What External Heater/filter?

MikeO · Oct 22, 2012

Im looking to go external for the heater on my new tank - Figured one integrated into the filter would be best - Any suggestions? Will be for a 450L tank. Filtration iteself not massive issue as I will be putting my FX5 on it as well.

Thanks

Aquascaper · Oct 22, 2012

Better to have separate heater & filter IMO.

If one craps out you don't have to be without the other while getting it sorted. Hydor are the most common external inline heaters and this would leave you open to a wider range of external filters to choose from as the ones with built in heaters are limited (can only think of Eheim).

alistairw · Oct 22, 2012

Hi Mike

I recently upgraded my heater to a Hydor external filter. Best thing I have done apart from using an external filter. You just have to splice it into the outlet tube from your external filter, set your temp and switch on. Its really easy.

Here is a link to Amazon for one: http

/www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=hydor+external+filter

They do 2 hose sizes...12mm and 16mm so makesure you check what yours are.

There is a Rena smart heater which I looked at, but most of the reviews said that they broke.....although this does go in the tank, it can be fitted to the end of your outlet pipe. I think the Hydor is pretty much bomb proof.

I have been using mine for a month now and not had a single problem.

Hope this helps.

Al

MikeO · Oct 23, 2012

Thanks for the advice.

Might look at that hydor.

Scrapping the "in the filter" idea (Ehim were also what I had come accross) as I have a second external filter coming my way now, so silly to buy a third.

Still going with a new heater though - My new setup is 550L and I am not comfortable with having just one 300W heater on it - Struggles in the winter to keep my current 260L at 26.5 so I think another is in order, just want to keep as much out of the tank as possible