Hob Filter Vs External Filter?

[orangegecko]

Was looking at the aqua clear 70 and went to a LFS and was talking with someone there about external filters and wanted to get people's opinions here on which is better.  I know the cost of an external is more, but would it over time save on maintenance cost? (replacing filters and media).  He was telling me about the Eheim classic 2215.  (This will eventually be for a 46gallon, still researching!)
 
Thanks for any feedback. 

 

[KCB]

I had an aquaclear in my Fluval Edge tank and have to say it was awful. The propeller jammed all the time and it clogged up very quickly, causing the 'waterfall' outflow to drip into the water making it very noisy. Plus if you don't purchase a pre-filter sponge, your small fish/fry will be sucked into the filter!
 
I've not tried that particular model of eheim, but I have an internal eheim biopower and it is absolutely silent and has excellent output, so I'd go for that brand

.

 

[orangegecko]

I had an aquaclear in my Fluval Edge tank and have to say it was awful. The propeller jammed all the time and it clogged up very quickly, causing the 'waterfall' outflow to drip into the water making it very noisy. Plus if you don't purchase a pre-filter sponge, your small fish/fry will be sucked into the filter!
 
I've not tried that particular model of eheim, but I have an internal eheim biopower and it is absolutely silent and has excellent output, so I'd go for that brand

.

thanks!

 

[Fishmanic]

I have an aquaclear 50 and like it a lot.   Using a sponge, 2 filter floss,  and ceramic rings, it doesn't clog up too fast.   After several weeks I rinse out the sponge in tank water.   The rings I never change and the filter floss I alternated changing about every 3-4 weeks.  Nice clear tank.   Never jams and  except for the waterfall effect noise, it's quiet.  I recommend it and there are lots of reviews on Amazon.  If you buy your filter floss in bulk it's dirt cheap---maintanance cost near zero.

 

[eaglesaquarium]

A quick note to ensure you have all the information...
 
First, ALL filters should use filter media until it is literally falling aprt.
 
Second, you can substitute media TYPES within filters without major issues often time.
 
Third, DO NOT replace cartridges as often as the manufacturer recommends, they are trying to make money - whereas your goal is healthy fish.  Removing all the media (or even a whole lot) means that the bacteria on that media will leave with it.
 
 
 
You can use filter sponges in nearly all makes of filter.  You can also use ceramics inside nearly all style of filter.  I use HOB filters (Penguin), and there is room for both filter sponges and I also use some ceramic media. 
 
I believe it is a misconception that only externals provide flexibility for filter media options. 

 

[baker360360]

Never used a hob filter but currently using an internal and external filter. Externals are great and it's often said they are the best type but I'd say it all depends on you and your tank. I wouldn't say any filter was bad apart from undergravel filters.

 

[eaglesaquarium]

Undergravel filters were great... if you were good about your gravel vacuuming.  Problem is that a lot of people didn't properly vacuum their tank with them, and they would get clogged.

 

[baker360360]

Undergravel filters were great... if you were good about your gravel vacuuming.  Problem is that a lot of people didn't properly vacuum their tank with them, and they would get clogged.

I could understand the theory behind them that they would use the gravel as biological media ( huge area) but can't use sand and if you have lots of plants,rock,wood and decor it's impossible to clean. Where as externals,internals, and hob's are easy to access.

Again I think it all depends on preference and perticularly tank set ups
Undergravel filters are still sold so must be working for some

 

[eaglesaquarium]

UGFs were very popular before planted tanks became popular, and before aquascaping became big as well... with big decor.  It has drawbacks, but for the most part the people who struggled with them just weren't cleaning them properly with their water changes...  But, I don't even know if they are available anymore.

 

[baker360360]

UGFs were very popular before planted tanks became popular, and before aquascaping became big as well... with big decor.  It has drawbacks, but for the most part the people who struggled with them just weren't cleaning them properly with their water changes...  But, I don't even know if they are available anymore.

They are in a few places here

 

[orangegecko]

A quick note to ensure you have all the information...
 
First, ALL filters should use filter media until it is literally falling aprt.
 
Second, you can substitute media TYPES within filters without major issues often time.
 
Third, DO NOT replace cartridges as often as the manufacturer recommends, they are trying to make money - whereas your goal is healthy fish.  Removing all the media (or even a whole lot) means that the bacteria on that media will leave with it.
 
 
 
You can use filter sponges in nearly all makes of filter.  You can also use ceramics inside nearly all style of filter.  I use HOB filters (Penguin), and there is room for both filter sponges and I also use some ceramic media. 
 
I believe it is a misconception that only externals provide flexibility for filter media options. 

 
thanks for the info!