Cant Decide On Internal Filter - Help

[clivealive]

been dithering for ages :  Help
 
i want an internal to spuce up the water in my 220L tank that already has a fluval 405 running.     tank is 4ft L x 15" D X 18" H
 
I want one that you can use what ever media u like and you arnt forever buying there canisters.
 
I want the option of putting in a nitrate reducing media type product.
 
obviuosly using as a second filter it doesnt have to be fully upto the 220 L level maybe a bit less.
 
i will need to be careful not to make to much flow with 2 filters.
 
ideally i dont want to see through and look at the sponges or media etc.
 
iam not bothered about a spray bar as i already have one on the fluval 405
 
I dont want to pay mega money maybe around £15-£30 ish all in.
 
what do u think , advice welcome.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

[Wansui]

You could take a look at the fluval U3. £36.00 on amazon.

 

[clivealive]

does that cover all the above and are there any other thoughts

 

[Ch4rlie]

There are a few internals that are fairly decent, Fluvals are one of them, Eheims are another but a little pricier though.
 
But there are lots of internals that are available on second hand, as well as new, on sites such as eBay and Gumtree, would be worth your while to have a look on there and see if theres anything that takes your fancy.
 
I have not heard of any such 'bad' filters to have, more of  a matter of personal choice and budget.
 
Personally, I certainly would have one of the two i listed earlier, I already have a Fluval U2, does exactly what its supposed to do and maintenance is pretty straightforward and simple to do.
 
Other options you may not have thought of, are small external canisters that are emerging now that will certainly clean the water, just simply add filter floss/wool.
 
And as for nitrate reducing media, why do you want this?
Live plants and weekly water changes are generally what are done to keep nitrate at decent levels.

 

[clivealive]

when u say eheims there are various what is best?
The fluval series - can u choose ur own media or are they manufactures own sealed units ??
i would like to put media of my choice ideally.
sadly i havent been able to get any plants that dont get eaten.
funnily enough i brought 3 plants today to see how i get on.
so with no plants nothing eats the nitrate. so x fingers.
thanks so much for everyones input so far