External Filter On A 125L Tank. Dumb Idea ?

[DrRob]

I used an external (albeit only a 2213) on a 30l tank recently, so no, it's not overkill.
 
Word of advice on the APS filters, they have a reputation for the flow rates not really matching up to the stated numbers once you put media in them and get them going, so people often end up with the bigger sizes, although there isn't all that much price difference.

 

[goldfinger]

Anything that makes the water quality better is a good thing.
I have a Ehiem 2217 on my 125litre tank and have the same issues with mounting the pipes, but I have feeder holes and vents on the top lid, which I just poke through with hardelbows, so the pipe doesn't kink or restrict flow. TBF I'm moving it soon to a bigger tank, but I've always said better to go larger filter so you can future proof the equipment!
 

 

[Matt75]

Thanks. I've gone for the APS 1000+ which the UV add on attached. Will see how it pans out in fitment terms once it gets here.
 
Next on the shopping list today, after that my silk plants (for the Betta 20L tank) I'm on the hunt for Unipac natural sand. But might need to head out for that on Saturday morning from Malvern Aquatics, then I'll shift the fishies into a 60L holding tank in their own water, swap the filter over, then the substrate and wait for it to settle as I add water back in, then bonus 30% water change and add fish back in when it all stabilises.

 

[mtbdean]

I run externals on all of my tanks, JBL EX700 on my 60l, Fluval 205 on my 30l, Fluval 306 on my 120l

 

[This Old Spouse]

Externals on all mine as well, save my 5g fry tank! Wouldn't have it any other way. My smallest is a 20g (75l) and that tank has no problems.

 

[Matt75]

Thanks for your advice and suggestions all.
 
I went with the APS in the end, with the UV lamp attached thats been running for almost a week now. I'll be posting some shots into the tank section, since I've moved to sand as well (did it at the same time since the fish were out).
 
I have to say, its notably clearer in the tank even though I need to shorten some of the hose lines to remove a loop in each one which may be retarding flow slightly.