New Tank...new Filter

[rsands]

Hi,

I just got my 2nd tank...it says 165litre...but yet if i do a dimension check it says 190...but i think the measurements are it its bow maximum depth which is affecting it.

Would an internal interpet PF4 filter that does 1000litres per hour be sufficient for this tank?

link to more info here: http/www.waterways-direct.com/shopexd.asp?id=8144


Thanks

 

[Bloo]

For that size thank I would most certainly run on an external filter - such as an Eheim 2217 or 2026
Unless you are going to stock exceptionally light with no plants. The benefits of an external filter - especially on that size - are great. If it's cost you're worried about, you can pick up a second hand 2217 on eBay.

 

[rsands]

For that size thank I would most certainly run on an external filter - such as an Eheim 2217 or 2026
Unless you are going to stock exceptionally light with no plants. The benefits of an external filter - especially on that size - are great. If it's cost you're worried about, you can pick up a second hand 2217 on eBay.

Hi,

Not worried about cost on this tank..so definately go for an external? Would an internal not be able to cope with the amount of waste produced by all the fish?


Thanks

 

[Arimus]

If nothing else externals are easier to deal with. Took me two mins to deal with my Fluval external on a 270l tank with no spill (took the thing to the sink and did it there with the bucket of tank water), took about 15 for the other tank's filter (internal so mess everywhere).

Also they tend to be alot larger so have more surface area for bacteria and can have multi stage filtering for removing larger debris etc...

 

[Bloo]

Without a doubt external. It's a million times easier to maintain (than an internal) and where you need to maintain an internal weekly, an external you're looking at roughly half yearly! Your tank will also become significantly more stable - more filter media / area - more stable environment.

To me it's a no brainer.

 

[rsands]

Would the external fluval 205 be a good enough filter for the job?

I do have live plants btw

Thanks

 

[Bloo]

Try to avoid Fluval - yes I know there are Fluval followers, but Eheim is far superior. They extra little bit of money you will pay for an Eheim is so worth it.
An Eheim 2217, 2224 or 2026 will suffice. A fluval 205 would "just" suffice, but if you have plants and plan to heavily stock, then go for a 305 if you choose Fluval.

 

[rsands]

Would the amount of power in 305 not create too large a current around the tank? as its over 100litre to big for the tank? or is this better for more filtration?

 

[Bloo]

More is always better (under most circumstances). If it really causes a problem (which I very much doubt it will) there are many ways to adjust the output angle to reduce any possible "wave" effect. I run two filters on my one tank. Each supposedly more than enough to cope with the tank on its own. The one spraybar has large holes so the outflow is gentler than a spraybar with small holes. And with the other outflow, I've completely removed the spray-bar and it just gushes straight down - almost like a mini waterfall. Many fish seem to particularly love this extra oxygen enriched outflow and the fine bubbles it creates and will specifically sit as close as possible to the outflow to get the maximum "hit" - these are mostly my catfish though - but some of my Angels seem to enjoy this too.

 

[rsands]

thanks for all your help. on my way to get a fluval 305 as its the only brand about here

 

[Bloo]

How did you get on with your new filter? Bought and set up yet?