Ouch! This is an expensive filter....however it has some nice features as you will see in the video. Eheim 1200XL / 2080 (Amazon): geni.us/IBfcv Eheim 1200XL / 2080 (Ebay UK / EU): ebay.to/31coTgR Foams and Biohome Ultimate: www.filterpro.co.uk (FilterPro site has links to suppliers in other countries) Biohome Ultimate on Amazon UK: geni.us/GDV8oLd Biogravel on Amazon UK: geni.us/o98PP As you may know I was very disappointed in the build quality of the Eheim Pro4 600 as it was a step down from the Pro3 series quality and a huge step down from the Pro2 quality. The Pro3 1200XL / 2080 is a really meaty filter which easily holds 6kg of media. Build quality is fine and the ability to draw from 2 places in the tank is a real bonus, especially for heavily stocked tanks. The price is very high but given how brittle the internal parts are on the Pro4 series I would recommend this one from the Pro3 series no problem. WHAT IS A FULL CYCLE? *If someone tells you the aquarium nitrogen cycle ends with the production of nitrate that is incorrect - please read on* A full cycle is completed by bacteria - the aerobic part of biological filtration which processes ammonia to nitrite and nitrite to nitrate followed by an anaerobic part which processes nitrate into soluble nitrogen which bubbles off to the atmosphere. Therefore it requires a suitable amount of excellent quality filter media to be able to provide the environment for both aerobic AND anaerobic bacteria - that is what Biohome ultimate does perfectly but even with such good media there are limitations and we recommend the following amounts for different stocking scenarios: (1 US gallon = 3.8 litres) (1kg = 2.2 lbs) Average community tropical aquarium = 1kg per 100 litres Average coldwater aquarium = 1kg - 1.5kg per 100 litres Predator aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres Large cichlid aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres Malawi / Tanganyikan aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres Marine aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres Average mixed fish pond = 1kg per 200 litres Average koi pond = 1kg per 150 litres You may be disagreeing with the above figures but remember that they are for a FULL CYCLE not half a job - achieving 0 ammonia and 0 nitrite is quite easy since aerobic bacteria grows freely on any surface but the anaerobic bacteria responsible for COMPLETING the cycle needs more a specialized habitat. Size a filter properly, set it up sensibly and you will have perfect water - it's that simple....and your filter won't be the dreaded 'Nitrate factory'. This series of videos is all about trying to squeeze more efficiency out of internal and external aquarium filters which generally have a limited filtering capacity - If you have a filter you'd like me to feature in a video then please contact me on: sales@filterpro.co.uk 07772848730 (Richard) Anyone who sends a filter (UK only at present) will have it upgraded and returned to them for free and the only cost you will pay is how much it costs to ship it to me - I'm helping to boost your filter and the resulting videos will hopefully be useful to viewers all over the world so it's a win/win. The following videos will be useful to anyone interested in learning more about filtration, bacteria and making the conditions for your fish as good as possible: Sizing a canister properly and filter set up: goo.gl/om19un Looking INSIDE different filter media: goo.gl/hZWS6c Bacteria and filter media: goo.gl/123gAF How to clean an aquarium: goo.gl/bPMhvh Aquarium tips / filtration playlist: goo.gl/pXgqVj This channel is purely a hobby for me so I will never ask viewers to donate money for any of my projects or charge anyone for information - information should be shared freely and I certainly don't consider myself an 'expert' in anything I pursue as a hobby so please do your own research, never accept anything as 'fact', reject anyone claiming to be some sort of authority or 'expert' and make your own minds up about anything you wish to study. We all are on a long path of learning......... RECOMMENDED AMAZON PRODUCTS: amzn.to/2Mw81OU INSTAGRAM: bit.ly/2KAk1fx FILMING EQUIPMENT: Panasonic HC-VX870 HD camcorder geni.us/3UwE +Rode stereo microphone: geni.us/4OL Zomei Z666 tripod: geni.us/1a1af3 Manfrotto MTPIXI-B PIXI mini tripod: geni.us/87f7 If you've enjoyed this video please check out the playlists on my channel for hundreds more - on a variety of subjects. Feel free to share or link any of my videos on facebook, twitter, forums etc. for the benefit of anyone you think may also enjoy watching. See you next time. Pondguru
Hello, from the Canadian with the Tidal 110's. I've kept the original very coarse foam, then a slightly finer than medium foam (1 1/2 inches thick) from my LFS, (don't know the porosity) then, custom cut fluvals replacement foam for a 406 (red tray) for the mechanical filtration. Filled the supplied bag with Seachem Matrix about 3/4 full . The result is the matrix does get some accumulation of very fine debris. This setup fits perfectly to weekly filter maintenance and sparkling clean water. Flow is excellent and there is no spill over (bypass) of the "basket" week to week. The addition of "filter floss" results in bypass in about 4 days. What would you suggest seeing how I'm in there every 7 days, I'm thinking nothing easier than giving the matrix bag a shake to get rid of the super fine stuff. Would you concur?
Ok Richard another great video and more Pondguru wisdom 👍However you have yet to find a filter which you're totally happy with . So here's a suggestion - since you've already developed or at least had an input into the development of a great bio media why not develop your own filter ! Would go down a treat with all your followers . I for one would buy it in a heart beat cause I set all my filters up to your recommendations . To have a filter that you built , developed - heaven 😇 . Think about it . I have 4 tanks waiting for the "Pondguru Filter Ultimate" 🤩
I add 2 external Pre-Filter chinese LW-603 on the intets. You can then use the bottom tray for more Biohome. Works really well with quick change connections also chinese Eheim copies. Then you only clean the pre-filters not the main compartment. You could also add an inline heater, Co2 diffuser and UV on the outlet. Lots of connections but it works. Also change the internal prefilter course foam for a fine one as the prefilters do all the work.
I’ve run one of these for over a year now set exactly as you have with in the video (except the foam at the top) I’ve found it to be an excellent filter and as with most eheim equipment they last, (I’ve had eheim pumps etc last over 20 years) I managed to fit approx 7-8 kgs in mine I think by ramming it in. They also have 2 separate intakes to the filter ! Which make it different from most other externals and is a great idea
Sahadi420 you pay your money you take your choice, Price isn’t everything !!!!! Also I’m in the uk as is the review. You CANT buy 2 x FX6 for the price of the eheim new here, there is only £100 difference, and I know from experience which one will still be running in years to come. ;-)
@@andrewjones7670 I saw 500 on amazon. I can go to petsmart and get an FX6 for about 260. Worst case scenario you can easily replace the pump on the FX series....as with any component on it.
@@andrewjones7670 fair enough. But I will say, I do love Fluval products. I take care of fish tanks that are in the oldest bar in my city. Fish tanks have been in this establishment since the late 1970's......I need equipment that will last as well. Nothing but good things to say about Fluval.
You make a very good point regarding “turnover” rate. While it is important, exposure time is critical. This is rarely paid attention to... Great Video! 👍🏻
Mmmm, it’s a great filter, mine runs on a 720 Ltr perfectly. However, putting all the foam at the bottom is a really bad idea, it clogs within days. Eheim actually know a thing or two about filters, and that’s why the foam is supposed tobe at the top and “polish” the water on its way back into the tank ( that’s why there’s a gap).
Hey ! I just got mine 2080 Today. What do you think if I start it the way that factory planed it .. I would only change myself to put fine foam on the top of the cheramic eheim media in the first corb on the bottom ? Than i put over the other two full filled eheim balls corbs ? I only want that clean water comes to eheim balls to become the max effect of cleaning the water. Thank you for the answer . Shoud I in that case also put one fine foam on the top of the filter as eheim wanted ?
Pondguru The top 2 trays need to be filled with media to the max. then that thin lid comes on. that space you didnt understand is for the filter floss pad. its made this way so you can fully use the trays for bio media 👍🏻 Look on the box, Its printed on there.
Yes but that would then trap the muck after it has passed through the media ,eventually clogging the media .The water has to be polished with floss before hitting the media (not after) .
Hi Richard... I have a Pro 3 just like this. It was on my 150-gallon aquarium but honestly, I just don't like it as much as my FX6. I know the company is excellent. I guess it's a personal preference. I am not a fan on getting them going. That's the most annoying for me. I have a number of smaller Eheim filters but all have the same issue. Once going they are really effective. Great to see you.... have a great week!
Hi the most simple way of getting it primed is simple put a powerhead in the outlet and let it work it’s way through , no need to touch the prime button at all , I agree it’s harder than a fx5/6 but it’s in my view a much better filter👍
Thank you very much Richard for this great vedio the Ehiem Manual propose at the bottom tray bio Mec ceramic media but your set up is more logic than what Eheim says because the pre filter is just very small course . the good thing about this filter is the energy saving thanks nasir
I never use the white filter wool in my external filter, clogs up too quickly, the filter will need cleaning out every month, just put a pre filter sponge on the inlet hose with coarse medium and fine sponges in filter, works great for me, I clean my filter once every 12 months! My water is perfect and I have crystal clear water. If you want to use the wool just put it in a little internal filter (ehiem bioball) so it is really easy to clean or replace.
If you have a high bioload or lots of wood in the tank with pleco/or wood that breaks down quickly and don't want floating particles a fine pad is a strong recommendation. If you have a planted tank with little fish you could get away with filling the whole thing with no sponge at all, only pumice and carbon for totally crystal clear water.
Unfortunately , the fine pad/floss is really impractical in this filter . It lasts around a week to a fortnight before clogging . And with the position at the bottom of the filter makes it a right old pain to clean / change out . I set up similar just missing the floss out and it works great . Personally I prefer the 1500xl classics . Much more media and flow albeit at the expense of a bit of ease of maintenance
Pls help! EHEIM professionel 3 1200 XL VS EHEIM classic 1500 XL Dose the pro 3 seria do 50/50 with the suction side because it has 2x inflow? I was thinking about on one suction side put UV-C and normal suction on other? Wich is better fore 450l/120gal aquarium? Quieter?
@@mariot.5178 I know it's an old comment but the 2080 or 2180 are quite compared to the 1500xl. I've got 2 a 2180 and a 2080 1200xl on my juwel rio450 ltr tank and can't fault them at all. All depends what fish ur gonna keep but a 2080 should be perfect on ur 400
There is a little bit of space for a layer of media rings at the bottom but I changed this filter over from the 700 which did have almost the same space as a basket of media at the bottom. Factor in that you loose this space in this filter, this doesn't hold much more media when I transferred from the 700e.
Cheers Richard, good lad. Always look forward to these and this series is my favourite on the tube. For some reason I found myself slightly disappointed not to see you pouring media into the trays this time around 😂😂😂
I guess the bottom tray could be raised an inch with some kind of support, then the bottom could be filled with some mech rings to settle heavy muck at the expense of getting rid of the top foam added in this video that doesn't seem to really do very much.
Removing the top tray is not a very good idea with these filters as the whole design and flow of these units depend on them. Otherwise, water would just be sprayed down into the top layer and be sucked out again without any filtering whatsoever. And it's a terrific first settlement chamber that does its job very well.
@@OriginalMindTrick Sorry if I was unclear, I was talking about the foam seen at the 9:15 mark (and some time before), not the prefilter foam added a few seconds later in the video, which is the one I think you are talking about. I absolutely agree that this shouldn't be touched. Alternatively, you talk about the entire prefilter tray, since you say the filter wouldn't work without it. Either way, I absolutely agree, dont remove any of them! Thank you for adding this comment, since I don't want to plant a destructive idea in anyone because of a misunderstanding.
@@migueleespinosa2632 Hi Agree with you 100% shall I put it below the white fine pad or above the white pad , since at the top tray I have white pad then grid then the cover. Thanks
That filter looks huge, almost on the scale of the Aqua el hypermax 4500, but comparing what it holds in media its way lower. That holds 13 kilos of biohome. Blows this out of the park !
@@Les-OZZYTHEOSCAR Yup, the Eheim filters are arse-collapsingly expensive compared to other (better) options now so unless they assess their filters and pricing they're doomed as a manufacturer. It will be a real shame to see them disappear all together since for decades Eheim could do no wrong and were the gold standard of filtration.
I just got one on eBay at a bargain price of 50 quid with media gave it a good clean out set it up it's on now took some media out of the old filter and topped up runs like a dream
I’m an auction item reseller and I just won the bid on one of these for 22.00 usd. Too bad I just sold my 240 gallon tank. Oh well I guess I’ll make a nice profit from it and whoever buys it will get a good deal also. It’s brand new too.
Thanks for posting this video Richard. Hopefully you or you followers can help. I have two Eheim Classic canister filters (2217- one on each side of the aquarium) for my 125 gallon tank that is home to my aquatic turtle. The turtle is getting larger (about eight inches) , so I need more cleaning power. Was looking at the Eheim Pro3 in this video, but it looks massive. Wondering if you could recommend a good and easy to use filter that has lots of power. BTW, I am in the U.S. Thanks a bunch!
I have noticed if you have a standard tank it's better to go with a finer 30 ppi foam on the bottom and not bother with anything coarser. There is also quite a bit of bypass with each segment so putting one or two more fine polyester pads above the bottom segment isn't a bad idea.
I will load my pro3e 2078 just like that for my new 300 l malawi tank thanks! Running a brand new 407 alongside it too, I always run two for my Africans.
While I prefer the extra space for media, and the more traditional top mounted pump compared to the Fluval FX series, I have personally found the low turnover rate of Eheims to be a problem for tanks with messy eaters, especially if you've got the three grades of foam in there. I was using an Eheim Professional 3 on my Green Chromide tank for a while and it just simply wasn't adequate in terms of mechanical filtration, lots of suspended particles clouding up the water for several hours after feeding, in the end I replaced it with an FX5 which does a vastly better job, keeps the water crystal clear and is still provides enough space for biological media.
This is my experience as well. They are great at biological filtration but not the best when it comes to keeping a high bioload tank crystal clear. That is what the FX6 excels at.
@@OriginalMindTrick Yeah, I'm sure they're probably fine for a lot of typical community setups, but they just don't have the flow rate to handle messy eaters and / or fish that produce a lot of waste like large cichlids, puffers, goldfish ETC. I ended up using my Eheim Professional 3 on tank about 1/3rd the size of what the filter was rated for in the end, and it was amazing for that tank. It's a shame because as I said, I actually prefer most things about the Eheim filters, but they're not much good to me if they can't keep my water clear.
@@The-Fishkeeper The Ehem 2260 is terrific at both mechanical and biological filtration. If the supplied pump isn't large enough you can put whatever large pump you like on that can handle being run out of water. A sump is probably a better choice here though.
I have a question about the nitrate end of cycling and the possible loss of that part of the cycle due to power loss. Specifically, when does die-off begin after power loss. The place I live loses power about twice a year. If it takes 6 months to fully cycle, then you might understand my quandary with respect to the media and cycle loss
Very good Video !! I have the 2180 - with build in thermo, I had some issues with the flow, when the filter was build like Eheim suggested So i removed about 6 liters of bioMech and Mechpro tubes - now the water is flowing, but did you check the flow rate, when building the filter with sponges and Biohome Ultimate ? Regards Flemming.
Ultimately the fine pad dictates the flow rate of a filter since it will hold water back when it gets clogged. If you find that the flow is slowing down quickly after maintenance try removing the fine pad - the vast majority of muck will be caught in the medium foam(s) anyway. The Biohome Ultimate makes no difference to the flow since water can easily pass around it but very small media like the Biogravel or Substrat Pro may slow the flow a bit since the water can't pass through a full tray of it quickly. However, if the small media is used in mesh bags the water can go around the bags of media easier, helping to maintain the flow rate.
I wonder why all these companies put their mechanical filtration post bio media. My theory is they feel people won’t clean it if they need to pull it apart. I say, make more filter that go from top to bottom, that way the disposable stuff is all on the top.
Hi Richard, Your videos are great. I like the way you break down your reasons behind your suggestions. Very informative. Can you tell me where you purchase your bumpy foam?
30 years I've had eheim filters and never had one leak I use silicone spray on all the seals everytime I clean it and never had a problem. Eheim sell a hell of alot of filters every year so hearing of issues in a few filters doesn't mean their quality has reduced when in reality it hasn't maybe they just sell alot more filters now then years ago
I've 2 of these filters the 2080 or 1200xl and a 2180 or 1200xlt u only have to clean them every 3 to 6 months but the way u have set this up once the foam filter pads uve put at the bottom block up it will reduce flow rendering the rest of the media useless unless u clean out the sponges uve put at the bottom every month or so which isn't easy with the size of these filters. It's funny how u think eheim that's been making filters since the 1960s know less then you.
I was toying with the idea of getting an eheim but none of my local stores had any so I went with fluval. Glad I didn't I probably would have broke it by now 🤣
What could be better than biohome? The pond guru himself inside the filter! That's a massive filter. I have a eheim pro4t, could I put some media in the bottom?
Hi there I have a new Askoll pure hc xl and the filters are really expensive have you any thoughts on the issue of pimping the filtration system. Many thanks George Bell
Hey mate. I dont find the domensions for total height... How tall is the filter with silver adapter ? My stand has 60cm space :/ . Got already fx6 for 540L aulonocara aquarium but i think that maybe the XL is better to clean the water ?
Pls help! EHEIM professionel 3 1200 XL VS EHEIM classic 1500 XL Dose the pro 3 seria do 50/50 with the suction side because it has 2x inflow? I was thinking about on one suction side put UV-C and normal suction on other? Wich is better fore 450l/120gal aquarium? Quieter?
More media then some.. but a lot less then most others at a fraction of the size running similar flow rates.. I fail to see the value in this at all. I’d rather have the old school units that can hold 2x the media..
There are 3 common reasons why that would be so: 1 - The impeller is broken and needs replacing (check impeller) 2 - There is a blockage in the pipes (check pipes) 3 - There is a huge air lock in the top of the filter (rock the filter back and forth to free the air)
Hi Richard, I`ve just bought a juwel aquarium with built in filter. Any idea why they insist on an intake at the surface, as it`s a nuicance when feeding etc ?
I'm still not sure that too much Biohome is a good idea in planted tanks. In my Rio 125 I have a little bit of Biohome and my nitrates are below 10mg/l, but PO4 is above 2ml/l and I have algae issues. Because I have only planted tanks I have reduced or removed Biohome and similar filter media
@@karsai7173 It is not of you have a heavy planted tank with a small amount of fishes. The media will "steal" the macro nutrients that the plants need.
If you live in Europe the best idea is to buy from Amazon.de they sell it very good price around 309 euro . It is cheaper than any shop and even than amazon.fr. I have two of them and they are great
I've never had any problems connecting to Wi-fi appliances as I just go into Bluetooth settings on my phone / computer, press 'scan for new devices' and they get found. At that point I hit 'pair' and they pair. Maybe the wi-fi is not working properly in the filter or maybe it needs to be activated by pressing a button on the filter? It's been so long since I looked at this I can't remember if there was a Bluetooth / wi-fi button on the filter.
I take the Pro 3 over the Biomaster any day. The trays are a lot better in the Eheim. they keep the flow longer, and they are easier to maintain. The only thing the Biomaster does better is the very sturdy handle and potentially a lower price depending on where you live.
About the flow eheims flow are after they go throw the media there the only company who do that so there about the same if not better than fluvals flow rates
This filter is suitable for aquariums 'from approx 400 litres' not for 400 litres, - eheim.com/de_DE/aquaristik/technik/aussenfilter/professionel-3/professionel-3-1200xl?c=1939
@@Spruikermania Maybe some (newer?) models have the heater in the top but the heater for the (older?)1200 xlt version of this filter was definitely in the base. If you do an image search on Google you will see that there are two versions - one has heater display on the bottom and the other has it on top. Also if you image search for 'Eheim 1200 xlt heater' you'll see that the shape of it in some pictures could only fit into the base. Also, when you look at an old filter you can see the heater in the base, lol Maybe the newer versions or 'e' versions have it in the top? or the difference could be older version is 2080 and newer version is 2180? so many images online are labeled incorrectly......
@@pondguru I have th older version it’s called a 2180 and the heater is at the top. Always has been at the top for this model but maybe you getting confused with another smaller model or the similar looking Pro 4 models (I also have these) and they have the heater at the bottom.
@@Spruikermania I thought the newer version was the 2180 and the older was the 2080 - I wish Eheim would just call their filters what they are instead of all the stupid numbers......
