This review will save you hours of searching. When I was about to purchase this filter, I was undecided and was tempted on the fluval fx6. However, after much consideration and after reading reviews, I finally decided to buy this one. It seems to me that the fx6 had more equipment malfunction than the eheim 2262. (perhaps due to the technology involved… microchip) There is a difference between this 2262 and the 2260, the 2262 has an upgraded pump of an out put of 900 gallons per hour, no media included. the 2260 has media included. Now, when I unboxed it, My first impression was, "I paid all that for this"? Mind you, it seemed as if it was literally a 5 gallon plastic bucket. Then, I actually thought about the design and materials I was looking at. Nothing seemed to appear cheap. It is made of basically the best materials out there with modern technology, just like the box states. Imported from Germany, like the Volkswagen Jetta, there must be a premium to pay. I looked through all of the components (including the lingering seal) to make sure none were missing or broken. It was a 5 star. Instructions were okay, I just had to glance at the diagram to build it. It took me a while to realize the tubing had to be cut in order to attach the green tubes. The less complicated the less that goes wrong, It is a non stop workhorse that will never over heat, simply because it is run by a magnet. The type of Media can be bought at your liking. Just pack in 5 gallons of what you prefer (I would research Biome Ultimate). using poly-fill to divide sections, better yet buy the poly cushion square and cut a 12x12 inch circle to divide the media. If its too thick, just split it in half with your hand. I did not want to buy a filter with uv, Instead I wanted the uv system by itself. Its like comparing a camera, to a cell phone camera. Now, If you have a large tank 400+ I suggest looking into a combination of filters. A 3 stage pond filter (without uv) will work perfectly as an extra back up to this. Or the main unit instead of this. laguna power flow 5000 waterfall is a perfect example. It cost a little more than an fx6, But is stupidly simple and easy to clean. (It is huge to say the least) Just add a pump, Highly recommend buying biohome ultimate. keep it high above the tank, connect hoses to the outputs if you do not want the waterfall, or plug outputs if you do not want a strong water flow pump. For a planted tank, This would be a substitution to a sump, or the eheim, Depending on your tank size. some people hate the noise of sumps, tubing, leaking, others are concerned about black outs. some pond filters may leak. The goal is to look for simple but efficient equipment :) Ps. Careful on the sand you buy, as some may cause increase in PH. If you can add hardy plants, do so please, It will only help. Do not worry about activated carbon, (could be perhaps as controversial as UV) It is useful to have in case of medication use or smell, but not excessively vital. Don’t forget the poly-fill, or similar pre compacted polyester. Questions are welcome :)
