Changing From Internal To External Filter?

[djl08]

Hi there, I'm planning to change from my interpet pf4 internal canister filter to an external filter. Probably Something like a get tetratec ex700 or similar.

Before I take the plunge I just wanted some advice as to the best way to go about it? And are there any issues I should expect to encounter during the transition.

Thanks in advance,

DJ

 

[CezzaXV]

All I can say is take everything out from the inside of your current filter and put it in the new one.

 

[elmo666]

I wud give the internal sponge a good squeeze into the external filter sponge, then allow both filters to run in unison for a week to seed the new filter. Then as said I would add whatever you have in the internal to your new filter, chopping up the sponge to make it fit.

 

[Teacher Martyn]

Hi,

I've just changed from internal to external.

I put all the filter material from the previous filter into the new one, turned off the old one, took it out and started up the new one as per instructions.

The filter I bought, JBL Cristal Profi e700, has the filter material divided into numerous sections so it was easy to take out a couple to squeeze in the old filter material while leaving the vast majority of new material inside. I also put the cylindrical conduits that ran through the middle of the old filter's sections into the new filter as they were covered in the friendly gunk.

It has all been absolutely fine and trouble free. All fish fine, water crystal clear and all fish bought subsequently fine too.

I have just removed a small portion of the filter material and replaced it with charcoal media, again, with no problems. Tank is very settled and happy.


Good luck.

Martyn

 

[tomtomtom1230]

You'll never go back to internals.... EVER

 

[The Taffy Apple]

I wud give the internal sponge a good squeeze into the external filter sponge, then allow both filters to run in unison for a week to seed the new filter. Then as said I would add whatever you have in the internal to your new filter, chopping up the sponge to make it fit.

Yet if the O.P simply moves EVERYTHING across to the new external filter there really shouldn't be any need to run both filters for any given time.

Terry.

 

[fluttermoth]

Running two filters in tandem is not a very good way of doing things. The current filter is probably dealing with most, if not all, the ammonia, so there won't be enough left in the water to encourage bacterial growth in the new one.

If you were to try and do it that way (which I would never recommend), you'd need to run the two filters for at least six weeks.

Moving all the media is by far the best and safest way to go about things. You can always gradually remove the old media and replace with new over a series of weeks, or you can leave it in there (the average external will have far more room for media than the average internal) and then if you ever need a hospital/quarantine/breeding tank set up in a hurry, you can fill the old filter with it's media from the external and a have fully cycled filter, ready to go, at a moments notice. You never know when that might come in handy.

 

[djl08]

Thanks for the replies, I was just a little concerned about having a mini cycle going on while I changed over. I don't want another cycle on my hands after spending 6 weeks doing a fish less cycle when I first set up the tank,

Thanks again,

Dj

 

[elmo666]

Glad all is fine in the tank. Not sure about the comment on the ammonia tho. Surely both filters are in use in essesnce, just that the sponge is in a different location? Only a thought and not important as you say all is well.

 

[djl08]

Ok thanks guys, any recomendations as to which filter to get. My tank is 100 x 40 x 50, holding approx 160-170l due to the substrate.
Got a budget of around £100 so I was looking at a tetratec ex1200 which will give me a flow rate of 1200l per hour?

Anyone have one of these or recommend a similar filter within my price range?

Thanks!

 

[KISSfn]

Eheim. One of a few brands that state true flow rate with media.

 

[djl08]

Was thinking of ordering this one, after reading reviews eheim seem to be the hands down favourites and found this at a great price!

http/www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/fish/filters_pumps/eheim_filters/external_filters/19459

 

[KISSfn]

Buy it!

 

[tomtomtom1230]

I've got a Fluval 206 for a 120L tank. The flow is fantastic and I do a thorough maintenance check on it once a month. I've not had any issues with it yet, touch wood. If I had a tank more than 150L then I'd definately go for the 306. Fluval parts are readily available in my LFS, too whereas with Eheim, I'd have to order parts online so if something was to go wrong with my filter, all I'd need to do was to take a 10 minute drive down the road rather than do 75% water changes every 12 hours until the parts were delivered These were the biggest buying factors for me: A good flow rate and readily available parts.

 

[djl08]

Buy it!

Ok!

I think I'll go with the eheim, having read a couple of times that it's the "BMW" of external filters. Plus it's 46% off at the moment


What are your thoughts on inline heaters ?