External Filter Options For 450L Tank

[BeezerGeezer]

I'm in the process of equipping myself with a 450l tank and was wondering what external canister filter people would recommend. I currently have an Aquamanta 200 from MA and I'm unimpressed with the amount of maintenance required to keep it performing at its best. Am I just expecting too much or do all filters require full strip downs every 6 weeks?

 

[D4n.gr33n]

FX5 maybe?

 

[dannyboi91]

EHEIM filters seem to be really good

 

[Tizer]

Got 2 Tetratec EX1200's on my 425 litre. Does the job nicely, with a couple of power heads for additional water movement.

 

[BigbruiserAl]

Got 2 Tetratec EX1200's on my 425 litre. Does the job nicely, with a couple of power heads for additional water movement.

Same for me, i however would go a single FX5 if money permits

 

[BeezerGeezer]

Thanks for the replies guys, lots of suggestions for a unit. How about the maintenance question? How often do people have to pull the head apart, take the impeller out, clean around inside etc etc? I have hardly any algae in the tank, hopefully 'cos the plants are soaking up all the goodness. I clean the sediment out of the canister twice a week and replace the media elements at the manufacturers recommended intervals. I don't think it's me.

 

[BigbruiserAl]

head/impeller 3 times a year, the inside and media every other week in used tank water, media elements never they will outlast the tank in most cases. This all dependent on stocking mind the more fish you have the more this will increase.

 

[BeezerGeezer]

stock level is on the high side, hence the new tank. At current levels I'll be stripping this unit down 8 times a year. Not the end of the world I know but I could be doing better things with my time. Just been having a snoop on the net at posh filters. Fluval G6......mmmmmmmm, sweeeeet. If I can bear the after purchase guilt that'll be the one for me, if not the FX5 is looking fave.

 

[dbanner]

I had an fx5 on my 450 litre, sold it and got 2 tetratec ex1200's instead. Much better now. Plus the fx5's are truly hideous lol

 

[BeezerGeezer]

Agreed, fx5 isn't about to win any beauty contests, but it isn't alone in that respect. I'd be interested to know what makes you say the tetratecs are better. After the advice I've received here I'm now keen to go down the twin canister route. A pair of EX is certainly cheaper than a pair of FX, which is a definite tick in the 'for' column.

 

[Tizer]

For me, they were pretty cheap, came packed out with media. I've not cleaned the head impeller in either of mine since i started my tank, which has got to me coming up to a year now. not even cleaned out the tubes They just work.

 

[ZoddyZod]

the inside and media every other week in used tank water,

blimey, you're keen! Mine gets a good clean about once every 3 months.

 

[BeezerGeezer]

The main concern for me with the Aquamanta is the drop in flow. The tank is quite heavily stocked and the filter is rated at twice the volume of my tank per hour. However, twice now in 3 months I've had to dismantle the whole system and clean it to restore good flow. It's not like it's completely clogged even. It just seems too feeble to cope with anything other than being spotless. I certainly won't be buying any more Aquamanta filters.

 

[BigbruiserAl]

the inside and media every other week in used tank water,

blimey, you're keen! Mine gets a good clean about once every 3 months.

Bloody congo tetra mate there huge and i had too many