Which External Filter - Fluval 404?

EllieW · Sep 13, 2010

Hi I have a jewel vision 180 and would really like to improve the filteration on it, there's nothing wrong with my internal filter but feel it could do with faster filtration.

Would a Fluval 404, 405 be too much of an over kill in a 180 L tank? Is there anything that would suit better?

Thanks in advance for your help

Ellie

justjon · Sep 13, 2010

What filter are you currently running?

IMO that it overkill, I have a 125 and even the Fluval 205 is perfect enough for it.

EllieW · Sep 13, 2010

justjon said:
What filter are you currently running?

IMO that it overkill, I have a 125 and even the Fluval 205 is perfect enough for it.

Im just running the standard internal jewel filter.

N0body Of The Goat · Sep 13, 2010

How about an APS 1000EF for £50?
http

/cgi.ebay.co.uk/Aquarium-fish-tank-external-filter-1000L-H-Media-NEW-/310194936348?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item48390f1a1c

I was all set to get two of the 2000EF model for £150, until I spotted a fluval FX5 for the bonkers price of £137.50!
http

/cgi.ebay.co.uk/Fluval-FX5-External-Filter-New-UK-Model-/310184913438?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item4838762a1e

I still plan to get a single 2000EF next month, as a second filter for Nelly's old 5x2x2 which can also act as an emergency backup for either the Rio240 or the Korrall60 (albeit it would have to only stock the Squirrel Loaches!

)

EllieW · Sep 13, 2010

N0body Of The Goat said:
How about an APS 1000EF for £50?
http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/Aquarium-fish-tank-external-filter-1000L-H-Media-NEW-/310194936348?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item48390f1a1c

I was all set to get two of the 2000EF model for £150, until I spotted a fluval FX5 for the bonkers price of £137.50!
http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/Fluval-FX5-External-Filter-New-UK-Model-/310184913438?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item4838762a1e

I still plan to get a single 2000EF next month, as a second filter for Nelly's old 5x2x2 which can also act as an emergency backup for either the Rio240 or the Korrall60 (albeit it would have to only stock the Squirrel Loaches!

)

Wouldnt the fx5 been too much for my 180litre tank though. Ive heard before, there is so such thing as over filtering your tank, just wondered if this was true?

N0body Of The Goat · Sep 13, 2010

It all depends on the stocking. Hillstream Loach and other small riverine fish would love that awsome current, but something like a Betta splendens would probably die of stress very quickly!

I just mentioned the FX5 as I have had my own filter dilemma over the weekend. The APS I linked too, however, is a reasonable option for a tank your size.

Overfilteration is not a bad thing at all, its about setting up the outflow and consequent currents for the fish you have.

EllieW · Sep 16, 2010

Thanks for your help. I've just found a Fluval 305 brand new for sale locally, would this be ok in my 3ft 180 litre tank anyone?

Before I say yes.

Thanks Ellie

Too Fast · Sep 16, 2010

EllieW said:
Thanks for your help. I've just found a Fluval 305 brand new for sale locally, would this be ok in my 3ft 180 litre tank anyone?

Before I say yes.

Thanks Ellie

I have a Fluval 180L and am looking at upgrading my filter. I am looking at the 405 but I'm sure the 305 would be plenty. I've no doubt more experienced members will correct me if I'm wrong but depending on stock levels you should be looking at turning the water over 5+ times an hour for best results. The 305 does 1000 LPH so that would be ok.

kizno1 · Sep 16, 2010

I use a 404 on my 30G great filters and ive never had a problem with them being to much. Remember that for all that it says it does 1300lph but by the time theres media in it and its having to pump the water up a few feet it will drop that amount alot.