Boyu · Canister
DGN-410 / 460 / 520 Canister Filter
- Flow
- 1,610 L/h
Mid to large planted tanks where you want to tune flow to the scape without swapping filters.
6 models
Eheim · Canister
Eheim Classic
The Classic is the round green canister that has been running on aquariums for decades. It is one open chamber you fill with whatever media you like, with no prefilter tray, electronics or clever valves to go wrong. Simple, quiet and very hard to kill.
Updated
440–1,000 L/h3 models
Will it suit my tank?
litres
Best for
Keepers who want a no-fuss, long-lived canister for a planted tank and are happy to do a slightly messier clean now and then.
Worth knowing
Priming is manual on the basic version and there is no quick-release tap block, so cleaning takes more effort than on newer Eheim lines.
What stands out
- Single open canister, so you choose and layer the media yourself
- Low running costs: 8 to 20 W depending on size
- Very few moving parts, so long-term reliability is its strong point
- Spare parts and replacement pads are easy to find almost anywhere
Models and specs
| Model | Flow | Tank size | Power | Media volume | Hose | Max head | Hose size | Canister volume | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2502213 | 440 L/h | up to 250 L | 8 W | 3 L | 12 mm | 1.5 m | 12/16 mm in and out | 3.5 L | 16 x 35.5 cm (diameter x height) |
| 3502215 | 620 L/h | up to 350 L | 15 W | 4 L | 12 mm | 1.8 m | 12/16 mm in and out | 4.8 L | 18.5 x 37 cm (diameter x height) |
| 6002217 | 1,000 L/h | up to 600 L | 20 W | 6 L | 16 mm | 2.3 m | 16/22 mm inlet, 12/16 mm outlet | 6.6 L | 20.5 x 40 cm (diameter x height) |
- Brand
- Eheim
- Canister shape
- Round, single chamber
- Water type
- Freshwater and marine
- Media
- Supplied with pads or loose media depending on pack
Figures from the maker's published specifications. Makers revise products, so check the current figures before buying. Photos supplied by the brand or its distributor.
Compare with
Browse all filters
Boyu · Canister
DGN-80 / 120 UVC Canister Filter
- Flow
- 800–1,200 L/h
Medium to large community tanks where the owner wants mechanical, biological and UV treatment in one box.
2 models
Boyu · Canister
EF / EFU Canister Filter
- Flow
- 300–1,100 L/h
- Tank size
- 100–650 L
Budget-minded keepers with 100 to 650 litre tanks who want canister filtration and optional UV.
6 models
Boyu · Canister
FEF-230 / 280 Canister Filter
- Flow
- 800–1,000 L/h
Medium tanks around 150 to 300 litres where a budget UV canister makes sense.
2 models
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about the Eheim Classic, drawn from its specs.
What size tank is the Eheim Classic good for?
Using the 5 to 12 times turnover rule for planted tanks: 250 (440 L/h, suits roughly 37–88 L); 350 (620 L/h, suits roughly 52–124 L); 600 (1,000 L/h, suits roughly 83–200 L). The maker rates the range for tanks up to 600 L. Real flow with media and hoses is lower than the rated figure, so pick the bigger model if you are between sizes.
Who is the Eheim Classic best for?
Keepers who want a no-fuss, long-lived canister for a planted tank and are happy to do a slightly messier clean now and then.
Is there anything to watch out for with the Eheim Classic?
Priming is manual on the basic version and there is no quick-release tap block, so cleaning takes more effort than on newer Eheim lines.
What are the alternatives to the Eheim Classic?
Other filters worth comparing: Boyu DGN-410 / 460 / 520 Canister Filter, Boyu DGN-80 / 120 UVC Canister Filter, Boyu EF / EFU Canister Filter. Add any of them to the compare table to see the specs side by side.