Fluval Vicenza 180 Questions

[shrimply]

Hi guys, was in Dobbies earlier today and I think I can get the Fluval Vicenza 180 for around £280, that's the complete tank and stand etc. Which, providing I'm right, seems like too good a deal to pass up, even if I really can't afford it.

It comes with a fluval 205(or 206). But I've not been a fan of fluval externals since endless problems with a 304.

The plan, if I go ahead, is that this tank will replace my 120l which is filtered with a Eheim 2213. I believe the fluval is drilled from below for the filtration, is it possible to attach my existing filter or would I be limited by tube size as to which filters I can use with it.

Edit - Google seems to suggest that they both take 12/16mm tubing so it might be OK, be good to get some experianced opinions though

Anyone with any experience.

Thanks

 

[shrimply]

Well, its been paid for, sent my Dad to enquire. Got a phonecall to say it was paid for...

Wasn't exactly what I was expecting but it came to £272 which can't be bad.

Anyway it hasn't been collected yet so any horror stories please speak now, lol

 

[minnnt]

They are excellent tanks Shrimply.

Run both filters on it.

Only horror story with mine is that the doors don't like daughters swinging on them...

 

[shrimply]

Thanks Minnt, I've read my way through your journal. It does seem a nice tank, its my first ever new, new tank so should be fun setting it up. Not going to be home for 2 weeks to play with it though, but intend to take things nice and slow anyway work out exactly what to put in it.

I knew someone would suggest running both filters, I'd rather not, for space and power issues etc but its probably going to end up happening. Saying that I truly believe there is more to how much a filter can cope with and I do think the Eheim would manage on its own. But I'll suss the connections out more when they arrive, it seems it may also be possible just to seal off the holes if I didn't wish to use the pre-drilled holes initially.

I had considered selling the filter straight back on to get back some of the cost of the tank, but I'll make more final decisions later.

 

[minnnt]

The problem is that you won't get the piping kit with the filter so if you do want to sell it then you're not going to get a deal for it.

I have a tetratec ex1200 running on my vicenza using the original 205 pipes that go to the inbuilt inlet/outlet pipes.

 

[big_sw2000]

Ive got the Fluval 190l corner tank, with the pre drilled holes on thhe floor. Got a Fluval 205 filter which came with the tank. and its worked with no problems ever since, about 2.5 years now. Got a large seal just incase it starts leaking, ready to fit.
On the other hand, i have an old Fluval 204 filter, which i also run on the tank, cant see any diffrance between the filters, other than colour. And the fact the 204, is a absolute sod to start, and always has been.
So for me it would be a no brainer to run both filters.

Have fun Steve

Only horror story with mine is that the doors don't like daughters swinging on them...

Yep totally agree with this as my daughter swings on mine as well.

Steve

 

[shrimply]

The problem is that you won't get the piping kit with the filter so if you do want to sell it then you're not going to get a deal for it.

I have a tetratec ex1200 running on my vicenza using the original 205 pipes that go to the inbuilt inlet/outlet pipes.

Ahh of course, looks like I'll end up running both then While I trust the Eheim could filter the tank alone, I do not trust the Fluval to lol. And it seems pointless to have an unsellable but completely useable filter kicking around. I have heard the newer generations have been improved significantly, so here's hoping.

 

[minnnt]

The 205 is a decent filter, but the 305 would be a better choice.

When I first got the tank I was still learning and just had the 205 running, I don't think I ever had any issues with it regarding water parameters.

If you did want to sell the 205 then maybe you could sell it with the eheim pipework? But, for me, for how much you would get for it I would rather just chuck it in the cupboard and have it as a backup.

 

[shrimply]

Thanks minnnt, i'll have a think about it and see what I decide to do, I'll keep you updated.

Plan for the tank is a low light planted, I'm sure you'll hear more about both plants and fish.

My current 120l that its replacing holds just 2 lonely gold tetras ( which I can't seem to get more of) so there is a lot of room for choices etc.

 

[minnnt]

Heavily stocked then