Replacement Small Internal

[soybean]

My trusty fluval 2+ has finally started to give up and make a bit too much noise for my liking. Not bad for a filter bought 7 years ago, second hand.

But I want to replace it for a change. The tank is lightly planted, 30 litres, though I may be changing it to a 45. It's just my guppy grow out tank and also houses a female fighter and a few cherry shrimp, so the flow doesn't need to be that high.

I was thinking of trying an APS internal like this one http/www.allpondsolutions.co.uk/250l-h-aquarium-internal-corner-filter.html given how cheap they are but I know they can be hit and miss. If anybody has an Aps internal please let me know what you think of it. I don't like not knowing how much media they can house!

Are there any other good models that often get overlooked? I cannot stand the newer Fluval U series so don't want another one of those.

 

[Cazgar]

I have an aps internal 200 lph in my Betta cube.
Tbh it's fine for one Betta, but doesn't have any room for anything but the sponge part

 

[D1s]

I use a small elite internal for my 60ltr which at the mo is in use for quarentine. But before that i had quite a few fish in and it did the job well. You can house two filter pads (one being a piramid shape and the other being a flat triangle shape, both bought very easily as a pack), and also two kidney shaped carbon baskets. Again very easy to get hold of. Reasonbly quiet and very cheap. Its got to be at least 6 yrs old and still working well. Just checked on ebay and you can get them new for £13. Bargin. Elite dont seem to get mentioned on here but id recomend them highly.

 

[soybean]

I use a small elite internal for my 60ltr which at the mo is in use for quarentine. But before that i had quite a few fish in and it did the job well. You can house two filter pads (one being a piramid shape and the other being a flat triangle shape, both bought very easily as a pack), and also two kidney shaped carbon baskets. Again very easy to get hold of. Reasonbly quiet and very cheap. Its got to be at least 6 yrs old and still working well. Just checked on ebay and you can get them new for £13. Bargin. Elite dont seem to get mentioned on here but id recomend them highly.

Is it one of the stingray ones? I had one of those years ago and wasnt too impressed, too much plastic and not enough media space. You're right though, that is quite cheap for a new one.

 

[D1s]

Yup its the stingray. I must admit it is very plasticy. Thery not the most descrete filter out. All said it does a good job.

 

[OldMan47]

I have treated it as two separate problems. One is filtration and the other is water flow. I set up a sponge like this in a corner and attach a good quality power head to move the flow.

Sponge

power head

The combination of these particular items has been running my 40 gallon breeder for several years now.

 

[Tizer]

Grab and Aqua Flow 50 for it, i use one in my 30 litre with Celestial pearl danios, they are silent and come with a spray bar, you can also cram all your sponges into it. Actually, if you have a 2+ you might want to get the Aqua Flow 100, as the 50 will only take half your current sponges, the 100 will have more space. Only £10 from any Maidenhead Aquatics.

 

[soybean]

Grab and Aqua Flow 50 for it, i use one in my 30 litre with Celestial pearl danios, they are silent and come with a spray bar, you can also cram all your sponges into it. Actually, if you have a 2+ you might want to get the Aqua Flow 100, as the 50 will only take half your current sponges, the 100 will have more space. Only £10 from any Maidenhead Aquatics.

Cheers tizer I'll look at those, seen them in a local shop before but never heard much about them. Spray bar would be good.

 

[daleboy]

+1 for the Aqua flow 50 and Aqua flow 100.
I use them both and are decent filters for the money, I like them cos you can alter the flow and can fit a decent amount of media in them.

@ Oldman47
Thats a great way to use a sponge filter, One of the reasons I never liked them is poor flow.
I have a couple of spare power heads so will give that a try

 

[soybean]

I think I'll got for an aqua flow 100. Sorted, cheers!