H.o.b/h.o.t Filters In The U.k

[apac]

hang on tank filters (when reading articles on differing sites)they seem to be very popular in the U.S.
Do the brits use them? are they easily obtainable/inexpensive/and what are the benefits. the reason i ask is i'm currently looking into setting up a an african cichlid tank. it will probably be within the size of 200 or 300 litres (48"-60"), what size H.O.Twould i need and where from?. At the moment i'm thinking about external filters, is it necessary to have a H.O.T as well?

regards,
Andrew.

 

[gpgscott]

hang on tank filters (when reading articles on differing sites)they seem to be very popular in the U.S.
Do the brits use them? are they easily obtainable/inexpensive/and what are the benefits. the reason i ask is i'm currently looking into setting up a an african cichlid tank. it will probably be within the size of 200 or 300 litres (48"-60"), what size H.O.Twould i need and where from?. At the moment i'm thinking about external filters, is it necessary to have a H.O.T as well?

regards,
Andrew.

Hi Andrew,

I have had tropical fish for over 25 years, I started out with a plate and undergravel filtration with lift tubes and progressed through a number of 'hang on' also referred to as powerfilters. I have been dissatisfied of late with the water quality with this type of filter which is due in large part to the relatively meager filter media area and the fact that as the media becomes soiled these filters bypass most of the water back into the tank. About a month ago I purchased a H.O.T. Magnum by Marineland, Inc. The website is marineland.com and there where French instructions included so I assume you can purchase one on your side of the pond. This is an enclosed canister type filter with large media area and a powerful pump. It does not bypass water like the garden variety hang on type and the amount of media is great enough to give good filtering without daily attendance. It also includes a re-usable 1 micron filter used for water polishing. Now heres the best part, the filter also includes a biowheel which aids in the eliminatinon of ammonia It would be suitable for a 200 litre tank but too small for a 300 litre tank. It cost under $80.00 usf. My tank has never been happier.

Scott

 

[apac]

cheers mate for your swift reply. as i said in my opening thread, they do seem to be big in the U.S. i've scoured the internet for suppliers in the U.K(and even e-bay) but have come up with nothing. am i right in thinking that the canister does sit outside the tank (as in hanging on the outer glass)? and i've read that the magnum is a good one. also read that the 'emperor 400' is the dogs b~llocks, have you heard of this one? would i be right in thinking that they are easy to maintain and create lots of flow/movement like 'powerheads' do.

 

[gpgscott]

cheers mate for your swift reply. as i said in my opening thread, they do seem to be big in the U.S. i've scoured the internet for suppliers in the U.K(and even e-bay) but have come up with nothing. am i right in thinking that the canister does sit outside the tank (as in hanging on the outer glass)? and i've read that the magnum is a good one. also read that the 'emperor 400' is the dogs b~llocks, have you heard of this one? would i be right in thinking that they are easy to maintain and create lots of flow/movement like 'powerheads' do.

Yes this one hangs on the outside of the tank and as I mentioned is good for 50 gallons or so. If you have need for more capacity the same company has true external canisters which would sit under the aquarium and you would use tubing. I suggest you go the the website and check them out. I have been very pleased with my purchase sorry don't know about the Emperor model you reference. Good Luck

Scott

 

[apac]

will definately get an exernal canister filter, but am thinking at doubling up with a HOT as well.. cheers for the info scott.

do any uk members know where HOT filters can be purchased?