Many aquarium enthusiasts with an Eheim Professionel 4+ 250 (2271) face the same issue: when replacing filter pads, you always end up buying a complete set. This means you’re not only getting the white fleece pads that need regular replacement, but also a blue coarse pad that can last for years. Before you know it, you’ve got a stack of twenty blue pads sitting in your cupboard—wasting both money and space. The Save on Eheim filtersets blog post offers a solution to this problem.
The Problem with the Original Eheim Set
Result: you keep buying more than you need. The original set (item no. 2617710) contains 1 blue coarse pad + 4 white fleece pads while the blue one is durable and rarely needs replacing. The white fleece pads are disposable and must be renewed regularly.
Shopping List for Filter Media Replacement
Basic Set (Original Eheim)
- 1x Blue Coarse Filter Pad
Function: Captures large debris and protects finer filter layers. - 4x White Fleece Pads
Function: Removes the smallest particles for crystal-clear aquarium water.
This set is commonly sold under Eheim article number 2617710 and is suitable for the Professionel 4+ series (250, 250T, 350, 350T, 600).
Optional Extra Media (Depending on Your Preference)
- Eheim Substrat Pro (Biological Filter Media)
For optimal bacterial growth and biological filtration. - Eheim Activated Carbon Pads (Optional)
For temporary use to remove medication residues or odors. - Eheim Ceramic Tubes (MECH)
For mechanical pre-filtration of coarse debris.
Here’s a clear table of all filter media and their functions for the Eheim Professionel 4+ 250 (2271). When you purchase the Eheim Professionel 4+ 250 (2271), all materials below are included in the filter baskets except the Activated Carbon Pads.
| Filter Media | Quantity | Function | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Coarse Filter Pad | 1 | Captures large debris, protects finer layers | Included in original replacement set (item no. 2617710) |
| White Fleece Pads | 4 | Removes fine particles, ensures clear water | Replace regularly (every 4–6 weeks) |
| Substrat Pro (Biological) | Optional | Promotes bacterial growth and biological filtration | Rarely replaced; usually just rinse in aquarium water |
| Activated Carbon Pads | Optional | Removes medication residues, discoloration, odors | Use temporarily |
| Ceramic Tubes (MECH) | Optional | Mechanical pre-filtration of coarse debris | Works well with standard set |
At minimum, you’ll need the Eheim replacement set 2617710 (1 blue pad + 4 white fleece pads). The other materials are optional and depend on your preference for extra filtration.
Maintenance Schedule for Eheim Professionel 4+ 250 (2271)
| Filter Media | Frequency | Action | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Coarse Filter Pad | Every 2–3 months | Rinse in aquarium water (not tap water) | Replace only if worn or permanently dirty |
| White Fleece Pads | Every 4–6 weeks | Replace with new fleece pads | Disposable; ensures clear water |
| Eheim Substrat Pro | Every 6–12 months | Rinse in aquarium water | Rarely replaced; preserves bacterial colonies |
| Eheim MechPro (Ceramic Tubes) | Every 6–12 months | Rinse in aquarium water | Reusable; replace only if damaged or lost |
| Full Filter Cleaning | Every 2–3 months | Check all baskets, rinse media, replace fleece pads | Ensures optimal flow and water quality |
Save on Eheim filtersets with universal fleece pads
Fortunately, universal filter fleece pads are available that you can cut to size yourself. These are often cheaper and provide a large supply in one go.
Example: Bol.com Filter Pad 100 × 55 × 0.5 cm
- Thickness: 0.5 cm (5 mm) → exactly the same as original Eheim fleece pads.
- Large size: 100 × 55 cm.
- From this, you can cut about 35 round fleece pads that fit the Eheim 250.
- That’s over 3 years’ supply at a replacement frequency of every 4–6 weeks.
SuperFish Filter Pads 50 × 50 cm
- Also about 5 mm thick, easy to cut to size.
- One pad yields about 16 rounds for your filter.
- Price: around €9 per pad → affordable and practical.
Save on Eheim filtersets with a cost comparison
- Original Eheim set: approx. €18.50 for 4 white fleece pads (plus a blue pad you don’t need).
- Universal Bol.com pad: approx. €15.00 for 35 fleece pads → less than €0.50 each.
- Savings: tens of euros per year, plus no unnecessary blue pads.
Practical Tips to save on Eheim filtersets
- Cut the pads with scissors or a utility knife to about 14 cm diameter.
- Place them in the same position as the original white fleece pads.
- Replace them regularly to maintain optimal flow.
- Keep one original set as a reference or backup.
Conclusion: Save on Eheim filtersets
With universal fleece pads, you save not only money but also space. You no longer need to buy complete Eheim sets and accumulate stacks of blue pads. A single large pad from Bol.com or SuperFish gives you years’ worth of white fleece pads, exactly the right thickness for your Eheim 250.
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