...>
The tank is in the lounge. I find the Red Sea skimmer easy to maintain, but a little noisy. Are skimmers necessarily noisy?
<Mmm, no... this product has a few good ideas, but was not "finished" engineering wise... Try a Remora>
I have this dream of getting nitrates down to naught and the tank looking even better that it does at the moment. Hope you can help.
Thanks.
Peter Hosier
<Thank you for sharing... And do make it known what progress you make. Bob Fenner>

Eheim floss alternatives in a canister 7/14/05
Hi.  I've a new Eheim 2026 Profesionel 2.  The fine white Eheim pads, I'd imagine must be changed frequently but they are expensive.  Can I use regular no-name floss instead?
<I wouldn't>
  Would there be a danger of fibers catching and obstructing the impeller?  
<Possibly... but worse, more likely all will "pack down", channel...>
Someone suggested that if I do use ordinary no-name floss, I should cease using sintered glass as it sheds fines, potentially damaging to the impeller and its chamber.
<No>
  What are your ideas and experiences.  (Not living in Western Europe or the States, I cannot get products online, by the way.  So the Eheim pads remain expensive).
<Am a huge fan of a one-time purchase of Eheim's Grob and Fein Flocken... a polyester media that you can rinse out and re-use... for decades... this is what I use... the Grob (large) ahead of a handful of the Fein. Bob Fenner>

Eheim?
I have been given an Eheim external filter and have been using it for some while now, but, I think the impeller needs replacing as it makes some very strange noises and doesn't work properly.
<Have you checked it physically? Is it chipped? Perhaps a rock stuck in the volute? If not, there may be just some air trapped in and around the impeller...>
The problem I'm having is I don't know which one I have as I can't find the number, I think it's either a 2224 or 2226,  both the impellers are different, and I can't seem to find a dealer in my area  of the UK who can help, Can you?
<I'd take it into a dealer there... contact Eheim through their website and ask where a larger outlet that carries their complete line is located near you. Bob Fenner>

Canister media   12/16/06
Hello-
  First, I want to say "I love your site". All you there are doing a great job.
  Second, I want to ask two questions.  My first question is about canister filters. (I do know you are not fond of them)
<Only for certain applications... I actually use them on my present two systems (Eheim)... but do need careful, regular maintenance in most marine applications>
but I am just starting out and bought a used tank that came with 2 canister filters and Aqua C skimmer. Due to a $$ issue I cannot go with a sump at this
time, but will upgrade to one when able to. Anyway, I'm going to use the canisters for now. Can you tell me what you would recommend to use in them?
<Mmm, yes... and much of this is posted: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marcanistfltfaqs.htm
and the linked files (articles, FAQs) at top>
They have so many different medias, pads, carbon and such.
<Yes... my best "advice" (what I would use) is from the first water (some filters are top down... most flow bottom up)... something like Ehfi-Mech or Siporax (an everlasting aerobic and anaerobic media... you will just gingerly rinse every cycle... Next, a course then fine mesh-fiber media... e.g. Eheim's Ehfi-Grob and Ehfi-Fein... These also just rinsed weekly... then a unit or two (depending on the size of the canisters themselves) of Chemi-Pure or equivalent... can be home-made with Dacron bags... replaced, switched out every month or so...>
I know I should maintain them once a week.
<Yes>
  My second question is about the skimmer. The tubing that goes from the skimmer to the pump is only about 2 inches long. Again, no sump, so this will be in the tank for
now. Can I buy a piece of tubing long enough for the pump to sit on the bottom of the tank behind the rock?
<Yes... your LFS, or a large hardware store...>
It has a model 3 pump.
  I appreciate your response.
<Welcome my friend to our ever-wonder full hobby. Bob Fenner>

Re: canister media  12/17/06
Thank you for your quick response. I do appreciate it.
You don't mention the use of any filters (fine or course), you would not use them?
<Mmm, are mentioned... are the intermediate media by Eheim... made of poly... a one-time purchase...>
Lastly, when you mention rinsing, you mean by the tank water not the tap water?
<This is best, yes>
Again thank you and keep up the good work.
Your site is very educational for all.
<Thank you for seeking clarification here. Bob Fenner>

Re: canister media   12/18/06
I want to apologize for taking your time again.
<Hello Unnamed Questioner - Tim answering your question today!>
I asked the wrong question in regards to the use of filters. (I later realized.) Can you tell me where to purchase the Ehfi-Grob and Ehfi-Fein? I was unable to find these products anywhere. I have only found Ehfi-Synth, Ehfi-Fix and Ehfi-Substrat (pro). I appreciate your response.
<And we appreciate your query. Do a google search for these and any online shops that sell these products are likely to show. Best of luck.>

Re: canister media   12/19/06
I do apologize again, but are these the actual names of the products?
Ehfi-Grob & Ehfi-Fein? I did a google search for these products and the results are "0" items found. Any links that did come up, I used their search feature and again "No products found."
Thank You again.
<Mmm, please see here on Eheim's site re: http://eheim.com/filtermedia.htm
Bob Fenner>