What model of Eheim filter are you using? Do you have an hyperlink to the product? I'd love to see it as I like the idea of a filter having a tray
One thing that frustrates me is the fact that I never envisaged an aquarium potentially needing an external, and as such, set-up two aquariums in a very small room so any external ought to be compact but effective.
Lol. This is one of those cases of do as I say rather than do as I do
I use quite low flow but thats the experience/confidence aspect I speak of.
Some will say that it is working because I am doing non CO2 low tech, however with the yeast CO2 test I did it was the same for 3 months with fast growth.
The filter I am using is an Eheim 2224 which I got for a superb price of £80 inc shipping brand new. That is 2x the cost of similar sized filter and it should be 3x at normal prices but well worth it. I used to ridicule people who loved their Eheims saying it wasn't worth the high cost in comparison to competitors filters but when I gave in and got one I was humbled to say the least. That 2224 is a 700lph filter so on my 125ltr tank that only makes 5.6x turnover. Not the minimum 10x we speak about. It is the same lph as the Tetratec on the hi tec setup was. I used a Koralia1 (1500lph) as well when I had pressurised which was 17.6x flow when the 2 added together.
This isn't to say get a 700lph filter and use a Koralia. You can get a 1200lph+ filter instead. I just decided to upgrade with the same flow rate and also I found a good price. Eheims can be expensive, worth it though.
Eheims also tend to be much more efficient power wise. The 2224 uses 8W whereas its competitors use more (Fluval 305=12W, Tetratec EX700=13W, Rena XP1 and Fluval G3=18W) So its a better filter AND uses less power than its competitors. saving you money on electricity bills. Over the life of the filter (hopefully 10 years plus) that can be pretty good
Here's a comparison chart (others may also find this useful/interesting):
http
/blog.petsolutions.com/blog/2010/09/aquariums-live-fish/comparison-chart-for-aquarium-canister-filters/
Mine is also absolutely silent. Not even a hum can be heard unless you put your ear to it. The Tetratec had a light hum like an internal when new and a noticeable hum after a year or 2.
Until the Koralia was added back in those days I used to have some areas of the tank that were hot spots for BBA but the addition of the Koralia alongside the filter solved this issue
Externals don't have 'a' tray. They have multiple trays. they have handles and sit on top of each other within the cannister. When you open the cannister you can lift each tray out and clean them individually.
The link below is an Eheim 2224 (same as mine.) This filter comes with some media, hoses, spray bar etc. This is the cheapest one I can find brand new (I don't like to buy second hand externals just in case
After shipping it will be somewhere in the region of £85. You can get ceramic rings/bioballs off ebay cheap etc. The description does say though it comes with a few items that didn't come with mine. i.e. the prime pump, and other bits.:
So at £85 minus whatever you get for the filters you already have it MAY cost you half or even nothng. lol
On circulation pumps/powerheads. Your traditional powerhead will deliver a fast jet of water in one direction. the Koralia delivers much higher flow rates but they spread it 360 degrees, so whilst a Koralia1 may sound overkill at 1500lph and give you the impression that the fish will be pinned to the glass opposite, the effect is less than a 400lph traditional powerhead because of the spread they have. They have been one of the most popular items in planted aquariums over the past year or 3
http://www.discountedpetproducts.net/FILTER_PRO_2224-37-UKP45979.html
This filter has 2 baskets inside.
As for compact, the filter needs about 50cm headroom to allow the pipes out the top etc. About an eigth in size of a 125ltr tank. Think it will be unsightly?
Now you see it:
Now you don't (and yes of course I made that cabinet. Learnt how to veneer there. Don't be afrraid to try new things Mark):
Will a regular electrician know how to separate the filter from a combined connection to my plug do you know?
Yes anyone who has wired a standard plug or changed a light bulb will/should be able to do it.
If at the time of purchase I knew how much this tank (and it's tacky appliances and silly configurations) would limit me, I wouldn't have touched it with a barge pole.
We've all been there Mark. The 125ltr I post above was/is my first tank. What is left from the original purchase? Just the glass tank. everything else has been replaced a long time ago. lol
Well you must be a very bright individual but i'm not sure I'd apply what you do to electricity. Humans make mistakes (it's fact) so it's best to stay away from electrics if you are not a professional. Please don't interpet this has me telling you to do otherwise; what you do sounds very unique but I wouldn't go down that route personally.
No problem I know you aren't telling me what to do. lol. If something looks dangerous I don't do it. Minor electricity things aren't in that category though.
I'm not suggesting you start re-wiring your house (which of course I wouldn't attempt) or even hardwire an oven in (which is simple and I have done. lol) But if the 3 wire unit is similar to the unit I had we are talking about something as simple as wiring a plug. A case of open the cover, unscrew 2 wires, remove cable, close the box. To return it to original state just reverse the procedure. However if you don't want to do this, yes an electrician can do it. Your Dad, Uncle etc can do it too. Doesn't hurt to turn the power off, open the box and take a look. even if you then decide not to do it and close it back up again
AC
