External Filter For Juwel 180l - Eheim Or Fluval?

[fishstick]

I want to take out my internal juwel filter and replace it with either a fluval 205 or 305 or an eheim 2224. Which should I choose?

 

[joecoral]

I would go with the Eheim for sure over a fluval external

 

[fry_lover]

How about an Eheim 2026 which you can get for £99.99 delivered from Charterhouse Aquatics or an Eheim 2028 which i have seen for £129.99 free delivery but i need to remember the site.

Whats your budget? I would choose Eheim for sure over Fluval or if you want a cheaper filter try Aqua Pro, i have two and they are fine and easy to use, a cheaper version of Eheim. You can get quite a big Aqua Pro (the Aqua Pro 4) for about £56 new including delivery from e-bay

All the prices i quote includes media

EDIT: i have x2 Eheim 2028 and x1 2026 also

And unless you got fish that need still water like Bettas LOL, even an Eheim 2028 would be okay for a Rio 180

 

[joecoral]

i think a 2028 is slightly overkill for a 180. the 2026 does up to 350L so is more than adequate for even a heavily stocked 180 (and cheaper obviously)

 

[fry_lover]

i think a 2028 is slightly overkill for a 180. the 2026 does up to 350L so is more than adequate for even a heavily stocked 180 (and cheaper obviously)

over-kill? i know what your saying, but really there is no over-kill, not if £30 is the price difference, check the stats and filter spec, for an extra £30 you get a LOT more filter volume (bio capacity) and i always say go a little "over board" if you buying an external, for a few more extra £££ you get your moneys worth.

In fact, only get an external that "apparently" suits your tank size wise, if you 100% sure you are never going to get a bigger tank, as when you start upgrading you will so glad you spent the extra £30 or £40 on each external, and sometimes its even just an extra £10-15

I always advise peeps not to pay too much attention to what the filter is "rated" for tank wise, pay some attention, but dont base your decision on it

 

[fishstick]

i think a 2028 is slightly overkill for a 180. the 2026 does up to 350L so is more than adequate for even a heavily stocked 180 (and cheaper obviously)

over-kill? i know what your saying, but really there is no over-kill, not if £30 is the price difference, check the stats and filter spec, for an extra £30 you get a LOT more filter volume (bio capacity) and i always say go a little "over board" if you buying an external, for a few more extra £££ you get your moneys worth.

In fact, only get an external that "apparently" suits your tank size wise, if you 100% sure you are never going to get a bigger tank, as when you start upgrading you will so glad you spent the extra £30 or £40 on each external, and sometimes its even just an extra £10-15

I always advise peeps not to pay too much attention to what the filter is "rated" for tank wise, pay some attention, but dont base your decision on it

OK so far, thanks everyone for opinions. The thing is the Fluval uses 15 watts, the Eheim 2224 only 8 watts. I dont want a very noticable current as it blows the plants about - just a gentle yet efficient filtration of my rather overstocked tank. My budget isn't the first concern, however the Professional 2 range costs more for what seems to be a later model. Is this right?

 

[DevUK]

I know you've not mentioned them, but on my Rio 180 I use a tetratec EX700. Its rated up to 250 litres and in my opinion is a fantastic filter. It can be had for as little as £45 inc shipping from zooplus which is an absolure bargain. Mines been running for over 3 months without a hitch. Cleaning is easy (as with most externals) and it was very easy to setup.

Thats my 2p