Buying An External Filter

[m1lky12]

Hey, a few months ago I wrote a topic about what external filter to get where I was pointed in the direction of the All Pond Solution range which fit into my relatively low budget. Now that pay day, a tank rescape and a possible upgrade are all round the corner I'm just looking for opinions on which APS external to get. My current tank is 100 liters (Aqua One UFO 550) and the upgrade, which I've had sitting empty downstairs for the last 4 months is the next size up, 175 liters (Aqua One UFO 700).

So I'm stuck between the APS 2000EF and 1400EF as I know with this range the flow rate is significantly lower than what's advertised. Now the logical choice would be to pay the extra £10 and get the 2000EF but would the flow rate be a little strong for my current tank? Considering it's a corner tank so the footprint and surface area are relatively small I don't want it too strong.

Opinions would be appreciated!

 

[techen]

I'd recommend avoiding APS, As would a few others on this forums. Maybe look into a tetra or Aqua manta are both in the same price range as APS. It's just APS has a filter seal leak issue on many of there filters and there bad customer support can put people off APS rarely quickly.
 
That being said there are many happy people with APS filters I just thought I'd give you a overview.


Before I start the flame war, Get the 10 quid extra one. More flow never hurts and if you are planted or going to plant it helps in the long run anyway

 

[The Taffy Apple]

These.....everytime-------> http/www.amazon.co.uk/Fluval-External-Filter-aquariums-300L/dp/B005QRDDWY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1359324618&sr=8-1
 
Terry.

 

[m1lky12]

I'd recommend avoiding APS, As would a few others on this forums. Maybe look into a tetra or Aqua manta are both in the same price range as APS. It's just APS has a filter seal leak issue on many of there filters and there bad customer support can put people off APS rarely quickly.
 
That being said there are many happy people with APS filters I just thought I'd give you a overview.


Before I start the flame war, Get the 10 quid extra one. More flow never hurts and if you are planted or going to plant it helps in the long run anyway

Yeah I've heard mixed reviews, some say it's brilliant value for money, the others say it's a bit dodgy in terms of it's overall quality, and yeah I was leaning towards the 2000EF anyways just making sure. Thanks for your opinion!

 
 

These.....everytime-------> http/www.amazon.co.uk/Fluval-External-Filter-aquariums-300L/dp/B005QRDDWY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1359324618&sr=8-1
 
Terry.

Ahh that's an awesome price! Another avenue I was thinking about going down was the Fluval route, now the upgrade is out the 206s price has gone right down to the APS bracket! Obviously the 306 is better but more expensive, would the 206 with 780LPH be enough for my (hopeful) upgrade? Been advertised in my LFS for less than £70 as an end of stock clearance.

Just to let you know I've just searched the 306 and I've found a price reduction down to £80 online! I think I've a winner

 

[techen]

I wish you luck and hope you don't have a leaky seal though!

 

[m1lky12]

I wish you luck and hope you don't have a leaky seal though!

Haha thanks!

Although I think I'm going to go with Taffy Apples advice and look at the Fluvals, especially since they seem to be pretty cheap at the moment!

 

[techen]

Yea I don't see much issue with fluvals.

 

[balajake]

I have 2 aps internals and I use external tetratec ex1200s on my big tanks. The aps internals are very very good but I have no experience of their externals . They do a 1000lph external one that's £40. It's grey and would be suitable for your size tank

 

[fish+peace]

A spray bar will tame a filter that is too powerful, but unless you may be upgrading to an even bigger tank don't get too caught up
 
I like the fluval range because they've been good to me and i haven't had any problems i think the APS even do a uv filter one for around the fluval price
 
If its new with a warranty they 'should' all be ok don't forget not many people go on a forum to say how well there filter works so there usually populated with negative posts and some are even user errors eg not lubricating/replacing seals etc

 

[TRAGICTRAMP]

tetratec ex1200 all day long, i got that in my loach 125l tank and the fluval 306 in my community 155l tank, the tetra's far easier to manage and does a better job.

 

[Boromir]

I just bought a APS external filter and not having any luck with it atm, the noise it makes sounds like the engine noise you hear on star trek the next generation. So I emailed them about it and they said it might be air trapped inside so told me to tilt it, so when I did water started to leak out. E-mailed them again and they are sending me out a new replacement head, Im hoping this one will work if not sending whole unit back and asking for refund.

 

[RCA]

I wish you luck and hope you don't have a leaky seal though!

Haha thanks!

Although I think I'm going to go with Taffy Apples advice and look at the Fluvals, especially since they seem to be pretty cheap at the moment!

Which did you get in the end?
 

I just bought a APS external filter and not having any luck with it atm, the noise it makes sounds like the engine noise you hear on star trek the next generation. So I emailed them about it and they said it might be air trapped inside so told me to tilt it, so when I did water started to leak out. E-mailed them again and they are sending me out a new replacement head, Im hoping this one will work if not sending whole unit back and asking for refund.

What is the latest on this please?

 

[m1lky12]

 

 

I wish you luck and hope you don't have a leaky seal though!

Haha thanks!

Although I think I'm going to go with Taffy Apples advice and look at the Fluvals, especially since they seem to be pretty cheap at the moment!

Which did you get in the end?
 

I just bought a APS external filter and not having any luck with it atm, the noise it makes sounds like the engine noise you hear on star trek the next generation. So I emailed them about it and they said it might be air trapped inside so told me to tilt it, so when I did water started to leak out. E-mailed them again and they are sending me out a new replacement head, Im hoping this one will work if not sending whole unit back and asking for refund.

What is the latest on this please?
 


Hi sorry late reply! Ended up with a Fluval 305 from my LFS for about £80 including a spraybar. Really happy I paid a little more rather than going for the cheaper options. Tank has been cycled since and all set up for the last few months, see my other thread about the stocking which I'm about half way through getting. http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/418727-options-for-stocking-an-amazon-biotope/