Switching From Juwel Internal Filter To External

[justjon]

Lots of changes going on to my tank soon I think

I want to switch to an external filter, first off because I hear they are much better to keep your tank filtered than the internal Juwel ones, secondly because I don't like an ugly black box in my tank, and thirdly because i'm switching to sand and am worried it'll jam up easily as said in the other thread.

What filter would be perfect for a Juwel Lido 120?

It's very tight against a corner wall, would I have problems fitting an external to it at all? My tank Stand has a shelf in it but I could remove this to fit the filter in.

Could I also do this whilst the fish are in the tank to reduce stress, and would I just cut up and stuff some filter media in the new filter for bacteria survival?

 

[CrystalClear16]

You will need enough room between the tank and the wall to fit the pipes behind it, so you may need to move the tank forward a couple of inches.

You can switch the filters without moving the fish - in fact it is proberly easier if you do. When I changed over I came across three methods:
1) Cut your current sponges to fit in the new filter.
2) Run the two filters together, allowing the bacteria to 'migrate' to the new filter.
3) Keep the old sponges in the tank, but not actually in the new filter.

Personally I did 3 and wedged the sponges so they were right next to the filter intake. I tested daily and had a minor spike on day 3 (rectified with a swift water change) and all was fine after that.

If you are looking at switching both the gravel and filter I personally would leave it a good few weeks between the two changes. Your substrate will also have bacteria in it so I would be wary of messing with the two main areas of bacteria at the same time.

 

[justjon]

Thanks Any opinions on a good filter for the Lido 120? I'm going to pet shop tommorow

I'll do the filter first, then the sand in a few weeks time, will probably personally go for cutting the sponges and wedging them between new spongest.

 

[CrystalClear16]

Thanks Any opinions on a good filter for the Lido 120? I'm going to pet shop tommorow

I'll do the filter first, then the sand in a few weeks time, will probably personally go for cutting the sponges and wedging them between new spongest.

As for what is right for your tank, what filter do you currently have? Does your stocking need a certain level of filtration?

When choosing your filter check the LPH to ensure it at least matches your current one.

When picking mine I looked into a few different brands but settled for the Fluval 205 because a) it was half price at my LFS (bargain!) and b) after extensive Googling I couldn't find a bad review.

 

[justjon]

The pump apparently does 600L p/h - so shall I go higher?

 

[Verminator89]

As a user of Fluval i like them, despite their flaws. A Fluval 205 would cover you filtration needs fine, also with it being technically more powerfull than required it'll help with your plant growth as we've been discussing on your other thread.

I run a 60L on a Fluval 205
I run a 180L on a Fluval 305
And my new 280L will run on a Tetratec EX1200

Only my 60L is a planted tank though i shoudl mention

Remember the stated LPH on a filter is never what you actually get. They seem to work out the LPH on a clear water tank with no filter media in and even then mature media will slow the flow more than new media. So always over estimate when buying a filter. Better safe than sorry.

 

[justjon]

Thanks

If they have the 305, would it be at all beneficial to step up to that one? I see the 205 does 680LPH, but could I perhaps get a more stable water quality and even a few more little fish with a higher-powered filter?

What flaws were you referring to? I'm definately pointing towards the 205/305. Going to pop down very shortly.

 

[justjon]

Purchased the Fluval 205, will be fitting it soon