External Filters.

[robertsskippyj]

I am considering ditching the internal filter in my Juwel rio 180 for an external one. I hear good things about the fluval 305 but the Aqua El unimax + uv steriliser has caught my eye to but ive heard nothing about them. Anyone know anything? Also can anyone suggest a good external heater as I don't like the look of them attached by suckers to the tank where I can see it?

Thanks in Advance.

 

[jojouk]

Ditto

 

[BigbruiserAl]

Hydor heater is the daddy for externals. Due to ribbed way fluval make their hoses they a pain to fit. I advise Tetratec great value and last longer then fluvals in my experince.

 

[minnnt]

+1 for the big man. Tt all the way.

+1 for the big man. Tt all the way.

 

[robertsskippyj]

Thanks for the suggestions of the tetratec ones Guys i'll have a good look at those,

Any knowledge on the Aqua El? Is having the UV steriliser built in as good as the bumph suggests or is it a gimic?

 

[robertsskippyj]

Also will the pump in the external filter cope ok with the extra restriction of the external heater?

Just had a look at the Tetratec EX700 that should do the job in my juwel 180.

would I be hugely over filtered with to strong a flow in the tank if I bought the next size up a EX1200?

 

[Tizer]

will be fine with the 1200, got two of them in my tank, will vastly improve the circulation in the tank and keep it cleaner. Do double check your fish will be happy with more flow though!

 

[robertsskippyj]

will be fine with the 1200, got two of them in my tank, will vastly improve the circulation in the tank and keep it cleaner. Do double check your fish will be happy with more flow though!

I have 10 Cardinal Tetra, 1 Bristlenose Pleco, 4 Zebra Loaches at the moment. Does anyone think they would be ok with a little extra flow?

what about UV sterilisers, worth having if its built in or a gimmic?

 

[minnnt]

I believe the UV's a little bit of a gimmick for home aquaria.

I am running an EX1200 and a Fluval 305 on my 180. I used to run 2 EX1200's on it.

 

[Aqua Tom]

Nothing wrong with a Fluval

 

[Rynofasho]

UV Sterilizer isn't necessary in 99% of freshwater setups, no. Also, your stock would all be fine with more flow.

 

[minnnt]

Of the two Fluvals i have had both have become very noisy... My TT's have been silent throughout. Fluval are also tight fisted with the media included when new and want you to be buying more media which is expensive. TT's come jam packed solid. Fluvals feel very cheaply made and extremely tacky... TT's have a very solid feel to them and alot of thought has been put into the designing of them. Extreme quality imo.

 

[BigbruiserAl]

3 terras no faults 2 fluvals both were louder and both died. BTW terra has flow taps on them you can slow them down if needed. The 1200 flow 900LPH with full media which is very good on any filter tbh

 

[robertsskippyj]

Sounds like a plan then off to get a tetratec ex1200.

Thanks.

 

[xingumike]

Eheim>Tetratec>Fluval