Changing My Filter

[barryo]

I want to change my filter. I've a 105L Aquael Pearl 80 and if anyone's seen those they'll know the filter that it comes with runs along the top at the back. The problem is that it leaves a dark spot at the back of the tank, and, TBH I dont think its a very good filter to begin with. The construction also holds the heatre, which I was planning to just move to the side, and wanted to get a filter sticking to the other side, so that the back if free from dark spots. There are plenty of other places for my fish to hide so they'll not miss it and it will reduce the noise of the tank alot. At the minute the lid vibrates because its so close to the filter. SO, 2 questions....

1...can anybody recommend a good budget filter for the aquarium (£s Please)

2...am I right in thinking I cant just change them...do I have to run the tank with 2 filters for a few weeks or take the sponge from the old filter and put it into the new.

Thanks guys.

Baz.

 

[Irf]

I dunno anything abut your partiucular tank and filter/heater setup... perhaps someone else can help?

If your filter is cycled, then yes you coud run the old and new in parallel for a few weeks so that the new one gradually builds up the capability. Another way is to use the old filter media (usually foam pads) in the new filter. It's common that they don't form an exact fit, but most people just cut the old media to shape.

Hope that's of some help...

Irf.

 

[Miss Wiggle]

i like eheim or rena filters personally, have a look into they're externals.

and yes run the filters in tandem for about 2 weeks

 

[barryo]

i like eheim or rena filters personally, have a look into they're externals.

and yes run the filters in tandem for about 2 weeks

Thanks again guys...another question...i'm looking at the fluva 3 plus http/www.aquariumsuperstore.co.uk/mall/fluval3plus.asp and fluva 4 plus http/www.aquariumsuperstore.co.uk/mall/fluval4plus.asp. The 3plus is for tanks up to 130L and the 4plus for 130L upwards. Mine is 105L. Would it be better or worse or not make any difference if I spent the extra fiver for the 4plus???

 

[Miss Wiggle]

yeah, if it's just a fiver i'd say go for it. however personally i don't like fluvals and i'd still say look for an external

 

[Irf]

I've had a Fluval 4+ since I got my tank in April 2006. It works fine, but it was a real pain cleaning it almost every week (pretty well populated tank and lots of plants!). Also, even in my 210l tank, it was a bit of an eyesore. I tried to hide it with plants, but still not great.

I've just recently bought an Eheim Ecco, and it's fab! No cleaning for ages, and because the prices are so closely spaced I went for the most powerful one. Basically it's almost impossible to overfilter - results are fantastic!

For you, I'd also recommend external (if you have the space). In power terms..... always go for the most capacity you can afford.

Irf.