Best External Filter

[Creature Seeker]

Hello,

I'd like to get a new external filter for my Rio 180 for Christmas.

I've been running a Eheim Classic 2213 and an internal Juwel filter for about a year which have never let me down but I want to take out the internal to gain more internal space and feel to fully rely on an External I need one with more practical functions such as self priming.

I was looking at the "Eheim Professionel 3 Electronic" and the "Fluval FX5 External".

Are any of these any good?

What do other recommend?

Thanks

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[Biulu]

I have a Tetratec and am very happy with it.

 

[mark7616]

I was looking at the "Eheim Professionel 3 Electronic" and the "Fluval FX5 External".

Are any of these any good?

What do other recommend?

Thanks

...

Both of thesefilters are over kill for your tank and will be to powerful also they wouldnt fit in the cabinet. I would suggest a fluval 305 or 405 but I hear good things on the tetratec 1200.

 

[funkyhoney]

I was looking at the "Eheim Professionel 3 Electronic" and the "Fluval FX5 External".

Are any of these any good?

What do other recommend?

Thanks

...

Both of thesefilters are over kill for your tank and will be to powerful also they wouldnt fit in the cabinet. I would suggest a fluval 305 or 405 but I hear good things on the tetratec 1200.

I agree! A Fluval FX5 would murder that tank

A 305 would do you just fine if you were to get a single filter, or an Eheim 2215; of course, having said that, you would benefit from a 405 or 2217.

 

[flash22]

an0ther vote for the tetratec i have an EX700 on my rio 180 its near silent and the water is crystal clear. mainetance is very easy too vfm too i paid £56 for mine

 

[Rhea]

They are more expensive than the 2215/2217 filters but I currently have an Eheim 2126 on my Rio 120 and a 2128 on my Vision 260 and would recommend them both.

Priming is fairly easy, both are quiet and they include a heater so it gets something else out of the tank.

 

[adamgreen240]

my tetratec EX1200 is great

 

[Luketendo]

Fluval 104 works for me, of course you'd be good with a 305/405 depending on what you're doing.

 

[Creature Seeker]

Thank you for all the advice, it's exactly what I needed to get an idea of what filter I will need.

From the ones mentioned I like the Tetratec EX1200 & the Fluval 405.

I like the simplicity of the Tetratec but I like the internal layout of the Fluval where the foams are one side and the ceramics are the other.

I'm still pondering over which one so any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

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[adamgreen240]

to be honest i would recoment the EX1200 as unfortunatly my 305 is a pain to prime and leaked on me once

 

[DevUK]

I have an EX700 on my rio 180 and its great Very easy to use and clean.

 

[kamber]

Tetratec EX1200 if you want to over filter it a bit or the EX700 would be fine i think. I Have the EX1200 and its mint! Really good filter.

 

[philfista]

I have a tetratec 1200 for my 180 liter tank and its great. Water is crystal. If i upgrade to a bigger tank i dont have buy another filter.

 

[Creature Seeker]

Okay, I'm pretty set on getting a Tetratec now as I have heard nothing but good things. My decision now is whether or not to buy one EX1200 or two EX600's, the reason being just incase one breaks down.

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[Creature Seeker]

^^^^ Any Thoughts?