Fluval Vs Eheim Canister Filter: Which One to Choose?

Owning a fish aquarium is not easy. It doesn’t clean itself, you have to do it every other day to allow your exotic fishes to survive in a healthy environment. But doing so is a lengthy and grueling procedure especially if you have a large fish tank. However, the solution to this dilemma comes in the form of canister filters. The two best canister filters are the Fluval 406 canister filter and Eheim 2215 canister filter.

Both these filters are absolutely fantastic, but you can not possibly use them both at the same time. So, I have prepared a detailed analysis of the Fluval vs Eheim canister filter to allow you all to make a well-informed decision. I advise you all to go through this entire article at least once and then decide which one would work out best for you. Now, let us not waste any more of our time on meaningless chatter and get right into the details.

Fluval VS Eheim

Fluval Vs Eheim Canister Filter

Fluval 406 Canister Filter
Fluval 406 Canister Filter
Eheim 2215 Canister Filter
Eheim 2215 Canister Filter

What Are Canister Filters?

Before I get down to serious business, let me give you a brief introduction as to what really are canister filters and what they are known for. If you already know what it is, feel free to skip this part and move on to the rest of the article. To begin with, canister filters are large filters basically used to filter water in large aquariums. They are widely knowns for their efficient and effective filtration of aquarium water without poisoning the tank water with toxins and harmful chemicals. Moreover, canister filters are super easy to set up and maintain.

Fluval 406 Canister Filter

Fluval has been known to produce some of the most excellent canister filters that people find very easy to use. These filters are large in size and have multiple contact points that help filter your fish aquarium in a matter of minutes. So, you can finally turn that cloudy smelly fish water into crystal clear healthy water. Fluval 406 canister filter is an external filter and is highly expensive. However, the price is not what you should worry about because it is absolutely worth it. Following are some of the most outstanding benefits of using the Fluval 406 canister filter.

1. Efficient Three-stage Filtration Process

The Fluval 406 canister filter undergoes a three-stage filtration process i.e. mechanical, biological, and chemical. This breakdown of the filtration process ensures complete filtration thus helping you promote a clean and healthy environment for your fish.

Stage 1: Mechanical Filtration removes largely visible waste materials that float on the surface of the water tank.

Stage 2: Biological Filtration helps convert toxic nitrogenous wastes such as nitrites and ammonia into nitrates.

Stage 3: Chemical Filtration removes the rest of the dissolved chemical impurities from fish wastes thereby turning the cloudy water crystal clear.

2. Ingenious Design

Another thing I absolutely love about this filter is that it has an ingenious design that helps shove more water towards the filter so that more water can be filtered in a lot less time. It has a unique bottom-to-top filtration design that takes up water at the inlet, passes it through the filtration media, and lets it out from the other end. However, the secret behind the efficient water flow into the filter is the hydraulic motor fitted inside the canister filter. It regulates the flow of water towards the filter inlet thus filtering out the maximum amount of water at a time.

3. Noise

Most people complain about the loud noises their filters make while filtering the aquarium. However, the Fluval 406 canister filter is surprisingly quiet for its size and efficiency. Apart from the dimmed sound of water flowing into the filter, you will not hear a thing. Besides, the sound of water flow is pleasant to the ears. Anyways, you don’t need not worry about anything at all.

4. Quality

All things aside, what good is anything if it is made cheaply? But you need not worry about that either because the Fluval 406 canister filter is made of high-quality materials. The filter is highly durable and long-lasting. Not to mention, it is highly efficient and takes up only a small amount of electricity. So, you can rest assured that the installation of this canister filter will not spike your electricity bill too much.

Benefits Of Using The Fluval 406 Canister Filter
  • Highly effective filtration
  • Easy to maintain and setup
  • Does not take a toll on utility bills
  • Does not make a lot of noise
  • Efficient water flow due to the hydraulic motor
  • Ingenious and compact design
Drawbacks of Using Fluval 406 Canister Filter
  • A limited number of sponges can be used
  • Only suitable for large aquariums

Eheim 2215 Canister Filter

You can sure get a lot out of a fancy canister filter but the sweet acquaintance with simplicity is what most people long for. And for those people, the best option to opt for is the Eheim 2215 Canister Filter. It is the kind of filter that you can simply install and turn on. No complex functions, no fumbling around for awkwardly written manuals, just push the button and everything starts running. However, this canister filter is best suited for a 92-gallons fish tank at most. Following are some of the best characteristics of the Eheim 2215 Canister Filter.

1. Efficient Filtration

This filter is so efficient in flushing out all that dirt and toxins from an aquarium that within minutes, the cloudy muddy tank will turn crystal clear. Similar to the Fluval 406 canister filter, the Eheim 2215 Canister Filter also undergoes a three-stage filtration process thus removing solid wastes, nitrates, and other chemical toxins from the tank water. Besides, this filter is super easy to dismantle and clean, which means that you won’t have to spend hours figuring out how to open up the damn thing without damaging it accidentally.

2. Extraordinary Quality

When it comes to the Eheim 2215 Canister Filter, the quality is so good that many people I know have been using this very filter for over fifteen years now. The one I bought for my home has been working surprisingly fine and mind you, I bought it eighteen years ago. It is highly durable and easy to manage thus, it is safe to conclude that the Eheim 2215 Canister Filter is an excellent choice if you are looking for a long-term investment. So, if you are looking for a canister filter for your own home, then this filter ought to be your number one choice.

Benefits Of Using Eheim 2215 Canister Filter
  • Extremely easy to use
  • Not difficult to manage
  • Highly efficient three-stage-filtration process
  • Highly durable
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Easy to install
Drawbacks Of Using Eheim 2215 Canister Filter
  • A little overpriced
  • Not suitable for extra-large tanks

Eheim VS Fluval Canister Filter

The Eheim VS Fluval Canister Filter is a very tough comparison indeed. The reason is, that each of these canister filters is unique in its own way. They are both excellent filters that are guaranteed to provide you with years of service with the lowest upkeep possible. So, it all comes down to your own personal preferences.

If you want a fancy canister filter with various features, then the Fluval canister filter is the best option for you. However, if you are not so good with the latest technology and just want a simple filter that will turn on when you bid, then the Eheim 2215 canister filter must be your go-to option. With that being said, allow me to enlighten you on certain additional benefits of using each type of canister filter over the other to further clarify the picture for you.

Advantages Of Fluval 406 Canister Filter Over Eheim 2215 Canister FilterInfo-graphics of advantages of fluval over eheim canister filter

Advantages Of Eheim 2215 Canister Filter Over Fluval 406 canister filterInfo-graphics of advantages of eheim over fluval canister filter

FAQs

How long does the Eheim filter last?
The Eheim canister filters are known to have a lifespan of more than thirty to forty years if spoken strictly with figures. However, the fact is that it all depends on how you use it. Regular upkeep will help prolong the lifespan. So, if you want your filter to keep working for years then you better take care of it!

Final Thoughts

Considering the detailed analysis of the Fluval vs Eheim canister filter, it is safe to conclude that they are both excellent filters. You should consider your needs and your budget constraints before settling on one of the two. If you ever forget the benefits posed by each filter as compared to the other, you can always come back later to this article to refresh your memory.

Don’t forget to let me know in the comments which filter you liked!

Also see: Filter Floss VS Sponge

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