External Filter Options?

bennett418 · Oct 15, 2008

Got a tank 72 x 18 x 20 inches

What external filter is good value and fairly cheap as on budget

also easy to clean and maintain etc

Bigpig · Oct 15, 2008

thats tanks around 450L?

I would go with an Eheim Classic 2217 around 70 pounds or Tetratec EX 1200 aound 80pounds

bennett418 · Oct 15, 2008

Like the look of the TetraTec 1200 one, anyone on here have one?

Tobigara · Oct 15, 2008

i have the american version. it's a marineland 360 here but it's the same thing and i love it. works a treat, keeps the water crystal clear and is so quiet that i have to put my ear directly to it to hear it. no exageration! and it's easier to clean than most. it's still a new design so long term reliability is untested but i've had mine for about a year now and no issue. nor does it look like i'll have any but who can say.

shelaghfishface · Oct 15, 2008

I have the tetratec EX 1200, and i rate it very highly,its been running about 6 months now with no issues at all, very easy to set up,easy to get started and very nice to look at should it not have a cupboard to sit in
Tobigara is also spot on, it is so quiet and very easy to clean, no messing about just shut the taps and lift the lid off.
another fab thing that backs up this filter is the Warranty. tetratec have always gone above and beyond whats called for so far as i have seen when people have had minor issues with them, i dont actually know of anoyone thats had a major problem,so maybe that alone speaks volumes,
the design is solid and even looks like it will last for yrs and yrs, no flimsy parts on it at all, i also have an EX 700 on another tank and if i needed another filter for another tank i would definatly choose tetratec again

also forgot to add that they come with all the media (sponges,carbon and noodles)

hope that helps

shelagh xxx

drobbyb · Oct 15, 2008

If you are on an extreme budget you could always make a filter out of a 5 gallon bucket and a high flow powerhead. Won't save you alot of money, but it is cheaper.

rabbut · Oct 15, 2008

^^And more at risk of leaking

I run two Tetratec EX1200's and love them. :good:

Robust and hard wearing while being easy to work. Backed up by a three year warrenty to show this new range are serious abou getting established :nod:

I don't know of any serious issues arrising with these, that hasn't come about as a result of abuse, so read the manual and follow the instructions (Please read the Troubleshooting section also before you start, long-term life tips, like Vasalineing the seal rings, are in there for some reason

) and you should get a long lasting filter :nod: