What Is The Best Ext Filter For A Fluval Roma 200 Tank?

[snazy]

I have the 2000 version of the APS external filter for about 10 months working perfectly.
I really can't understand why the complaints about the filter flow. The only reason would be if you are using the spray bar, the holes in it are really tiny and can get clogged easily. I never used the spray bar and the guppies can't swim up there. Here is a video of the flow of the filter with one major cleaning in 10 months time:

http/www.youtube.com/watch?v=DY0BIcxn7rY

 

[saz326]

You should be able to order a replacement lid section.
I cut out the cut-out section at the back of the tank surround - certainly hides the pipework of my ex1200. Cut carefully, and burr any sharp edges off with a file, or whip out a blow torch to melt any little frays (just dont melt the main plastic!)

Let us know how it works out for you.

 

[dbanner]

Tetratec ex1200 without a doubt. I have 2 on my Rio 400 (450 litre) and they are awesome.

Iv had an all pond solutions EF2000+ (which just about coped on my old 180 litre), iv also had a fluval fx5, 406, 405, 306 and a 205...

I find the ex1200's the best all rounder out of all of the filters iv had

 

[snazy]

I have to try the Tetratec filter one day. So many here recommend them. Is there any downside to it that you've noticed?

 

[dbanner]

I have to try the Tetratec filter one day. So many here recommend them. Is there any downside to it that you've noticed?

No downsides iv noticed tbh. I bought 1 purely because it was cheap (£89 brand new and delivered) and had good reviews. It was coping well on its own in my 450 litre but I know the more filtration you have, the better, so soon after I bought the 2nd one giving me a combined turnover of around 1900LPH (with filter media). I bought them to replace the fluval fx5 that came with my tank. Don't get me wrong the fx5 was ok but it was a truly hideous looking thing, like a giant dustbin. Used to depress me having to look at it from time to time lol and as I said I already tried other fluvals and an all pond solutions so I went for the tetratecs for a change... So glad I did now.

Overall performance is great, great build quality, quiet, not too big, not bad looking, cheap in comparison to the fx5, 406 and most eheim filters, very good customer care and better again if you decide to run a hydor external heater as I have.

I used to run 2 x 300 watt internal heaters, which lets be fair, internals look terrible in any tank. Now I run a single 300 watt hydor external and it copes brilliantly. My tank has no cold spots and it keeps my tank at the 27 degrees c that I need. Less clutter in the tank can only be a good thing too and plus my cichlids (at the time) used to bump into the internals all the time burning themselves, heater guards are ok but I much prefer externals now.

The 300 watt hydor heater connects straight onto the outlet pipe of the ex1200.

 

[snazy]

Thanks I might try it out when finance allows. It would be nice replacement to either an internal in my 30G or addition to my bigger tank. I've got the APS 2000 in a 330 litre tank and I absolutely have no complaints considering I've sand and my 7 inch poo machine(pleco) hasn't been able to destroy it. I don't siphon anything, just do a water change. So if if tetratecs combos are better, and I've read here a lot of members recommending them, I might give it a go. It will come in use one way or another.

 

[dbanner]

Thanks I might try it out when finance allows. It would be nice replacement to either an internal in my 30G or addition to my bigger tank. I've got the APS 2000 in a 330 litre tank and I absolutely have no complaints considering I've sand and my 7 inch poo machine(pleco) hasn't been able to destroy it. I don't siphon anything, just do a water change. So if if tetratecs combos are better, and I've read here a lot of members recommending them, I might give it a go. It will come in use one way or another.

The APS filters are not bad at all for the money, you get what you pay for with them, as with most things. As I said, I had the APS EF2000+ (the UV model) on my 180 litre which is around 45-50gal (jewel vision 180) I believe and it was coping... Just. The UV bulb on the other hand was useless. My water appeared the same and I had the same water readings whether the bulb was on or off. I also had no algae either way. When I did use the bulb it broke... A lot. It had to be replaced several times in a matter of just 8-12 weeks. I also found out that the flow rate dropped from the manufacturers stated 2000LPH to a disappointing 950LPH. Don't get me wrong, all filters drop to that of what is stated on the box but most don't drop half as much as the APS's. The ex1200's drop from 1200LPH to around 950... This is because of the media inside the filters.

If your looking for a filter for the 30gal then maybe the tetratec ex700 would be a better choice, the ex1200 may be a little too powerful for a tank of that size. The ex1200 is rated for tanks from 200-500 litres so it would be ideal on your 330 litre

 

[snazy]

How do you guys test the actual flow rate. I would love to test mine to see.

 

[dbanner]

How do you guys test the actual flow rate. I would love to test mine to see.

I didn't test mine personally. There are threads on here where other members have done tests and the APS 2000, 1400, 1000 and the ex1200 are on there. Can't remember what others. It works by getting a certain sized bucket or canister and putting the filter hose into it and basically seeing how long it takes to fill it. Something like that anyway... Can't quite remember. I just remember the figure.

 

[Aquascaper]

Place the filter output into a bucket at the same height as the tank and run for 60 seconds (if this produces too much then decrease the time but work that into your calculations).

Measure the volume of water collected. This gives you litres per minute. Multiply by 60 to give a rough indication of litres per hour.

 

[snazy]

Place the filter output into a bucket at the same height as the tank and run for 60 seconds (if this produces too much then decrease the time but work that into your calculations).

Measure the volume of water collected. This gives you litres per minute. Multiply by 60 to give a rough indication of litres per hour.

That seems easy enough. I just have to figure out how to keep the bucket up there and not make a flood

 

[dbanner]

Place the filter output into a bucket at the same height as the tank and run for 60 seconds (if this produces too much then decrease the time but work that into your calculations).

Measure the volume of water collected. This gives you litres per minute. Multiply by 60 to give a rough indication of litres per hour.

And there's your answer.. I knew it had something to do with water, buckets, time and measuring lol