External Filtration - Advice Please

[Teacher Martyn]

My tank has been set up and cycled a few weeks now but...

I am considering moving from internal to external filtration in the near to medium future.

Am I right in thinking that getting the filter outside will give me a little more capacity fish-wise?

I assume each piece of rock and bogwood amounts to another fish too.

What straightforward, inexpensive external would be recommended for my 140 litres? (I'm in the UK)

Thank you.

 

[neil35]

Hi

I got a Hailea HF-150 External Filter for my 190L tank very cheap and i have not had a problem with it.

I have had it for about 2 years now and you can pick them up new for about £40.

 

[Aqua Tom]

Hi Martyn.

When you move from a internal to an external filter you are not only freeing up some aquarium space but actualy adding to the volume of your tank, the internal filter obviously takes up room so removing it will free up some space, the external filter has a small volume of water inside so actualy adds to your tanks water volume. This is why your LFS can overstock like they do, hidden away out of sight is a massive filtering system, the size of 2 dustbins or so, this adds to their volume.

As to the make etc of filter that is entirely up to you but like everything in life, quality costs. The best thing is to go to a LFS & have a look, find one that you like the look of & is rated for your tank (it will have tank size on the side of the box) then buy the next one up. You can never have too much filtration. There are also plenty of internet sites selling fish gear. Also try eBay & go second hand, some folks dont like doing this but I often buy second hand (I love a bargain).

Here is search i have done for you, http/www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?rt=nc&LH_ItemCondition=12&_nkw=external+aquarium+filter&_dmpt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&_fln=1&_ssov=1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m1539

Good luck


Tom

 

[Teacher Martyn]

Thanks so much Tom. A really informative reply.

I'd always wondered how the LFS filtered their tanks.

I'd thought each tank had an undergravel filter.

Cheers.

 

[minnnt]

2 dustbins would be pretty small, lol. My LFS has a whole room.

An external will also give you a far bigger surface area of bacteria which will alow you to stock more fish.

 

[Teacher Martyn]

Here is search i have done for you, http/www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?rt=nc&LH_ItemCondition=12&_nkw=external+aquarium+filter&_dmpt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&_fln=1&_ssov=1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m1539

Good luck


Tom

Found one. Bought one. Thanks. Turned out to be 'collect only' and in my very own town.

 

[Aqua Tom]

Here is search i have done for you, http/www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?rt=nc&LH_ItemCondition=12&_nkw=external+aquarium+filter&_dmpt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&_fln=1&_ssov=1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m1539

Good luck


Tom

Found one. Bought one. Thanks. Turned out to be 'collect only' and in my very own town.

Congratulations, may I ask make & model?


Tom

 

[Teacher Martyn]

Here is search i have done for you, http/www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?rt=nc&LH_ItemCondition=12&_nkw=external+aquarium+filter&_dmpt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&_fln=1&_ssov=1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m1539

Good luck


Tom

Found one. Bought one. Thanks. Turned out to be 'collect only' and in my very own town.

Congratulations, may I ask make & model?


Tom

JBL Cristal Profi e900

 

[Aqua Tom]

Nice, not used JBL, please post your experience.

Tom

 

[Teacher Martyn]

Nice, not used JBL, please post your experience.

Tom

Well they're not commonly stocked in most LFS but every time I mention JBL to my LFS (I have a JBL internal), they go, "Ooo good make."

They seem to have a lot of respect and are choosy about their stockists.

Mx