External Filter

[Monty-2010]

Hi Guy's

I'm after an external filter but i can't decide whcih one to go for it's either one of the above! so any suggestions would be good thanks

By the way the tank is a Rio 400

 

[kaivalagi]

405 has a bad rep, not sure on the aquis, I don't know of anyone who has used one...

I have a Tetratec ex1200 and rate it...equivalent in size to the fluval I think but just that little bit better from what I have read about the Fluval and what I know about my Tetratec. The only Fluval that has a good rep is the FX5, but it is very BIG...

Eheims are what everyone raves about so they're worth a look too...they can be more expensive new but second hand is an option, they are very reliable and long lasting from what I have read about peoples experiences so second hand is not such a big deal with them.

I hope that helps and that more people chip in with thier opinions on what's good and what's not.

 

[Monty-2010]

thanks mate that's very useful!, now i've just come across a rena XP3 from the technical description it sounds pretty decent, had a look at the eheim 2217 but that has a lower flow rate than the rena... I'll take a look at the tetratec

 

[Mr Spoon]

I just got another rio 400 and will either get a fluval fx5 or eheim 2080. In my other rio 400 im running a eheim 2078 & tetratec 1200, i dont think one external is enough for this tank unless you get fluval fx5 or eheim 2080.

 

[kaivalagi]

thanks mate that's very useful!, now i've just come across a rena XP3 from the technical description it sounds pretty decent, had a look at the eheim 2217 but that has a lower flow rate than the rena... I'll take a look at the tetratec

The flow rates are a little misleading, the Ehiem ratings are more like true ratings after filter media is in place etc, whereas a lot of the others provide a pump rating that will drop dramatically once the media is in as the flow of water is seriously hindered.

Anyway, I can't rate my EX1200 highly enough, nice filter with all the media included in the box, it also has a nice spray bar for the return (although the end plug can pop off if you only use 1 of the 3 extensions for it as the pressure at the end will be greater)

I just got another rio 400 and will either get a fluval fx5 or eheim 2080. In my other rio 400 im running a eheim 2078 & tetratec 1200, i dont think one external is enough for this tank unless you get fluval fx5 or eheim 2080.

+1
I will be running 2 x ex1200 on my 5ft'er when it arrives, one mature and one new.
There is something to be said about running 2 filters, you have the reassurance that if one fails you still have filtration

 

[Ebbo]

I have a 105, 305 & 405 fluval external filters and they all run well (for about 4 years now), I have not had any major problems with them - more user error than mechanical error.

One thing I would say is that after about 2 years you will start to notice a massive decrease in water flow even with frequent maintenance. You can just replace the motor however I think the Eheim's are more durable - I have never had one but have friends who do.

Overall the fluvals are brilliant and you can pick them up really cheap if you are patient.

 

[Monty-2010]

Guy's this is all pretty good advice i think the ehiem might be the way to go, need to find the right one for the right price...

 

[mattlee]

i have an aquis advance, an eheim 2215, an fx5 and an xp3 and all are very good

as stated above eheims are the only manufacturer that quotes real flow when media is added. i run a fx5 and xp3 on my 65G and cant fault either. the aquis is running on my cory tank and never had a problem with it.

i know this doesnt help you too much as im stating that they are all good i would go for the xp3 over the eheim classic range just for ease of maintenance as the eheim doesnt use baskets for the media and everything needs removing by hand, also the ehim needs a good suck to prime it and the xp3 doesnt. the xp4 has had bad reviews about leaking and ive been advised to use the xp3 instead. the aquis advance has a prime button that seems to work ok and also uses baskets for the media so again easier to clean etc. im new to the fx5 but so far so good but it is a big unit, if you can fit it in then with the price difference in the fx5 and the 405 i would say fx5 even if its secondhand. you can get them for about £80-£100 used or £150 new.

tetratec also get good reviews but having never used one i cant comment!

i had a fluval 305 with my tank when i bought it and found it tricky to prime using the plunger and alot of people say they leak in time and the plunger breaks easily. ive now sold mine!

sorry to confuse you even more................

 

[Monty-2010]

thanks mate, now i'm swinging back in the direction of the xp3, it seems more values for money and comes with a longer guarantee..

 

[mattlee]

thanks mate, now i'm swinging back in the direction of the xp3, it seems more values for money and comes with a longer guarantee..

for the small difference in price is would say go for it

they are much easier to work on and prime and run very quietly. the eheim classic is a robust bit of kit but its a no frills filter that will outlast many others. the filtration is great but just a pain to work on and prime etc. i always seemed to get trapped air in my classic too even after tightening the connections and taps and couldnt get rid of it, most comes out with a small shake as all external but i could never get it all out, it ran quiet but i dont believe i got the best from it hence the swap for the fx5 which may be overboard alongside a xp3 for a 65G tank but its not going to do any harm and if i upgrade to a bigger tank them my filters are already sorted

 

[Monty-2010]

Mind made up just about to order my XP3!

 

[mattlee]

Mind made up just about to order my XP3!

you wont regret it, just have a good look round for the best deal

 

[Monty-2010]

OK just done it bought an XP3! thanks for the advice

 

[Monty-2010]

Right then guy's me XP3 arrived today, so i packed it with all the media from my old filter, started assembling it, instructions were a bit vague in places but managed it all the same. I had loads of trouble trying to get the #40## thing started instuctions barely touched that... ended up snapping a bit of the quick release handle when i was trying to get it started... anyay mannaged to get it working, i can't believe how quiet it is, i can hardly tell it's on! Very pleased with the way it's orking so far, will let you know how i get on...