Battle Of The Filters!

[phishyphil]

Okay so upgrading my standard Hood filter (700 lph) with an external one, Which one would be best to buy.

1) TetraTec EX1200 (£95)

2) Fluval 405 (£95)

3) All Pond Solutions 2000EF

There all similar priced, apart from the £70 Price tag of the APS2000EF, I just dont know which one to go for

Any help would be advised, especially those with experience with these filters

 

[fluttermoth]

Well, I have the APS ones on all my larger tanks and I'm very, very happy with them.

Some of the plastic bits (like the handles on the media baskets) are a bit flimsy, but as long as you're gentle with them and don't force them, they're fine.

 

[cynic]

I have a tec 1200, its nigh on silent and feels really solid and well made. Good flow too. Can't speak for the other types but i'd happily reccomend mine to anybody.

 

[N0body Of The Goat]

Literally just seen this FX5 replica on another thread for £56...

http/www.ebay.co.uk/itm/External-Aquarium-Canister-Filter-/170720662069?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item27bfbe9235#ht_1580wt_1163&clk_rvr_id=280311262879


The 2000EFs have been shown to produce flow way below 2000lph from our real life tests on the forum earlier in the year, more likely to be in the 900-1200lph ballpark (helps if either none or just one spraybar module).

 

[njstockley]

just won a 240 litre on ebay and the next purchase is the APS external. reviews are generally positive, and like fluttermouth says, if some of the bits feel flimsy, then just treat it with care... and dont forget if youre buying from APS before the 30th Nov to use the leaves-15 code and get 15% off!! sorry i cant be more help on their performance, but from a price perspective aps wins it hands down.
nick

 

[phishyphil]

Ahh Excellent, Ive heard about the APS low Flow rate, I may purchase two of them if I go with them, Choices are so hard

 

[Juggler75]

What about eheim 2217

 

[phishyphil]

just won a 240 litre on ebay and the next purchase is the APS external. reviews are generally positive, and like fluttermouth says, if some of the bits feel flimsy, then just treat it with care... and dont forget if youre buying from APS before the 30th Nov to use the leaves-15 code and get 15% off!! sorry i cant be more help on their performance, but from a price perspective aps wins it hands down.
nick

Just tried this and I could get 2 APS for £118 giving me 4000lph (2000lph Actual)

 

[minnnt]

Number One without a doubt mate. I've also heard fellow members talk of poor quality pipework that goes brittle over time on the APS. Fluvals are ok, but i find they make a lot of noise (when older) compared to a TT.

 

[phishyphil]

Literally just seen this FX5 replica on another thread for £56...

http/www.ebay.co.uk/itm/External-Aquarium-Canister-Filter-/170720662069?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item27bfbe9235#ht_1580wt_1163&clk_rvr_id=280311262879

The 2000EFs have been shown to produce flow way below 2000lph from our real life tests on the forum earlier in the year, more likely to be in the 900-1200lph ballpark (helps if either none or just one spraybar module).

Just looked at this, Not too sure about the Replica, Looks ok, Just wouldnt want to pay alot of money for something which is unknown to me,Ill let someone else buy it and respond before i take the plunge with one of these Good Spot though mate

Number One without a doubt mate. I've also heard fellow members talk of poor quality pipework that goes brittle over time on the APS. Fluvals are ok, but i find they make a lot of noise (when older) compared to a TT.

Alot of people do Recommend this TT one, Will go off down to the LFS I think to see what they say too (whatever help that makes) and decide then I reckon, May get one TT and One APS that way I can compare the two and always use the knowledge for future use

 

[minnnt]

The LFS will recommend which ever they can make most money on. You would be better off looking for 2 second hand 1200's imo. ColdCazzie has both the 1200tt and the 2000aps... ask her which one she prefers.

 

[BigbruiserAl]

My input i have aps and it just about on its last legs after 9 months, not the filter itself its the pipe work after you clean a few time the seems come away and cracks easy. Also the 2000 is 900 LPS actual dont be fooled.

I have 3 tetratec 1200 they flow 900 LPH actual and im getting my 4th this month

 

[minnnt]

I knew someone had had the pipework issue.

 

[phishyphil]

Seems the General Consensus is TetraTec

I looked into this Odyssea CFS500 External Filter (FX5 Copy) and It seems to run quite well. Check this Video Here for a look If your interested in it

 

[BigbruiserAl]

oh forgot the worse part of the APS the ******* handles on the basket every single time without fail snap off....evry single time! tge bottom one i have to remove with pliers! Ragggeeee