Eheim Vs Fluval – Comparing the Top Canister Filters

Eheim and Fluval are the two biggest names when it comes to canister filters.  As a matter of fact, they’re just about the only names.  There are a couple other cheaper, lower quality contenders, but they don’t sell very much, and they don’t have the reputation for quality that these two do.  If you’re serious about keeping the best possible aquarium, you should definitely be using a canister filter, and you’re going to do well to choose one of the following filters.

For the purpose of this article, we’re going to compare two filters for each brand.  These are a set of comparable filters in price and function, and also the best selling of each line.

For Eheim, there best selling consumer models are the 2211 and the 2213.  They filter tanks of 40 and 55 gallons respectively, which is going to be perfect for most new fish keepers.  The 2213 has a cycling rate of 116gph, while the 2211 has a rather low 78 gph.  That extra gph flow rate doesn’t really come at any additional cost, with the 2213 costing just a few more bucks 2211 costs.

The comparison Fluval filters are the 105 and 205.  The 205 can handle tanks up to40 gallons, while the 105 does a measly 22 gallons.  They both have pretty high cycle rates of over a hundred gallons per hour.  Their prices come in around the same as the two Eheim filters.

As far as price is concerned, that’s not really a factor due to their similar pricing.  The Fluval 105 and Eheim 2111 have either a weak capacity, or slow cycle rate, so they’re not really worth looking into.  Between the Floval 205, and the Eheim 2213, there’s no clear winner.  The Eheim has a higher capacity and while the cycle rate is lower, it’s perfectly fine for most uses.  In the end, we recommend the Eheim.  The filter edges out its competition as being the best, and they have a reputation for lasting an inordinately long time.

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