External Filters

[thegnu]

3 things

1. Ive had an eheim (which I've got now) and I've had a fluval in the past and can honestly say both have/are, doing a first class job.

2. priming filters. if only people would take their time, read the instructions properly and carry out their actions to the letter then 99.9% of people would have no problems at all.

3. shop around. you can pick up both filters with media and for different prices. (e-bay is a great place to look)

and 4. oh there isn't a 4

 

[KathyM]

I'm currently looking at external filters for my smaller tanks, I'll prolly go with one of the older Fluvals as they're pretty good and you can get them easily 2nd hand and on a budget. If I see a 2nd hand Eheim I might try one if it's economical enough, and give it a whirl, but I've yet to be convinced to be honest - the prices put me off.

Kathy, upgrade the hoses if ya running an older fluval have heard a few horror stories about hoses failing and dumping half the contents of the tank on the lounge floor in the night (ask mrwickedweasel it always happens at night!)

Ta Mike - will do

 

[PrettyDiscus]

I find fluval a really cheap design and not very practical. I have a fluval 4 plus and it doesnt even clean my tank properly. Trying to open it is another issue. Its a nightmare. It is always better to pay more for something that will last longer and is more practical. I have jsut bought an eheim 2028. I hope it is better than the fluval at clearing the tank of debris.

 

[Bex]

We run 2 Rena Filstar Xp3's on our 100 gal tank and have so far been very impressed. Nice and quiet, easy to clean and self priming makes life easy. They are very quiet IME. Not sure of retail price as one came with the tank and the other was half price and I can't remember what price it was.

They've both been running about 6 months, so I guess that's not long really. Never heard any horror stories about them though.

I think everyone obviously has their own opinion on what's best etc so it's really up to you, but I would personally go for either Rena's or Eheim's.

 

[Marshall..]

Just had a good laugh.