New Tank Set Up

[yahwob]

Hi,
 
Have got a 120 litre tank (32x 14x 18 inches) and am looking for the right size filter.
 
It's going to be a cold water tank and I read somewhere that you should really buy a filter that can cope with a larger tank size than you actually have. I'm currently looking at a 1200 litre per hour model by all pond solutions which is only £20.00 on Amazon. Would this be too big/strong for my tank, it's going to be populated by smallish fish.
 
An alternative is a Fluval U3 model which is more expensive but maybe better suited to my tank?
 
Can any one advise?
 
 
As a P.S. I'm going to get some pea gravel, roughly how much should I put in, would a 10kg bag be enough?

 

[Ch4rlie]

Depends on what you'd like, internal filters like U3 are pretty decent internal filters. But tend to be fairly bulky and take up swimming space inside the tank however these are easier to maintain than external filters.
 
Externals are the way to go if you want the best filtration and water flow possible, but they tend to be a little more expensive than internals, ensure you have a bit of space in your stand or cabinet to put an external as well as access for intake and output pipes.
Some external do have row control valves to suit your tank set up and stocking so that could be a factor in your decision.
 
Pros and cons for both, a matter of personal choice really.
 
HOB filters can be quite good as well, so a possible 3rd choice of filter type. I'd recommend you to really do some research and budget what you would like from a filter, in terms of access, running costs, space, etc etc
 
Your $20 for an APS external sounds a good deal, some members on this forum uses and recommends APS but I know very little about APS filters, hope someone can give a bit more details about these.

 

[CrimsonBoli]

What?! Where is this £20 1200EF?! Im gonna buy 1 now! (unless its the last 1 and then you can have it)

I had a 3+ (the model before the U3) and was constantly angry with it because it was internal and messy! Now I have the APS 1000EF and am over the moon with how good a filter it is for its price! A 1200EF would be even better!!!

 

[yahwob]

Hum must admit I'd never thought of an external filter. This is the one I'm looking at on Amazon, as you can see it's an internal though, http/www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002NLIBVO/ref=pe_208871_41912471_em_1p_1_ti

 

[CrimsonBoli]

Ah sorry thats an understandable price.
 
Honestly if you can go for the 1000EF. Its such a good filter for the price! And life is so much easier/cleaner with an external filter. But never the less that internal one is pretty big!

 

[The Taffy Apple]

Have you looked at the Eheim range? The 'Aquaball' range of internal filters are superb.
I have one for my 115 litre tank, cost around £40.
 
Terry.