Best External Filter 180L

[kiddykat2085]

hi
got a 180l tropical tank, not many fish but a very happy and settled community tank!
tank has a "biobox2" its rubish!changed pump and still i dont like it! takes up alot of room too.
want to change to external filter, been looking at a few ie,tetra ex,and others, in my local store.but
i need help!willing to pay good money but dont know whats the best filter though lack of experience!
budget is at a push!£150
thanks for everyones help john
sorry forgot to say have a phillips ozone thing in tank too!

 

[soybean]

Everyone's going to tell you to get a tetratec 1200. It seems to be the standard response I like my eheim classic on my 180 litre, I have the 2215 but the 2217 would also be good if you have the extra money. Very quiet and called a classic for a reason.

 

[The Taffy Apple]

The new Fluval '06' ranges are very good from what i hear. I have the 205 in my 120L tank, efficient, quiet, powerful and easy to clean.

Terry.

 

[Aqua Tom]

The new Fluval '06' ranges are very good from what i hear. I have the 205 in my 120L tank, efficient, quiet, powerful and easy to clean.

Terry.

I run the 205 in my 180 litre tank, yes I know I am underfiltered but my maintenance regime makes up for it.


Tom

 

[mattlee]

Rena XP3 are great filters and very easy to work with.

i would avoid the eheim classic range as they are a pain to clean as they dont have baskets for the media, it all just gets chucked into the canister!!!! making then more time consuming to clean etc etc. i also found them to be very loud as they are constantly getting trapped air which is annoying. for a few quid more i would defo get the better and easier to work with filter. the Rena is also extremely silent and doesnt have any of these crap plunger type primers that always break.

 

[Nick217]

I would go for a fluval 306/5
Then you have monny left for spare media ect.

 

[mattlee]

unless Fluval have seriously improved their filters i would stay well clear tbh. unless looking for an FX5 which would be way too much for a 180.

Fluval external filters have a very bad reputation amongst fish keepers as they constantly break down or leak etc. the FX5 is their flagship and it seems they have done a great job on it. even the G series is getting bad press these days.

 

[kevin82]

I have had 3 Fluval external filters and have not had any trouble. I'm running a 305 and it keeps the water crystal clear in my Roma 240L tank.

For Value, have a look at the allpondsolutions external filters. I have friends that use these after recommendations on other forums and they are very happy with them. I think the 1400 model even comes with a UV for around £69.99

 

[Primous]

Ehiem classic if you want efficiency and silence!

 

[shoulders]

jbl filters are pretty good, by the way whats a phillips ozone thingy ?

 

[Nick217]

Hd no problems with my 205 which is 4 months old only had one clean so far and another i brought 2nd hand which is three years old no problems no leaks ect! perfect.

 

[Jay1983]

used to run a 205 on a 110l upgraded to a 305, then finally settled on a ex1200 it blows the fluvals out of the water. the fluvals did a great job but the tetratec is different league and would be superb on a 180... i've never used a eheim but have always heard great reviews.

Jay

 

[kiddykat2085]

lovely thanks everyone! your help is ace!
off to local store tomo so let you know how i get on!
many thanks john