External Filter....

[Underwurlde]

Hello

I'd like some recommendations please for an External Filter for my 60L tank.

Many thanks in advance,

Andy

 

[Will91]

I'm using a Tetra Whisper external filter on my 26 US gallon bowfront tank. I am very impressed with the quality:

*adjustable water flow
*very quiet design
*excellent bio-sponge design for colonization of beneficial bacteria http/petsmart.tetracare.com/ENEWSROOM/pr...om/bioFoam.html
*plug and play style filter floss/charcoal packs
*easy to clean and maintain
*great customer support

 

[ALFORD]

I stick to overfiltering with any type of external Eheim canister filter, I have a Classic 2213 on my 90L at the moment, and the results are fantastic, the classic line still rocks.
Eheim have a new Ecco line which seem to be great as well and also offer good prices, have a look here, great and reliable shop:

http/www.aquaristic.net/filtering/external_filters/?lang=1

 

[fish-r-fancy]

I would recommend that you ask your question in the hardware and DIY section. But I second Alfords opinion on the Ehiems

 

[stang1]

I use a Fluval 305 on my 24G tank and had the same on my 48G tank. Never had any problems with them at all.

 

[gpgscott]

With a small tank a simple powerfilter is quiet, easy to maintain, and gives good performance. The brand is not important, get one where you can get replacment media locally and inexpensibly. Scott

 

[Tessla]

I've used a few of the Whisper filters over the years, but I'm not a big fan of their cartridge style filter media (especially since I haven't got a need for activated carbon very often). If you're looking at the hang on backs, I'm a fan of the AquaClear line. Same idea as the Whisper filters, but the media basket gives you more options and allows you to buy filter media more cheaply and cut it to size. I stuck one rated for 20 gallons on my ten gallon tank a while back to replace the Whisper filter that was having impeller problems and it's been running great for several months now. Actually thinking about buying a larger model to use on my 22 gallon tank.

No matter what size tank you're talking about overfiltering is a great idea as most people here have already said.

 

[stang1]

I agree with Tessla, all of our tanks are overfiltered, mainly because we keep Plecos but also finds it helps maintain the water quality.
Gpscott, I can see what you are saying about getting media and locally and cheaply but I also think the brand does matter sometimes. A lot of people have different experiences with filters and it's always handy to get a few ideas and opinions from members as to which they find is more suitable.
We have found Fluval ones to be great but I know some people have had problems with them. We have Rena ones on our 137G tank but we aren't as keen on them so we wouldn't buy another one if the need arose.

 

[scorphonic]

Today I (my dad!!) Bought a Tetratec EX700 external filter...and my god does it work well. It was extremely simple to install and it is a hell of alot cheaper than other external filters in the market. Also there is very little maintainance required for this filter and its easy to get it started too!!

For your 60L tank a Tetratec EX 600 would be perfect. They advise that you should replace the bioballs (which contain the bacteria) every year but if you simply give them a good wash they dont have to be replaced since they're plastic!! The ceramic pieces in the filter can also be washed (or scrubbed hard!!) and so you may never have to replace them either. SO all in all..you really only have to chance the biological filters (the black ones in the filter) every six months or more and the white filter floss every month...and at 6 euro for two..thats a bargan!!

 

[Tessla]

Scorphonic, the bioballs and ceramic media actually provide most of your biological filtration, the sponges are mostly for mechanical filtration. The filter floss washed well in tank water usually lasts much longer than a month as well, though the manufacturer's directions will tell you to replace them more frequently. As a general rule, you only really need to replace filter media when it becomes clogged and this can be prevented for a while by rinsing well in tank water whenever you do a water change.

The filter media setup you just described is an excellent one to look for when buying a filter, be it hang on back or canister. Activated carbon is useless for the most part though it is good to keep around for removing medications (and thus you'll want a filter that you'll be able to add some to if needed).