blubblubblub 50 Posted August 4, 2013 I was thinking of getting this for my 55 in addition to my other HOBs (I have 3, will take the smallest out to replace). It would be my first canister. Is it a good choice? It says it's for 159 gallons and is the most expensive. Saw a couple people on here say they have this for their 55g...otherwise I would have gone with the 66g one or something.. WHY is it $278.99 on Petsmart's website and $139.99 on Amazon???!! ( http://www.amazon.com/Classic-2217371-External-Canister-Gallons/dp/B0002AQXVI <--- is this even the right one? Sorry if I wasn't supposed to post the link?) Is it worth it? thanks! 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dnalex 13,633 Posted August 4, 2013 I love my Eheim, although I have the Ecco, not the classic. It's definitely worth it, and worth it for you to shop around for the best deals, as you've found out! 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
blubblubblub 50 Posted August 4, 2013 Ahh! Hmm there are so many types now that I'm looking.. no idea what the differences are. Hmm... 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dnalex 13,633 Posted August 4, 2013 Go here, and you can read up a bit more on the differences http://www.eheimna.com/products/detail/Classic For me, the classic is more like "bare bones," the ecco pro is bit more souped up, and the professional line even more so. The other option is to get a Fluval 206 or 306 for your tank. 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tithra 4,917 Posted August 4, 2013 I don't think you can really go wrong with an Eheim. Lots of people have classics and love them. I have the Ecco 2236, basic difference is the ecco lines are self priming whereas the classics are not. This is an important difference to me personally. I love my Eheim. 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
schoolie 553 Posted August 4, 2013 (edited) Amazon occasionally sells "open box" Eheim 2217s for $53! I bought one of these and it was brand new I would buy from Amazon or valuepetsupplies.com, depending on which is less expensive with tax and shipping. Edited August 4, 2013 by schoolie 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
blubblubblub 50 Posted August 4, 2013 OHHHH yes I think I would like self priming.. you guys are great <3 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
blackmoors 359 Posted August 9, 2013 Read the ads carefully. I found some state media others dont. Generally the cheaper ones dont mention coming with media. This is usually why the same filter can be alot cheaper as it wont have any ceramic media (unless stated) 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
schoolie 553 Posted August 9, 2013 Good point. I can confirm that the Amazon Eheim 2217 for around $140 does come with everything, including all media. The $270 price is just outrageous markup. For that particular model, don't pay more than $140 for it. The 2217 isn't self priming, but once it is primed you can close off the disconnect valves, and detach the filter from the intake and output tubes for cleaning. When you are done, you reattach the filter, open the valves, and the pump primes automatically. You only need to prime when you have to clean the input and output tubing. 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pawsplus 253 Posted August 9, 2013 (edited) Oops--wrong thread LOL! Edited August 9, 2013 by pawsplus 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dnalex 13,633 Posted August 9, 2013 Elizabeth, Did you rinse the media? Is that canister fully primed? 0 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites