Internal Vs External Filters

[@ombomb]

I've seen a lot of people on here say that they use external filters.

Are these more efficient than internal?

Do they make more noise?

Please can you give me an idea of whether it's worth spending the money to replace my internal Fluval 4.

Thanks

 

[CFC]

I wouldnt even consider running a tank over 25g without a external filter, they are just superior to internal filters in every way.
Because they are larger than internal filters they have greater media holding capacity and most are designed to work with a variety of medias rather than internals which usually just take a pre sized sponge, which means that high tech modern filter medias can be used to increase the tanks stocking levels and improve filtration efficiency.
A good quallity correctly set up external filter will make no more noise than a internal filter.
Externals take up less room in the tank than internals and allow for more natural looking set ups as the filter intake can easily be hidden.

 

[@ombomb]

Thanks for the input CFC.

Can you recommend me one that I should be looking at for a 180 litre tank?

Eheim is the brand that I have seen mentioned most often, are they a good bet?

 

[Bloo]

I'm considering buying this model from Eheim (Ecco 2334) - and the link I provided, is by far the cheapest on the market ('ve found) - for that model anyway.

 

[CFC]

Personally id recomend a Eheim classic 2213, you should be able to pick one of these up for around £45 to £50. Eheim are by far the best filters available, they are a bit pricier than other makes such as fluval but worth every penny IMO, i run all my tanks over 25g on Eheim classic filters.

The ecco range are ok too but i found them to be a little under powered which means they need cleaning more frequently to keep a good flow rate going.

 

[Bloo]

Thaks for that tip CFC - will look into that

 

[Candyco]

I went out and got a couple of Fluval 304's a few months ago. IMO they're far better than any other internal/external filter i've tried before and also unlike the internal filter there's a little more room inside the tank rather than having the "Black Box" in the water!!!
Just my opinion! I suppose others may have different views!

Kaz x-x-x-x-x

 

[@ombomb]

Eheim Classic 2213

Does that look like a good deal?

Cheapest I could find and much less than the 2234.

 

[CFC]

Thats a fair price but you will need to buy the filter media seperately as they are selling them as empty canisters so you can expect to spend at least another £10.

The cheapest place i know of for them is Aquacadabra who sell them complete with media for £46.95. They dont have a website but they do mail order with free delivery on items over £30, their number is 01322 351673.

 

[Bloo]

Wow - that's cheap as chips ! Think I'll be buying that one myself now !

 

[@ombomb]

Me too!

Thanks CFC!!!

 

[@ombomb]

Right, my is on the way.

When it arrives I assume the best thing to do is run the current internal and the new external in tandem to build up the bacteria in the new filter. Is that right?

 

[Candyco]

That's what i did!

 

[Cheese Specialist]

The are bigger, better and look better (as in you can't see them!)

But, are more expensive and difficult to set up.

 

[@ombomb]

Well if anyone is thinking of buying a new filter I can definitely recommend Aquacadabra (as suggested by CFC). I ordered my Eheim Classic 2213 yesterday afternoon and was told 7 - 10 working days for delivery at most, got home from work this afternoon and they had sent by Amtrak next day delivery! Not at all bad for £46.00.

I'm going to get this set up and running over the weekend, but was hoping someone could answer a couple of questions...

1) What media should I add to the filter initially (it came with the blue sponges), carbon etc?

2) How long should I leave the two filters running in tandem before removing the current internal filter?

3) I'm planning oin giving it a good rinse in tank water before setting it up, is there anything else I need to think about before putting it in the tank?