Filter Suggestions Please

[Davo86]

Ok guys i need suggestions for an external that will comfortably run a tank around the 500L mark,
(Doesn't need to be the cheapest but one that has low running costs would be great)

atm i'm currently considering:

the FX5,
Eheim Pro 2 (2028 i think)
Eheim Pro 3
Tetratex EX2400

Does anyone have any experience with any of these?

thanks in advance

 

[smegforbrains]

FX5 is the best of that list IMHO.

 

[foley69]

i agree fx5 are top filters will do the job more than good enough

 

[rdd1952]

I have 2 Fluvals and have been extremely satisfied with them. Most members here seem to prefer Eheim though. As long as you get the flow rate you need, I don't think you would have any problems with either the Fluval or Eheim. I've never really heard any comments, good or bad, about Tetratex.

 

[three-fingers]

The eheim comparable to the fx5 would be the 2080, which uses half the power for less flow rate but apparently slightly better bio filtration.

It's a bit more expensive, but if it's long term rather than initial cost your looking at, go with the eheim. See here.

As for the tetratec ex2400 - at the moment it's cheaper to buy two ex1200's, which should give you the same flowrate but consume less power (2x 21w compared to 60w).

I'd consider two tetratec ex1200's - since the initial cost is the cheapest.

But as I said, if it's power consumption your looking for - the 2080 is probably your best bet.

For a big tank, it's also worthwhile looking at sumps and the power consumption of standalone pumps .

 

[markandhisfish]

my choice would be the eheim pro 3 2080 i run a pro2 2028 and its superb it keeps a 456 litre tank well stocked with cichlids at zero amonia and nitrite constantly altho i do plan on upgrading to the 2080 purely just to get more turnover per hour .

 

[rdd1952]

Another consideration you may want to look at depending on tank dimensions is having dual filters. IMO, on tanks of 4' or more, dual filtration (and heaters) allows for better filtration and heat control.

 

[markandhisfish]

very valid point there. i run 2 300w heaters 1 acts as a failsafe for the other did toy with adding a second 2028 but decided i will upgrade to a single 2080 .

 

[8inary]

i went through this choice with my near 1000ltr tank - i wanted overkill filtering and went with 3 externals - 2 are fluvals fx5, which certainly do a great job, and at their price, you can buy 2 as a fail safe/back up, as the above have said.

plus i run 2 300w heaters also, with a hi/low alarm