Equipment Review and Discussion :: Is this filter over kill?

[Bugbug]

I have a 55 gallon tank, and found someone selling a filter very similar to this:
http://www.petco.com/product/103768/EHE ... iption-tab

for only $60.
I just want to make sure it won't be too strong for my tank.
Quick response would be loved,
i need to set a date to meet him (craigslist) if it is a good filter.

[steve]

It's an OK price, though I think some have gotten a cheaper used price. FWIW, an new, imitation filter on ebay can be found for similar prices.

[VeipaCray]

Too strong isn't the concern. You said "similar to this". There are a few filters in the eheim classic series that all look the same. You need to know exactly which model as it determines how much flow and how big of a tank they will handle. For a turtle, the rule of thumb we go by is take the advertised tank size specs for a canister filter and divide by three.

The model 2217 you linked to is rated for 92-159 gallon tanks. That means for a turtle it's properly sized for 30-53 gallons. It's right at the upper limit of being able to handle a 55G RES tank. If you upgrade tanks later you'll need to add a second filter or upgrade this one.

YOU CANNOT OVER FILTER a tank. For a RES, you're looking to turn the tank volume over about 4-5x per hour. So you want a filter on a 55G tank that can do at least 220GPH. This filter does. With any filter if it's too strong of a current, you can direct the output into the glass and diffuse it.

The 2217 is a good match for a 55G RES tank. If you are going to upgrade the tank later, it might be more economical to get a bigger canister now and avoid the later spend. If the "similar" filter to the 2217 is a different smaller model eheim classic that just looks the same.... don't get it.

[Bugbug]

Well the guy selling it says it does about 365 gallons per hour.
I actually don't think his picture looks much like the one in the link, thats just to filter he posted saying it was similar to it. I personally think his looks much more heavy duty. It doesn't look like a flimsy little plastic thing like the link does.

What would i use to deflect the flow if it's too strong?
Is that a DIY fix, or is there some sort of hook up i can purchase for it?

thanks for responses btw, guys (:

[VeipaCray]

To deflect the flow you just turn the output from the filter so it's pointing at the glass. The link is an eheim filter. Eheim invented the canister filter and is known for making the absolute best canisters. Beware if the seller is trying to sell you an odyssea or jebo and saying it's similar to the eheim. There are many eheim knock offs on the market.

[Bugbug]

Oh thank you so much i wasn't aware... I'll make sure and find out the brand from him.