need help deciding on new external filter

[indigoposse]

hi Folks,
so i got my dad's birthday coming up and i am thinking of getting him a new external canister filter. his current one if an ehiem. i don't remeber the model number but i know we got it back in 2000. so its easy enough to say, that this filter is on its last legs.

here's the specs for his aquarium (freshwater and heavily planted)
7 feet long
2 foot high
1 foot wide

so i'd guess its a 100 gallon tank right?

what i am looking at is recommendations on which is a good external filter for me to pick up. ideally i would like to get one that runs quietly, easy to setup and durable.

any ideas?

p.s. my budget here is $200-250

[Ppulcher]

The tank sounds like it's about 100 gallons.

Why do you figure the Eheim is on it's last legs?  I have a model 2213 that I've been running continuously since circa 1994!  I replaced the impeller and shaft last year and it runs as if it's brand new   I don't know if this is typical or not.

I'm partial to the Eheim classics, as it's the only one I've ever used.  The 2217 model would be good for that size tank.

[wendyjo]

I use a Rena canister filter on my tank and I'm very happy with it.

But yeah, unless your dads filter is acting up I wouldn't replace it "just because".