External Filters

[CrystalClear16]

What do you need to look for when buying an external filter Are there any brands to avoid?

I have always had internal filters, but I don't like the way they clutter up the tank - they are not pretty! Hopefully tomorrow we will FINALLY be getting our 125L upgrade and are taking the opportunity to consider an external filter.

We were thinking of the Fluval 205 which is for aquariums up to 200L with 680 LPH.

Edit: Oh and also, what is the best way of replacing the filter? Can the media of an internal be added to an external to move the bacteria?

 

[Dinky Stig]

Personally, I wouldn't touch a Fluval with a bargepole unless you want to be replacing parts all the time, and the odds of it failing just outside the warranty are pretty high, leaving you with a burnt hole in your pocket and high insurance premium.

Brands I would go for include:

Eheim (expensive)
Tetratec (my favourite and are well priced)
Rena (never used one, but everyone rates them well)

Personally I would go for a tetratec, you're looking at a 1200lp/h unit, so a Tetratec Ex 1200 would suit your needs perfectly, when it comes to filters, the manufacturers ratings are ALWAYS wrong, when they're tested, the manufacturers run the filters with no media and the hoses at a set length, and that's where they get their X lp/h figure from, obviously, once the media is in, this is affected significantly, the length of the hoses also adversely affects the flow, so it is always good to buy a filter rated at 10x the volume of your tank, that way any flow drops wont affect the way in which your tank is filtered, and as the old saying goes 'you can never over filter' that is until you end up with a tank that looks like a washing machine!

With regards to the filter media, when you get the new filter, place all of the old media in the new filter, and replace any broken or worn pieces (that isn't really necessary in most cases, because media lasts for years, despite what the manufacturers say)

External filters only need cleaning out when the flow rate has considerably dropped, which is normally every few months, regular lubrication of the O ring that seals the unit is advised to prevent it from drying out, petroleum jelly can be used for this.

Cheers,

 

[reignofcheese]

Eheim is worth every penny, though I haven't heard great things about the Ecco line or used that one myself. Despite this, their Classic filters are one of the best - the design makes it a pain to work with, but also makes it more efficient than any other filter I've everused. These filters are dead silent and last forever - I meant forever. Over time (many years) the motor slows and you may need to use it on a smaller tank than you originally bought it for, but it will still work. My most efficient filter is an Eheim 2215 stuffed with nothing but foam and filter floss.

The Pro line is top notch if you can afford it, easier to work with than the Classic model with all the latest features, but much more expensive, naturally.

I had a fluval 204 and 304 and they had nothing on my eheims - too much water bypass, the plastic broke too easily (the tabs to open it, and the actual basin of the filter itself cracked completely from a 3 foot drop to the vinyl kitchen floor. I also had a Rena XP 3 and it wasn't bad at all, but not exceptional. Haven't used tetratec, but I doubt you can go wrong with it even if it might not quite be an eheim.

**edit

I forgot one part of your question. Yes, the best part about canister filters is how much media they can hold, and how customizable they are. Take the media out of your old filter and stuff it into the new one and things will continue as normal.

 

[arobinson1984]

Hi,

I dont personally think eheims are expensive, in the UK they are priced pretty much the same as any other of the well known brands.

I have an eheim 2217+ on my 125L tank and cost £80 new


Andy

 

[N0body Of The Goat]

The Eheim 2074 can be had for ~£180 including media, which is great for tanks <200l. The filtering of the "Pro 3e" series is terrific, not to mention the simple setup and function including "stream mode" and programmable 12 hourly flow rates.