How Many Filters?

[Aquascaper]

Your current filter is fine for your tank as it is, by replacing the cartridges with sponges you'll increase the filtration capacity, the same as putting a bigger filter on.

 

[MBOU]

The cartridges need replacing so regularly because they are half carbon sponge and half white wool pad that clogs up really quickly... bit of a fail on the design there...

I would agree, some biomedia (the Fluval Edge bags should fit in nicely!) and you can buy sheets of plain sponge in most aquatic shops (mainly for pond filters but its all the same!) and cut it into bits and just slip them in the filter... then should you ever need to change the sponge, you can do it bit by bit without effecting your filter (though really... and changes would be yearly.. not monthly!) and biomedia doesnt ever need to be changed.

Will save you a lot of money and improve the filtration no end. That said... you could just buy an external filter if you wanted.. something like a Fluval 106 or 206 or an EFX 200 etc.

 

[oxfordmark]

If i purchased an external filter, should i get a better pump?

Looking at them sponges, they look too fat to fit in the thin slot.

 

[Aquascaper]

Why would you need a pump? An external will come with everything you need to just put an inlet and an outlet into the tank.

 

[oxfordmark]

So should i go for a Fluval 106, do you ever have to replace the media?

 

[Aquascaper]

Nothing lasts forever so yes you will have to replaced it at some point but you're looking at years not weeks/months.

 

[oxfordmark]

Nothing lasts forever so yes you will have to replaced it at some point but you're looking at years not weeks/months.

How do you know when it needs replacing? Is it easy to do?

Thanks

 

[Aquascaper]

When the sponges and ceramics start to fall apart in your fingers whilst doing regular maintenance it's time time replace them. Changing then is as simple as just buying new ones and putting them where the old ones were.

 

[oxfordmark]

Cool, can you link me to what i need (the sponges and ceramics) so i can make my case to my boss/financial adviser (the girlfriend)

Thanks

 

[Aquascaper]

Just Google the filter you're planning on getting and there will be everything there.

 

[oxfordmark]

My local fish store recommend the Eheim 2213. Is this better than the 106?

 

[Aquascaper]

Eheim trumps all IMO

 

[oxfordmark]

Eheim trumps all IMO

Oh ok, do you know whether this model is loud?

And i could use the same media as mentioned before?

 

[Mr.Tan]

So should i go for a Fluval 106, do you ever have to replace the media?

a 106 should be fine for your tank. Yes the media (carbon mostly) needs to be replaced. Activated carbon really only last a short time before its not good anymore. You can avoid it entirely once the tank clears and just run a sponge and some other media in its place.

 

[basboi85]

I have the 2213 running along side a 2217 and I cannot hear either. My air stone pump is louder than the filters together.

As aquascaper said and in my eyes eheim are well worth their weight in gold.

I've had my 2213 for almost 4.5 years and its never let me down.

My advice will be if you do get a 2213 make sure you get the double taps as they are a blessing when cleaning your filter.