Eheim Aquaball 130 Or Fluval 3 Plus

[biggy7]

hi guys

im setting up a tank and i need to buy a new filter

the tank is a Rena Aquaria 60 (http/www.gardenandleisure.com/products/rena_aquarama.html) and i originally wanted to buy an external one but i dont think the pipes would fit with the lid on. Lid has to small openings at the back for cables but dont think they are big enough for pipes of say a ex600 filter. is there anyway around this?

so my next thought was to get an internal one, and of course eheim brand comes to mind. i found the Aquaball 130 which looks good but the Fluval 3 Plus also looks good value for money too.


Which one do i go for? im only a beginner and will be doing a fishless cycle.

Thanks in advance.

 

[yabadaba]

Maybe you could try modifying the lid - i.e. enlarge the openings or create new ones? I made a few changes quite easily with a hack saw to one of my Juwel Rekord lids.

Regarding the internals, I've had very good experiences with the Eheimn Aquaballs, but never tried the Fluval Plus series, though I've heard they are good and a mate has one that has always worked reliably and well.

 

[Essjay]

You could also look at the Eheim Biopower 160. It has the same turnover as the Aquaball 130, but it has a large basket of substrat pro and a sponge where the aquaball has two sponges.

 

[biggy7]

Thanks for the info

i just bought an EX600 for £44.98 delivered brand new on ebay, thought it was a bargain.

will have to do something with my tank lid though, not sure what yet!

 

[OohFeeshy]

I'd imagine the plastic is thin enough to cut some holes out fairly easily, a hacksaw should be fine. You could also enlarge the holes for the cables using the same method.

 

[biggy7]

I'd imagine the plastic is thin enough to cut some holes out fairly easily, a hacksaw should be fine. You could also enlarge the holes for the cables using the same method.

Thanks, my only concern is if i want to upgrade tank in the future it may affect resale value?