Hey guys,

Just joined this forum now. I have a 48 gallon tank mainly with cichlids and barbs.

My Fluval 404 has to be finally replaced after almost 9 years of great service. I am going with the Eheim 2236 to replace it only because I keep reading great things about the Eheim filter so I just have to try it out for myself. It should be delivered to my house tomorrow, I hope.

One potential negative thing I have read is that the flowrate of the Eheim is not as powerful as the Fluval. I am wondering if I should add a powerhead to keep the water circulating better. Does anyone have any opinions on this or the flowrate of the Eheim 2236 in general?

Thanks guys.

If you want additional current in your tank, then yes I would add a powerhead. However, I would not hook it to the outlet of the Eheim and ESPECIALLY not the inlet, otherwise it might overstress and damage the motor and/or impeller. My Marineland Magnum doesn't generate the current my old AC50 used to create, but my fish naturally live in low-current shallows along a river's edge so they don't expect a lot of current. However, fish like zebra danios do prefer strong current, so in that case yes get a powerhead.

Depends on your fish...

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Officially fishless until after the move....tune in later for details!

Thanks for the info. I'll run with just the filter for a few days and then decide if I need the powerhead or not. I'll post back if I decide to get one. Thank you.