Filters - Eheim Or Fluval?

[Musahi]

Hi there. I'm a complete beginner to keeping fish. I've just got a 48 litre 'Fish Box' aquarium which came with the heater, thermometer and filter. I'm not too confident of the filter, I'm sure it's not working great, so want to get another filter. I was just wondering if anyone could advise me what's the better choice between the Eheim Pickup Filter 2008 and the Fluval U1? On research, and friends advice, it has come to be being between these two, and just wanted more expert opinions please.

Thanks so much in advance.

Ilana

 

[waterdrop]

Both manufacturers are among the mainstream 3 major producers (Rena being the other.) Fluval are particularly distinguished at making good internal filters (if our members likes and dislikes in the treads are an accurate indication) and Eheim are well-known as the "mercedes/cadillac" makier of exernal cannister filters. Both have received glowing reports of good internal filters in the past that I've seen. (There are two newer producers of externals (Tetratec and AllPond) that don't have long track records yet but I have not seen mention of internal designs from them.. anybody?)

Hopefully you'll luck into a member who has used both of the internals you ask about and can give a true comparison report but lacking that my own comment would be that both are likely to be ok.

~~waterdrop~~

 

[KittyKat]

+1, I would always take Eheim for external and Fluval for internal filters.

Make sure to cycle or seed your new filter: either run old and new filters in parallel for 6+ weeks or move all old media into the new filter.

 

[Musahi]

Thank you both for answering so swiftly. By what you've both said it seems like I'll go with the Fluval.

My tank is fishless at the moment, and I have started no cycle yet because I needed to sort the filter out first. Once I get the new one in and working it's all system go.

Thanks again!

 

[FishAreFriendsNotFood10]

i rate my fluval u3 and u2 internal filters

 

[waterdrop]

If you're a beginner still planning your media, it may also be good to know that most of us just have carbon (aka activated charcoal) sitting on the shelf for special uses and do not use it on a regular basis.

~~waterdrop~~

 

[Musahi]

Fluval it is then! Thanks.

Ok now I'm confused because I heard that carbon is needed for brand new water starting up, and then only for special uses as you say.

 

[Shogunblue24]

Ilana, where are you based? If you're close enough to pop by, I have a spare fluval 2 that I just got with my tank. It's secondhand and of no real use to me as it's not powerful enough for the tank.

I'm based in York.

 

[Musahi]

I'm in the Highlands of Scotland, unfortunately! That would have been great.

Ok, I was all set to go for the Fluval, but now I'm confused because the Fluval 1's capacity is up to 45 litres, and the Fluval 2 is 45-110 litres. I fear 1 is not enough, but 2 will be too powerful. On that note, I think I'm just going to have to go with the Eheim as that's safe with a 30-60 litre capacity.

 

[waterdrop]

You might try to dig up the actual flow rates for all three filters under consideration and be sure the sequence of stepped up flow is as you think. The statements about what size tank they should be used for are often done by the marketing side of things and might be different than what the actual flow rate is on the engineering side of things. 5x turnover is a recommendation we often make.

~~waterdrop~~

 

[soybean]

Just to stir it up, my Fluval U3 is the worst filter I've ever had. I actually preferred the older model Plus range they had, I managed to get far more sponges in those than in the U range, there's lots of wasted space taken up by the cartridges to hold the media (a design to keep your hands dry when cleaning/changing things apparently - doesn't work!)

Whereas I've never heard a bad word said against an Eheim.

 

[Musahi]

You might try to dig up the actual flow rates for all three filters under consideration and be sure the sequence of stepped up flow is as you think. The statements about what size tank they should be used for are often done by the marketing side of things and might be different than what the actual flow rate is on the engineering side of things. 5x turnover is a recommendation we often make.

~~waterdrop~~

Erm...have no idea what the Eheim Pickup 2008's turnover is. I'll try to find out. But that's what I've gone ahead and ordered online now anyway. Fingers crossed it'll be a good'en! Thanks.

Just to stir it up, my Fluval U3 is the worst filter I've ever had. I actually preferred the older model Plus range they had, I managed to get far more sponges in those than in the U range, there's lots of wasted space taken up by the cartridges to hold the media (a design to keep your hands dry when cleaning/changing things apparently - doesn't work!)

Whereas I've never heard a bad word said against an Eheim.

Yeah, I've read some bad customer reviews on the Fluval U1 and U2. Whereas I couldn't find any reviews for the Eheim Pickup. I've gone with the Eheim now, and feel happy with my decision. Will just have to wait and see how it performs. Hoping it'll all be fine