Filter And Heater Advice

[Shogunblue24]

Received my new (secondhand but new to me) aquarium yesterday. Although the tank and cabinet both seem to be in good order, I noticed when inspecting the filter, it's designed to go in a 90 litre tank. Mine is supposed to be 180 litres, so it would seem I need to buy a new one. I've gathered that many people seem to prefer external filters, but I'd like some advice on what I need before visiting the LFS.

As the filter isn't up to the task, I'm also concerned the heater may be similarly inadequate. Suggestions about what I need would also be appreciated.

Cheers, Andy

 

[Aqua Tom]

Received my new (secondhand but new to me) aquarium yesterday. Although the tank and cabinet both seem to be in good order, I noticed when inspecting the filter, it's designed to go in a 90 litre tank. Mine is supposed to be 180 litres, so it would seem I need to buy a new one. I've gathered that many people seem to prefer external filters, but I'd like some advice on what I need before visiting the LFS.

As the filter isn't up to the task, I'm also concerned the heater may be similarly inadequate. Suggestions about what I need would also be appreciated.

Cheers, Andy

I have the same tank.
I run an external filter, a Fluval 205 but will probably be upgrading to a 305 soon so watch this space.

You will also need a 200w heater or two 100w ones.


A~T

ps where are you based?

 

[Shogunblue24]

Cheers for the quick reply. I was actually looking at the fluval 205 as it's supposed to be for tanks up to 200 litres. Can I ask why you are upgrading to the 305?

I'm based in York (UK).

 

[KittyKat]

I'd take the 305 over 205, or even better, an Eheim over a Fluval.

I used to run a 305 on a 215 litre and it was on the lower side of what I like from a filter.

I would take a 200w Visitherm or NeWatt for the tank.

 

[Shogunblue24]

The heater is a 150w one. Obviously came from a smaller tank like the filter. Annoying as I assumed I was getting what I needed to run the tank.

Kitty Kat, could you point me in the direction of a suitable Eheim filter? I definitely prefer the idea of getting the right equipment now, rather than constantly upgrading.

 

[KittyKat]

If you are on a budget, I would look at 2215 or 2217 of the Classic range, depending on the fish you want to keep. If you're not on a budget, look at the Professional 3 and 3e ranges. 3e range is absolutely lovely

 

[Aqua Tom]

Can I ask why you are upgrading to the 305?

Plants


A lot of people knock the fluval 205 for a tank that size. I have found it to be perfect. water stats are always spot on, it gives a good flow rate & is very quiet.


Your 150w heater will do the job but will be on more than off. A 200w heater will take up a lot of room in your tank, this is why I have just upgraded to a hydor external inline heater & freed up a load of space.

A~T

 

[Shogunblue24]

What do folk think to this? As I need both, could it be two birds with one stone? LINK

 

[Aqua Tom]

What do folk think to this? As I need both, could it be two birds with one stone? LINK

Awsome, if you can afford it then get it.

Also an Eheim's pipes fit quite nicely into the rio, wheras I had to cut the lid a bit for the fluval.


A~T

 

[Shogunblue24]

Right then, better check the bank account and/or start saving. lol

Cheers for the input guys.

 

[waterdrop]

I too use and Eheim professional and a Hydor external inline heater (it's a 200w on a tank only marginally larger than yours.) The Hydor is not as elegant as having the thermo unit inside the eheim cannister as it is clumsy when working with the hoses for the rare times when you take on the task of cleaning hoses and their attachements. But my reason for choosing the hydor over the thermo was because of a chance encounter with a distributor who tipped me off that there were problems with the temperature sensor that eheim uses on the thermo models in that they have problems whenever there is any salt in the system. Now I don't use salt and don't recommend it for typical freshwater applications but we all know the possibility that we might want to use it for ich or a few other things and for that reason I decided to hold off on the thermo part and just go with the straight eheim.

WD

 

[Shogunblue24]

Not sure I'll ever want to put salt in, although I'm obviously a complete novice to fish keeping. Not liking the idea that the temperature sensor may have problems.

Anyone using or know anyone using the Eheim Thermofilter Pro?

 

[Aqua Tom]

I used to run a Eheim Ecco filter, it was pants. But that is the exeption to the rule, most Eheims are great.

A~T

 

[waterdrop]

Yes, the Eccos are made in a completely different plant (in the far east I believe) completely different from the german plants that make the classic and pro lines. Lots of people had problems with the Eccos from what I hear. I'm the same way about salt, never expect to run it but I just didn't like the idea that if I did, I might have a serious problem on my hands. The Hydor has been flawless, keeps the temp everywhere in the tank dead even and can bring the whole tank up from cold very fast - it's just a superior way to heat, with the water flowing through and being distributed all around. I also like the idea that the water doesn't get heated until -after- passing through the filter. I don't know that there'd be any problem with originating the heat inside the filter but it bothers me a bit (probably just fear of the unknown )

~~waterdrop~~

 

[Danbarb]

I have an Eheim 2215 and am really happy with it on my 180 litre tank. It was a great price, and I did notice there are some discounts if you buy the Eheim "advanced" media set that has the substrat pro at the same time. My tank water is very clear, and maintenance is pretty easy to be honest.

Just my opinion, as I had a fluval before and had issues with the O-rings not lasting very long and flow problems. Although, I am sure fluval are great as many people recommend them.