Filtration - Advice

[Cooper2085]

Hi all im back again

Im lokoing at different ways of filteing my tanks, getting ready for a big change over. I only have expirience with power filters but find them annoying to try and "cover up" in the tank. They are quite bulky and ugly.

I know some people use sponge filters, i have one in my fry tank BUT they dont get rid of loose particles which can leave things rotting away in the tank.

External filters seem quite tempting but i need to be sure because there not cheap. I assume both ends come out from the filter and into the tank, just a intake and a output.... Attach a spray bar for surface movement and bobs your uncle...

So pros and cons please, iv read around on the different types but would like to hear from the experts One tank will be a 4ft Community tank, i want as much filtration as possible, leaving as much room free in the tank as i can. It will be purely for show, no breeding (Well... not trying to anyway) or anything like that.

Theres going to be a 2.5ft brackish tank, again whats the best filters for that?

A 3ft Cory breeding tank, i hear Corys like a nice current so i was thinking power filter for this with a divide to help seperate the eggs....

Also i have read about "Power heads" can someone explain in dummy terms what these are for and there benefits.

Thanks

Aaron

 

[Plecs&Puffers]

Do you need to use a spray bar if you have an external filter??
Or would an air pump be enough air circulation?

 

[Cooper2085]

Anyone else? Help? lol

 

[rossyt99]

Good morning (in Uk),
An External filter would be good for your 4ft. Community tank> Will only see one tube in your tank and they are usually powerful/easy to clean. (My mates just added a spray-bar to his, although not essential)
I think his was called an 'Aqua; 2***' (not sure of number!)

>A 'Powerhead' is basically the device which is attached at the top of either an Internal filter media (i.e; Jewel set-up) or on top of the tubes to power an Undergravel filter. It creates the cyclical movement of water.

If you have the money, an External filter is usually recommended.

Hope some of this made sense...?

P.s; I've had bad experiences with 'Undergravel filter' system. >anyone else also ?

 

[Plecs&Puffers]

Think most have been told to avoid undergravel filters!!!!!!!!!
not very good - apparantly

 

[raptorrex]

Think most have been told to avoid undergravel filters!!!!!!!!!
not very good - apparantly

some still swear by them, and there are still some real uses they can have. but technology moves on, and internals are now, most think, much better. even if only for the fact you don't have to destroy the tank, to clean the tray. i would suggest an external, it gives you more room in the tank and you don't even need to but your hands in the tank to clean them. they don't have to cost a fortune, mine was £60 and is for a 250 litre tank! its been running 24/7 for four years and has never missed a beat.