Filter Recommendations

[508]

Hi, so I've recently received my 200 litre tank and now I'm looking for an external filter to buy. Originally I planned on getting the Fluval 306 but after a bit of research I haven't heard too many things about it and a lot of people were recommending Eheim filters. I'm also a bit skeptical since there aren't that many videos of these filters on youtube and they seem to be harder to find in the UK. My budget is £100 although I can stretch myself if really necessary although I'd rather not have to do so. 
 
Thanks!

 

[Ch4rlie]

All Ponds Solutions are good for these cheaper externals, hear they're pretty good, build quality sometimes not the best but decent otherwise.
 
Tetra Tecs EX are good as well, slightly more expensive. (I have one, its pretty decent and quite quiet too)
 
Eheims are considered best but most expensive and have heard grumblings that build quality is not what should be.
 
In that order is what I would consider for brands of external filters, a bit of research and shopping around would be worth your time doing.

 

[KirkyArcher]

I've got a 306 running with my 200 litre heavily stocked tank (£104), and it's doing a sterling job, as is my 206 with the 125 litre both doing everything you need a filter to do. To get the best from any filter run on maximum flow, apply mechanical filtration in the lower media tray only and fill the remaining trays to the brim with decent ceramic bio media. Never owned one but lots of people rate the APS range very highly both on performance and value for money 1000L/H (£50). Also worth a look for value is the AquaMantaEFX300 from Maidenhead Aquatics (£89)

 

[508]

I'm thinking of getting the APS 1400EF, it has a very attractive price and the reviews are generally positive. The only thing that is putting me off is the tubing, it looks odd and I don't see how I would go about setting it up. 
 
Edit - Alternatively I think I might just go for the AquaManta EFX 300 because Maidenhead is where I do all my shopping and the 4 year warranty on it is just another plus. 

 

[KirkyArcher]

Check out videos on YouTube you could also include "SunSun canister filter" in your search for information it's one and the same as the APS offering

the pipework on the APS range was the one thing that put me off being quite "obvious" in all but a black background aquarium.

 

[508]

Okay, so after a lot more research I have decided to go for the AquaManta EFX 300. It looks perfect, just what I was looking for. Small, quiet and with a good flow rate. Thank you KirkyArcher and Ch4rlie for your help, I greatly appreciate it!