External V Interal Filters

[GerardK]

Which is the most efficient and easiest to clean and change filters

 

[Ant]

I would most definately say external filters
I replaced my Juwel filter for a Hydor Prime 10, its good

 

[scorphonic]

Most certainly has to be an external filter, plus you dont have to get your hands, arms and clothes wet!!

 

[raptorrex]

i clean my hydor prime 30 every four months or so. i dont even get drips on the carpet! get external and the biggest you can afford.

 

[Maxta]

Internal

• Messy
• Harder to change
• Space consuming
• Less efficient

External

• Easier to change
• Easier to access
• Usually more efficient
• More expensive

 

[scorphonic]

The external filters are most definately more expensive but if you put 100 pound aside you should be able to pick up a very good one for that.

Look at the Eheim external filters and the Tetratec filters. These are always being spoken about and from my experience the TetraTec is brilliant. I'm sure that the Eheim is just as good as many on here have them and swear by them.

Having a good external filter could possibly save you alot of heartache in the future and save you alot of money since the media and sponges in the external dont have to be washed or changed as much as the internal ones do.

Ya cant go wrong with an external!!

Here are just some examples from e-bay:

http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/FLUVAL-FX5-EXTERNAL-...1QQcmdZViewItem

http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/TETRATEC-EX700-EXTER...1QQcmdZViewItem

http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/Eheim-External-Filte...1QQcmdZViewItem

http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/TETRATEC-EX1200-EXTE...1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[dc3]

Hang-on filters are a good compromise I find - easy enough to clean and can handle mid sized tanks every bit as good as a canister at a fraction of the cost... That said, today is day # 2 of owning a Fluval canister

 

[vinylman]

Tetratec externals are God with knobs on. Best money I've ever spent on my tank. And they come complete with all media, tubing and a spray bar.