What Should I Be Looking For In A Filter?

[CezzaXV]

Hello all,

I'm currently cycling my 60L tank and running the Marina S15 filter that came with it. However, I kind of don't like the filter and would prefer one with the trays for different media, rather than the the cartridges that go with this one. Ideally I'd be able to find another filter which is a reasonable medium between price and quality for my tank, and keep my current filter as a spare for a quarantine tank. However, I really have no idea what I'm supposed to be looking at in a filter.

Help?

 

[fishyfeet]

its only small and even a 105 fluval external would be too much, unless you can restrict the flow its far better to overfilter which i do in my tanks anyway then to have a filter that is going to struggle, i think you are doing the right thing, i did that with my three tanks, all came with an internal filter which i removed and replaced with 3 fluval 305's externals, by far the best way to go, like i said im just not sure if the smallest one is just too powerful for your tank. di

 

[dunnm]

Apologies fishyfeet, I disagree put an external on - I run a river reef 94l and keep the internel running (which is good probably better flow than the 305) but I also have a Fluval 305 - you can control the flow of the Fluval (a spray bar is a must in a small tank) and if you put a lot of floss in the top basket flow is reduced.
In my mind you cant have too much filtration.

 

[BigbruiserAl]

Agree you cant over filter a tank, i would get a tetratec 700 they have taps on them which allow you to reduce flow to your fish needs and the brand is great value for money

 

[CezzaXV]

Is there a minimum litres per hour rate I should be looking at for a 60L tank?

 

[BigbruiserAl]

Aim for times 5 tank turnover if you have live plants some will say x 10 turnover.

As an example you want a filter with 300lph but what on the box is rarely what you get when you add media my tetratec 1200lph flow 890lph when all full so maybe grab a Tetratec EX 600/700. As i said it has taps to slow flow and a spray bar so fih dont fly about

 

[raptorrex]

Is there a minimum litres per hour rate I should be looking at for a 60L tank?

yes, as somebody said. you need a filter with 300lph. but that's not the claim on the box. it real flow. to work it out. deduct 50-60% from the makers claim.
I'd go for an external, something like an Eheim 2213/15 (cheap enough @£30 sh) a fluval 205. or, if you can find one a hydor prime 20.