The “professionel 3” generation was developed to solve the two most significant challenges in large-scale aquaristics: filtration volume and ease of maintenance. Unlike traditional cylindrical canisters, the square base design utilized here maximizes every cubic centimeter of cabinet space, providing up to 25 liters of canister volume in the XL models.
Key Innovations in the Current Generation
- Square Base Stability: The geometric design ensures the filter cannot tip over, even when full of water and media, and fits perfectly into the corners of aquarium stands.
- Integrated Pre-filter: Positioned at the very top of the canister, the large pre-filter traps coarse dirt before it reaches the biological media. This significantly extends the maintenance intervals for the sensitive bacterial colonies below.
- Safety Hose Adapter: A sophisticated triple-connection module (on XL models) ensures that the unit can only be opened when the water valves are fully closed, preventing accidental flooding.
- Self-Priming System: A built-in suction aid allows the filter to be started with a single push, eliminating the need for manual siphoning or “mouth-starting.”
Technical Specifications: A Comparative Overview
When selecting a filter, the balance between pump output and filter volume is critical. The professionel 3 range covers everything from medium-sized 120-liter tanks to massive 1200-liter systems.
| Model | Aquarium Size | Pump Output | Delivery Head | Power Consumption | Filter Volume |
| 250 (2071) | 120 – 250 L | 950 L/h | 1.50 m | 12 W | 3.0 + 0.5 L |
| 350 (2073) | 180 – 350 L | 1050 L/h | 1.80 m | 16 W | 4.5 + 0.5 L |
| 600 (2075) | 240 – 600 L | 1250 L/h | 1.80 m | 16 W | 6.0 + 0.5 L |
| 1200XL (2080) | 400 – 1200 L | 1700 L/h | 2.60 m | 25 W | 12.0 + 1.5 L |
| 1200XLT (2180) | 400 – 1200 L | 1700 L/h | 2.60 m | 25 W (500W Heater) | 12.0 + 1.5 L |
Note on Power Consumption: These values represent the latest efficiency standards from EHEIM. The 1200XL models are particularly notable for their low 25W consumption despite moving 1700 liters of water per hour.
Deep Dive into the XL Series: 1200XL and 1200XLT
For owners of large aquariums, the 2080 (1200XL) and its heated counterpart, the 2180 (1200XLT), are the industry benchmarks. They feature a unique triple hose adapter system.
Why Three Hoses?
The XL models utilize two suction (inlet) hoses and one pressure (outlet) hose. This design serves two purposes:
- Elimination of Dead Zones: By placing two intake pipes at different corners of a large tank, you ensure that waste is pulled from the entire floor area.
- Redundant Suction: The dual-intake system maintains a steady flow even if one intake becomes partially blocked by leaf litter or debris.
The 1200XLT (Thermo-Filter) Advantage
The 1200XLT integrates a 500-watt heating element directly into the base of the canister.
- Precision Control: A digital display on the filter head shows the exact water temperature.
- Aesthetic Improvement: It removes the need for unsightly glass heaters inside the display tank.
- Uniform Heat: Since the water is heated as it passes through the filter, the entire tank maintains a consistent temperature without “cold spots.”
- Safety: Note: While the 1200XL is fully compatible with marine water, official manufacturer data for the 1200XLT (the heated version) often restricts use to freshwater only due to potential corrosion of the heating element in high-salinity environments. Always verify your specific serial number’s compatibility with EHEIM support if planning a marine setup.
Filtration Media Strategy: Mechanical, Biological, Chemical
To maximize the potential of the professionel 3, the media must be layered correctly. EHEIM recommends a specific “Media Set” approach for these models.
1. Mechanical Pre-Filtration (The Blue Pad)
Located in the top pre-filter tray, the coarse blue foam captures the largest particles. Because it is the first point of contact, you can clean this every 2–4 weeks without disturbing the biological balance of the lower trays.
2. Biological Core (SUBSTRATpro and bioMECH)
- EHEIM bioMECH: This pH-neutral material has dirt-trapping pockets for mechanical cleaning but also a high porosity for bacterial colonization.
- EHEIM SUBSTRATpro: This is the heart of the filter. It consists of spherical sintered glass with a surface area of 450 m² per liter. This is where the nitrogen cycle (ammonia and nitrite breakdown) primarily occurs.
3. Fine Filtration (The White Fleece)
The final stage is a fine white polyester fleece that removes microscopic particles, ensuring “crystal clear” water before it returns to the tank.
Expert Tip: Never wash all your biological media at once. Rinse half of it in a bucket of aquarium water (not tap water) to preserve the nitrifying bacteria.
Installation and Setup Guide
Setting up a professionel 3 requires attention to the “physics of the siphon.”
- Placement: The filter base must be lower than the water surface. The maximum delivery head (up to 2.6m) is the vertical distance the pump can push water, but for optimal performance, keep the distance between the water surface and the filter base within 180 cm.
- Hose Routing: Cut the hoses to the shortest possible length. Sagging hoses create air pockets and reduce the flow rate.
- The Siphon Start: * Ensure the canister is empty of water.
- Connect all hoses.
- Press the large priming button on the pump head firmly several times.
- You will hear water rushing into the canister. Wait until it is full before plugging in the power.
Maintenance: The “Easy Clean” System
One of the best features of the 250, 350, and 600 models is the Easy Clean cleaning grill.
- Interim Cleaning: You can remove the pre-filter tray and rinse the blue foam without removing the lower baskets. This maintains high flow rates without the “new tank syndrome” risk of over-cleaning biological media.
- The Impeller: Every 6 months, you should open the pump cover (under the filter head) and clean the ceramic shaft and impeller. Use a soft brush to remove any biofilm. The use of high-performance ceramics in the shaft ensures that the filter remains whisper-quiet. If the filter becomes noisy, it is usually a sign of air trapped in the media or a dirty impeller.
Marine Water Specifics
Using the professionel 3 in a saltwater environment requires extra vigilance:
- Salt Creep: Regularly wipe down the hose adapter area to prevent salt crystals from interfering with the O-rings.
- Phosphate Removal: In marine tanks, you may want to replace one tray of biological media with chemical media like GFO (Granular Ferric Oxide) to control algae.
- Avoid Peat: Never use peat-based media in a marine setup as it will destabilize the pH.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
1. Reduced Flow Rate
- Check the Pre-filter: 90% of the time, the blue foam is clogged.
- Hose Biofilm: Over time, a brown slime forms inside the hoses. Use a dedicated EHEIM hose brush to clear this.
- Check the Indicator: The XL models have a flow indicator (a small ball in a sight glass). If it drops into the red zone, maintenance is required.
2. Air Bubbles / “Burping”
- This usually occurs after a water change. Tilt the filter slightly (15 degrees) while it is running to help trapped air escape the media baskets.
- Check the intake O-ring. If the seal on the intake side is dry or cracked, the pump will suck in micro-bubbles.
3. Leakage from the Head
- This is often caused by a dirty “Profile Seal” (the large O-ring between the head and the canister). Clean it, and apply a small amount of EHEIM Maintenance Spray (silicone based) to keep it supple.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use the professionel 3 for a turtle tank?
Yes, but because turtles produce significantly more waste than fish, you should use the 600 or 1200XL models even for smaller tanks, and expect to clean the pre-filter weekly.
Is it compatible with CO2 systems?
Yes. You can use an inline CO2 atomizer on the outlet (pressure) hose. This is actually a preferred method as it allows for better CO2 dissolution without cluttering the aquarium with diffusers.
How often should I replace the ceramic shaft?
The high-performance ceramic parts are designed to last years. Only replace them if they physically break or if you notice a significant increase in vibration noise that cleaning doesn’t fix.
Summary: Is the Professionel 3 still the right choice?
While EHEIM has since released the “4+” and “5e” (electronic) series, the professionel 3 remains the preferred choice for many professionals and high-end hobbyists. Its mechanical simplicity, massive media capacity, and proven track record for longevity make it a “tank” of a filter. It lacks the Wi-Fi complexity of the 5e, which many purists find to be an advantage for long-term reliability.
