fluval filters

[kevin007]

so what do ya think...the fluval 304 costs twice as much and messier while the 4 plus is easier to clean and submersible?, if one is not enought i could get 2

 

[SimonA]

so what do ya think...the fluval 304 costs twice as much and messier while the 4 plus is easier to clean and submersible?, if one is not enought i could get 2

Enough For what, your swimming pool?

 

[kevin007]

sorry, 55 gallon

 

[rvm]

why is the 304 messier? I had a 4+ on my 55g, and it was good, but whenever you open it up to clean off the sponges, it empties all the loose crap back into the tank. I since changed to a cannister, and it's much better. More spece for media, more media choices, easier to clean, better filtration etc.etc. If your tank is within the size rating for the 304, then go for that or another external cannister, IMO they are FAR superior to internal filters.

 

[kevin007]

why is the 304 messier? I had a 4+ on my 55g, and it was good, but whenever you open it up to clean off the sponges, it empties all the loose crap back into the tank. I since changed to a cannister, and it's much better. More spece for media, more media choices, easier to clean, better filtration etc.etc. If your tank is within the size rating for the 304, then go for that or another external cannister, IMO they are FAR superior to internal filters.

well, they are messier ...i really honestly dont know, my friend at my lfs told me, he is the mot honest employee i know....he even tells me these things...

1. dont buy fish here, they are poorly keeped
2. only buy the tanks here, or dont buy this one or this is going for a discount next week.
etc

 

[Paul_MTS]

Maybe he meant setting it up will be tricky!!

I'm buying a Ehiem one in the next few days so will say how i get on!! Would certainly add a gallon of space to the tank rather than having an internal, taking up fishy space!!

 

[Tropjunky]

get ehiem filters they're far more reliable. and better in every possible way.

 

[kevin007]

i think i'll get the submersible fluval (plus 4)

 

[smithrc]

currently got a 4+ in the 50gal planted tank... and if it had to do it again - i would deffinatly go for a 304.

 

[rvm]

yeah, regardless of whether you're talking eheim or fluval, an external cannister is better than an internal in every conceivable way IMO. Sorry but I think your LFS has some 4+'s they cab't get rid of!!!! Like I said. I've had both, and the 4+ is much messier, not as efficient, and far less flexible. Go with the 304 or better yet, an Eheim Ecco!!!

 

[kevin007]

but the cost is so much more, i could get 3 304s! i rather get 3 304s if you ask me imean 4+ is not THAt bad?

 

[shmax101]

I have both fluval and eheim canister filters, and I work in a lfs. Trust me, GET AN EHIEM! The fluval filters all lose flow rate as they get dirty, not ehiem. Get you an EHIEM 2215, it's perfect for your tank, and is the most reliable, easiest to clean, and has CONSISTENT flow rate. The in-tank submersible filters are a pain in the $#%@, go with a canister, maybe your buddy at the lfs can get you a discount

 

[fish_r_great]

Get an eheim Sorry thats just my opinion

 

[Paul_MTS]

I have a Fluval 204 on the way noe, decided the ehiems cost to much and a bit of a cheek not supplying the filter with the filter media to start with

 

[Link]

I have all three on different tanks.
A Fluval 303 and Eheim 2128 on my main tank and a Fluval 4 internal on my Goldfish tank.

There's gonna be pro's and con's to both.
On a tank of 55 gallons I'd go for an external. It's personal choice what make. (Eheim/Fluval).
The principle is the same but they have different features so its a case of what features you prefer.
Your gonna have a larger biological surface area in an external cause it can hold more media, and differnt types. So that means better filtration and healthier fish.
Not saying you wont get that with an Internal, you'll just be more limited.
I've got a 16 year old Fluval 103 external. Runs as well as it did the day I bought it. Divide £40 over 16 years and it aint too expensive. Cars don't often last that long
It's a matter of choice but I'd go for an external