Juwel Lido 120 - Added External Filter

[konmanos]

Hi Guys - although I am new here - I am a bit of an old hand at aquarium keeping. Had a marine with sump filtration, skimmer, bio-balls, halide lamps, UV etc. etc. And this was succesful and I learnt a lot. Since then I got married - had kids and other priorities. Now - the kids have grown up - and I am able to look after some of my hobbies. Decided to start with a Lido 120 - as an intro for my kids. Bought it in Dec 2010 - and - as of today I added a FLUVAL 205 Cannister filter..

WHY? - Because I found that the water quality - was not clear. There was a cloudy tinge - that I was not able to get rid of. All the water tests - weekly - proved to be normal - however - I was not convinced that the existing internal filter/pump - was sufficient. Maybe I have it over-stocked - and therefore it is not able to keep up - But - I am not happy with the water clarity.

So decided to add an external filter - FLUVAL 205 - to the aquarium. So I have two filtration systems running at the same time - will wait for about 2-3 weeks - and allow the FLUVAL to start its bacteria growth etc. I will post my findings as I go along. It has been a few hours now - and already the tank - looks better, I reckon 15% better.

There is more water movement - and the fish love it. And according to the information on the FLUVAL - 600 litres per hour - that means - the tank is being cleaned 5 x per hour... Must see what it will look like a few days from now...

In the long-term - may decide to remove the internal filter altogether - but I will wait for the FLUVAL to catch up - before considering.

Anyone - with similar experiences - let me know - hear etc.

 

[Gvilleguy]

Welcome to the forum!

I bought a 98 liter and did not think the included hang on back power filter was enough. So I added a Fluval 205 and have been very happy with the results (tank has been stocked since July 2010). I actually run both filters and the tank remains crystal clear. I stuffed the HOB power filter with bio-media to help handle the bio filtering. So I think you will be happy once the Fluval gets cycled.

What kind of fish are you keeping? People on here love to see aquarium pics.

 

[Lolly123]

I've always believed that you cannot beat a good quality external filter. Not only did I find the Juwel filter unreliable but it was always so messy to clean, with bits of debris floating into the water when removing the trays. When I added mine I saw an improvement within a very short amount of time, I also don't like the fact that with the internals it takes up a little space. Like most on here, I have some very messy fish who produce a lot of waste, so rest assured that the external will provide a better turnover and you also have a few more options in regards to media with externals. You should post some pics of your tank

 

[konmanos]

Thanks Guys - for the vote of confidence. Got up today - after viewing your comments and looked over at the tank - and YEP! - it certainly has improved - the tank - looks so much cleaner - that haze of white - is starting to dissapear, it must have been the speed of filtration and water flow that has assisted.

Also after looking at Gvillguy's LED video - it reminded me so much of my previous tank Biorb - that had the Monlight option - built in. I looked at the video of your succesful attempt of installing the LED - that I also went out to my local electrical store and 'cheated' bought four sets of 3 Blue Leds' - already connected to each other and inside EPOXY - making it nice and water proof. Connected it all to a 7,9,12v transformer and attached it to the centre of the light box - on a timer.

I selected the 7,9,12v transformed - so that I can select how bright I want it to be - another way of dimming. The timer was installed - so that when the main lights on the tank - turn off - the LEDs will be on.. I have made the LEDs come on 1/2 hour before the main lights shut -down, therefore we have instant moonlight.

Thanks for the video and inspiration, I now feel that the tank has over the last 2 days - gone through a transformation..

I will post photos - when I get a moment.. Thanks again -

 

[Gvilleguy]

That is awesome about doing the LEDs! I look forward to seeing your pictures.

 

[konmanos]

That is awesome about doing the LEDs! I look forward to seeing your pictures.

Gvilleguy,

I was just wondering about the glofish which look fantastic under your night time viewing.. What lighting do you have on at night on the video that make the fish light up like that. Been reading about it on the web and they talk about .... Black light...Did you just have the LEDs that you installed ?

 

[Gvilleguy]

Those are just the regular blue LEDs that make the glofish glow like that. Nothing special. I actually did not know the LEDs would have that effect before I installed them. It was a happy accident. Previously I had put a blacklight bulb into a lamp and shined it in the tank just to see if they would glow.