Aquariums require plenty of effort – and investment – to be appropriately maintained. You will need a filtration system that can handle a lot of water at once, is easy to handle, and light on the amount of space it takes up, which is particularly important for smaller aquariums.
One of the best solutions to these issues is a canister filter. There are plenty of different models out there from plenty of different brands. It can be tough to discern which are worth your money and which ones are better avoided with so many to choose from.
Below, we are going to take a look at the EHEIM Classic Canister Filter to see what it has on offer in terms of features, pros, and cons, who it is best suited for, and how to use it. So without further ado, let’s take a look at what you need to know.
EHEIM Classic Canister Filter 250 – 2213
One of the most popular canister filters is the Classic 2213 from EHEIM. Although widely regarded as an excellent canister filter, in this review, we will see how well it holds up.
The EHEIM Classic 2213 is a decent filter canister overall. It does exactly what it says on the box, and not a whole lot more. Fortunately, it does its job very well and is excellent for small to medium-sized aquariums.
Who Is This Product For?
As noted, every aquarium owner will need to invest in a filtration system for their tank if they hope to maintain it thoroughly. Specific filtration systems are better for certain types of tanks. The EHEIM Classic 2213 is at its best when used in a smaller aquarium and performs well in some medium-sized aquariums as well.
Compared to other filter canisters, its price also makes it a worthwhile investment for aquarium owners working on a budget.
On the other hand, the EHEIM Classic 2213 will not be able to meet the demands of larger aquariums. Fortunately, you can find an alternative to the Classic 2213 right here.
What’s Included?
The EHEIM Classic 2213 is reasonably light on additional features overall, but it comes with a handful of accessories that make it that much easier.
Firstly, the canister itself is fitted with a permo-elastic sealing ring which allows for safe, easy closing after you have cleaned the canister out. It is also equipped with filter sponges, as well as loose-filter media.
In terms of accessories, you will find an inlet pipe, a hose, several installation tools, and a spray bar.
Overall, while there may not be much here that will genuinely wow and amaze, the overall package is reasonably priced considering all of the bits and baubles it includes.
Overview of Features
Although the EHEIM Classic 2213 is light on additional features, it functions very well, and you should be just as pleased as we are with the benefits it provides.
For starters, the EHEIM Classic 2213 is very quiet. Most water filtration systems tend to be overly noisy, with excessive pumping and splashing sounds and a loud motor that can keep both you – and your fish – up at night. But this canister filter has been specifically designed to be as quiet and stealthy as possible. It performs all necessary functions without the clamor and boom of some larger filtration systems.
Secondly, capacity is a non-issue for the EHEIM Classic 2213, so long as you use it in a small to medium-sized aquarium, of course. The filter can process a staggering 250 gallons of water every hour, particularly impressive due to its small, compact design.
The Classic 2213 is rated for 66-gallon aquariums, which means that it can filter all water up to 4 times in one hour. Despite this, it might be better suited for smaller aquariums – up to 40 or 50 gallons. If, for nothing else, than to err on the side of caution and ensure that your water is of the clearest quality at all times.
Going back to the physical design of the canister, the Classic 2213 has been built to last thanks to some high-quality internal components, which effectively eliminates the need to buy a new filter once every year or so. The outer shell is strong enough to withstand a decent amount of punishment, preventing any cracks or leaks, the likes of which tend to plague other filtration systems. Overall, the entire build is sturdy and robust, ensuring that it will stay put once it has been installed.
Verdict
Like all sound filtration systems, the Classic 2213 utilizes a 3-stage process to clear debris, ammonia, and toxins. You can add a filter media to the canister in order to account for other contaminants.
How to Use
The EHEIM Classic 2213 is easy to set up and install. Simply add the media to the baskets, then place the baskets in the filter and set up the tubing. A comprehensive set-up guide is included in the manual (which includes plenty of other helpful information.
For a video walkthrough and in-depth explanation, click here for all the info you need.
Pros
- Features quiet operation for added convenience
- Has a large capacity
- Excellent for small to medium-sized aquariums
- Features a strong and sturdy build
- Includes a 3-stage filtration process
- Reasonably-priced for most people
Cons
- There are no additional features to speak of
- It is unsuitable for larger aquariums
Alternatives
If you require a more robust canister filter, the Fluval 107 Performance is an excellent alternative, with slightly more power than the EHEIM Classic 2213. It is great value for money and offers quiet operation.
Conclusion
We set out to answer whether or not the EHEIM Classic 2213 is worth your money. And we confidently say that if you are the owner of a smaller aquarium, it is. While not extensive in terms of features, it is easily one of the best canister filters and functions well above-average at a minimal volume.
Ben Morales
Aquarist & Writer 15+ Years