Considering An External Filter

[lilfishie]

Hi all, i am considering getting my 1st External filter for my Fluval 125, it already has the holes in the hood so thats sorted its just which to get!


I have 3 plecos in this tank and i'm sure you can imagin the amount of poo they create i am currently running 2 x Fluval 3+ on this tank, it is also planted

so i need suggestions on a good External, preferably not too expensive either. Also what lph should i be looking for ideally?

i found a 200lph 1 new on ebay near me for £50 but can't remember the brand

 

[ZoddyZod]

I ran a Fluval 305 on my 125L and it did a great job. Should create enough flow for the plants - mine did well with it.

 

[Katch]

Stick with known brands is my first advice - and look at parts availablity.

I'll go ahead and suggest an Eheim 2224 or the newer Pro 3 range. Reliable and easy to get spares for.

I've also had no problems with the newer Fluvals (205 or 305 would be a good size)

You want 5-10x tank circulation depending on if you are planted or not (so 500-1000lph or thereabouts). Any of the three I mentioned would be fine.

I'm using both a 2224 and a 305 on my 90L - but I have a high tech heavily planted tank. I could get away with using just one.

 

[lilfishie]

Thanks Katch

Currently got my eye on a Eheim 2224

 

[Monty-2010]

you could try one of the APS filters, they're pretty good and usually a lot cheaper than their rivals

 

[ZoddyZod]

you could try one of the APS filters, they're pretty good and usually a lot cheaper than their rivals

but they appear to lose a lot of flow/poer once filled with media. Check the thread on here that shows tests done to prove output, and the APS seem to be poor compared to the other, more respected, brands.

 

[lilfishie]

Well i am going to spend a few days looking about then probably take the dive in a week or so when i am off work to set it up

 

[Katch]

Thanks Katch

Currently got my eye on a Eheim 2224

I really like mine; much more so than the Fluval.

You should be able to get one second hand for about £30-40 - I'd recommend getting the main seal and hemetic seals to replace when you get it.

 

[lilfishie]

I think i may now need bigger! am considering a group of 7 plecos for this tank, told they will be fine with the space so filterattion left to go

 

[Matty_]

whats the benefit of an external filter if you have gravel filters plus a internal filter?