Replacing Fluval 305

[melh1979]

Hi
We have a Fluval Roma 240 which came with a Fluval 305 filter - we have had this running since August last year. The water in the tank is usually quite cloudy and the filter can be pretty noisy so were thinking about replacing the filter with possibly an Eheim 2026. Would this be worth it or a waste of money? Would a larger Eheim or a Tetratec be better? Any advice welcome!
Thanks

 

[aaronnorth]

It shouldn't be noisy, take it back, try shaking it to get the air out if there is any or try using the prime handle a couple of times to see if that works, it should be silent. Try the polishing pad to extra fine particles out.

 

[melh1979]

Well it's just a hum really - we've sort of got used to it but I have read that other filters like the Tetratec are pretty much silent. We have the polishing pads in the filter and it looked okay but we've just fitted some T5 lights to replace the T8s and you can see so much more how unclear the water is.

 

[rabbut]

I own a Tetratec and can say it was realy good for the money, infact it would have been the cheapest if a bought all the others I own/have owned new, despite being IMO better than the others... I as amaised by it's polishing abilities, and with the door of my tank cabinet closed, it cannot be heared. 1st 4 aquatics is the cheapest retailer I have found for these filters, and gave me a realy nice service when I ordered from them.
I have used Ehiem, but will keep my opinions of them quiet, as expressing them tends to caurse arguments...

[URL="http/www.1st4aquatics.com"]http/www.1st4aquatics.com[/URL] The EX1200 is at £69.99. A EX700 may be OK, at £59.99, but for what it's worth, I'd spend the extra tenner on the EX1200, as your tank is half way between the two filter's ranges You can't over filter, but you can easily under filter, which is possibly why your tank is clouded. All media and delivery is included in those prices They also carry Eheim, which may be of interest to you

Remember not to just directly swap the filters if you do change, as this would kill your filter bacteria off, caursing a major headache. Either move the media from the old filter into the new, or run both side-by-side for 4 weeks, before gradualy removing 1/4 of the media in the old filter untill it is empty 8 weeks after adding the new one.

HTH
Rabbut

 

[melh1979]

Thanks Rabbut. Tetratec is one I was considering as I have heard good things about them. I guess we would have to go for one with a higher flow rate and capacity than the 305 otherwise I don't see how it would be any different.

Just another question - does it matter where the input and output are placed in the tank? We have one on the right and one on the left - does it make a difference to have them next to each other?

 

[ian01]

Hi

The noise in the Fluval 305 may be caused by blocked impeller, try inspecting the impeller in the Fluval filter. Although Fluval say the impeller is self cleaning regular inspection should be done.

I currently have an Eheim 2026 which is in my cichlid tank and a Fluval 305 which is in a planted. In regards to the performance of the Eheim 2026 I must say it hands down is the best canister filter i have owned.

In one of my tanks, I used Seachem Purigen to treat cloudy water. It worked a treat, the cloudiness cleared and the tank is now clean and clear.

 

[rabbut]

The outlet and inlet positoning makes quite a difference if you are runing a filter on the edge of what it will cope with. Try moving the outlet to the oppsit end of the tank to see if that helps the clarity of your water. The Tetratec's are quieter than the Fluval 04 series, but I don't run the 05 series, so can't make a direct comparison

HTH
Rabbut

 

[LastBoy5cout]

Could someone please post a pic of what needs cleaning, as I have just bought a 305 second hand I have a rattle on it too. Took it all apart and reseated everything but its still noisy.

Thanks in advance