Hi George
Right, i have never owned a 2217, i have Eheim Pro 2's (2026 and 2028's), thats not meant to sound posh, it just came out that way, lol
These are links to the best deals i can see around for Eheim's with suitable specs for you set-up ( i used Charterhouse Aquatics for 2028 and it came with free delivery and media)
http://www.thelivingseas.uk.com/p/47...heim-2028.html
http://www.charterhouse-aquatics.co....dia-p-190.html
http://www.thelivingseas.uk.com/p/47...heim-2250.html
As for media, i prefer the Eheim Ehfi-Fine for mechanical and Substat Pro for biological. Usually in my 2028's (which has 3 trays) i will have the Ehfi Fine in the bottom tray and Substrat Pro in the middle and top trays, sometimes i use filter wool at the top, but am still experimenting with using this as it annoys me that it can clog the filter up quicker when it's there.
http://www.fishforums.net/index.php?...mode=show&st=0
http://www.aquatics-direct.co.uk/ran...?categoryID=91