Best Filter And Heater

[River Dog]

If you want a large external, as I said before my FX5's are three years old and run silent. One would cope with my tank, but I like to double up on my filtration. I have never used other Fluval filters, but I guess that because of the comments on here, Fluval must have upped their game with the FX5. The bigger Eheim are meant to be the dogs danglies, but never having used one, I cannot comment too much. But Eheim's reputation is legendary.

 

[bitteraspects]

i currently use both the FX5 and eheim 2229 (and a 2227) canister. both are great, but serve different purposes.
cant go wrong with either. though the 2229 is very expensive, and usually is a bit much for most people. you just pay extra for all the doo dads. lol

 

[lferron]

ok then are the fx5's easy ish to use? and clean? how often do bits need changing ect. i have only had internal but your are right the are horrible to look at, which is y i want to get external but just havent got clue bout them!

 

[sjolliff]

Like other members have said all have problems,

I had the fluval 205 and it leaked after a few days i came back from been out all day to find id lost about 10L from my tank
it was also noisey, felt cheap and just not right IMO

i was warned about the fluvals leaking but i gave it the benefit of the doubt
Since that i bought the tetratec EX1200 it runs silent now, a really solid unit build quality feels alot better, also i think it has better media options, and iv heard the customer service is spot on

there are more leaks on the EX700 as they has an issue with it leaking from the body near the taps, but that was about 6 months ago and the newer ones should be ok

From what people have said on here and other peoples accounts id say ( in no particually order) Tetratec,Ehiem and Rena are the top 3

But the FX5 are rated top too, you dont hear problems with them like you do with the 205/305 etc

 

[bitteraspects]

tetratec is better used as a paperweight IME.

eheim is by far the mosty reliable, and best build quality. but again, you will end up paying more for an eheim. (still well worth the price)
rena xp series are also popular and fairly priced, but i dont use them personally. you can get a better filter for the same price IME.
and of course the fx5.

but like i said earlier. you also have the option of a wet/dry (either off the shelf or DIY). both functionally and cost effective.

i like my HOB's personally

 

[sjolliff]

tetratec is better used as a paperweight IME.

Have had a leaking Tetratec?
If so what was it?
Cheers Steve

 

[bitteraspects]

again, a quick google search will turn up a ton of results. thats probably the best bet to get whatever information it is youre looking for. lots of individual accounts, and many of them clearly documented with specifics about the problems.
hope this helps

 

[sjolliff]

Known problem on older models. This is on aquatics online website:

"Tetra have identified a problem with this range of filters. The hose adaptor unit ball valve spindles can leak water, which then fills up the compartments within the top of the filter and then overflows down the sides of the canister. This leads the customer to think that the main canister seal is leaking, when in fact it is most unlikely.

Tetra have modified the adaptor unit and are fitting it to all new production stock

This is a quote from another forum, and alot of the problems were around 2008

 

[bitteraspects]

that is also one incident. continue reading. the info is all there for the taking.

 

[lferron]

well i have been doing nothing but google searchs and im swaying toward the fx5. has anyone had any specific problems with it or know of a problem with it? gone of the idea of a tetratec as there are alot of reports of leaks.

 

[sjolliff]

It did continue to leak, then he got a new filter which then everything was ok,
I think we will have to agree to dis-agree

Your for fluval im for tetratec

 

[bitteraspects]

i never said i was "for fluval". quite frankly, if i was "for" any particular brand of canister, it would be eheim. however, i am "for" facts. and its pretty well known that tetratec has lots of leakage issues. it has nothing to do with me personally agreeing or disagreeing with you, all i said was do a search and see for yourself.

i still prefer my aquaclear HOB over just about EVERY canister. higher flow rate, comparable media volume, and easier to use. but that's just me. they've worked for me for many years now, and will continue to run for another 5-10 more, according to popular reviews by long term users.

to the OP:

some people have problems with the initial start up of the FX5. if not assmebled and primed properly, it wont run properly. (much like anything else). as with most user error, its easily set right. if you do get one, make sure to read and follow all set up and assembly instructions, and you should be fine.

 

[lferron]

some people have problems with the initial start up of the FX5. if not assmebled and primed properly, it wont run properly. (much like anything else). as with most user error, its easily set right. if you do get one, make sure to read and follow all set up and assembly instructions, and you should be fine.
[/quote]

aquaclear HOB. sorry i know nothing about this. you think that would be better then the fx5 ? ill do a google search on the aquaclear now.

 

[bitteraspects]

some people have problems with the initial start up of the FX5. if not assembled and primed properly, it wont run properly. (much like anything else). as with most user error, its easily set right. if you do get one, make sure to read and follow all set up and assembly instructions, and you should be fine.

aquaclear HOB. sorry i know nothing about this. you think that would be better then the fx5 ? ill do a google search on the aquaclear now.

it depends where you are located. hagen UK does not carry the aquaclear line. (though nobody at hagen uk could give me a reason why. even they dont know. hahahah)

as far as fx5 vs. ac110... thats a tough one. i like both filters, however my oldest aquaclear110 HOB is 8 or 9 years old, and has never given me any problems that weren't user errors. and i have personally spoken to people who have been running thei aquaclear500's (the older name for the now aquaclear110) for 15, and even 20 years. 20 years out of one filter is pretty darn impressive no matter what brand you prefer.

based on cost, i would rather run 2 ac110 rather then a fx5. but i do also run the fx5 canister on some of my tanks.

 

[lferron]

some people have problems with the initial start up of the FX5. if not assembled and primed properly, it wont run properly. (much like anything else). as with most user error, its easily set right. if you do get one, make sure to read and follow all set up and assembly instructions, and you should be fine.

aquaclear HOB. sorry i know nothing about this. you think that would be better then the fx5 ? ill do a google search on the aquaclear now.

it depends where you are located. hagen UK does not carry the aquaclear line. (though nobody at hagen uk could give me a reason why. even they dont know. hahahah)

as far as fx5 vs. ac110... thats a tough one. i like both filters, however my oldest aquaclear110 HOB is 8 or 9 years old, and has never given me any problems that weren't user errors. and i have personally spoken to people who have been running thei aquaclear500's (the older name for the now aquaclear110) for 15, and even 20 years. 20 years out of one filter is pretty darn impressive no matter what brand you prefer.

based on cost, i would rather run 2 ac110 rather then a fx5. but i do also run the fx5 canister on some of my tanks.

might sound abit silly question but the aquaclear sits on top of the tank right? where does the lid with the light and stuff go ! ? sorry i am completley stupid bout this !