Concerned about snail getting into the Canister filter

[CrazieEddie]

I would like to switch over to an Eheim canister filter and I'm concerned about snails getting inside of it. I currently use an Emperor Powerfilter 400 in my 55g tank. When I replace the media, I sometimes find a few common snails in their. Thanks to my clown loaches, I don't worry about the snails being pests anymore in my 55g tank, in fact, I look forward to them. Unfortunately, since I find them in my Emperor Powerfilter 400, I'm concerned if I switch over to an Eheim, that I'll find the snails in their also. Will the snails get into the motors or will it only be a problem in the media and intake tubes?

Also, is it difficult cleaning the Ehaim Professional II filter? I understand I will probably have to clean the intake tubes, but just wondering if it's necessary to clean any other parts of the filter.

[AquariumPro]

Snails will have no worse effect on an eheim than they would on any power filter. We use Eheims on our client's freshwater tanks, and yes, the occasional snail will get in, but it has never caused any harm. Usually it is very tiny snails or eggs that get into the filter and the snails grow up inside the canister. Snails large enough to do any harm to the impellor will not be able to get past the intake screen.

Your second question is somewhat subjective, as what is easy to one may not be for others. Eheim Pro models are certainly the easiest canister filters to clean, compared to any other on the market. Doubt if you'll find anyone who will argue that statement.