External Filter Question

[jdprice1988]

hi all,

im new to fish keeping and have just bought a juwel rio 240it was second hand and did not come with the original filter. it came with an internal filter which i cant remember make or model but will post as soon as i go home. it seems a bit small for the tank to be working on its own. i will keep this for a hospital tank or backup option.

i am looking to get an external filter as these seem to be the better option. i am looking at the Fluval 305. i have two questions.

1) is it wise for me to use an external filter as im new to fish keeping? will it be over complex for a beginer?

2) if its not to complex then would the 305 be sufficient for my tank size? ive read that the whole volume of the tank sould be passed through the filter media 4-5 times and hour. fluval say it will pass 1000 lt an hour so im wondering if this is too boarderline and perhaps go for the 405 instead?

i want to do everything right from day one as it will save money in the long run and also i wont need to upgrade unless i upgrade my tank.

one more question aswel. are these filters any good? or is there any other recomendations that are worth looking at

many thanks

 

[Gaz_S]

Nothing complex about external filters, all it means is you have more space in your tank, it looks better and instead of having dirty filter media in your tank its outside. Which means when cleaning the filter media none of the waste falls back into the water, which is a pain. As for the Fluval 305 i have no experience with this but im sure it is similar to mine, i think it will be enough for your tank. But if you can afford the 405 buy it then if you get the bug and upgrade to a bigger tank you can use it again.

 

[Wills]

Yeah externals are easy and the best I have an FX5 on my 240 and its great Cleaning is a bit scary still but not difficult well made machines in general but dont get a cheap unknown one as if it goes wrong it could empty your tank to the floor

 

[jdprice1988]

im also looking at Eheim Classic 2217. it says it does 264gph which is more than sufficient for my 240 im guessing. it Includes Hosing and Spraybars, Filter Foam and Pads and all for £75. seems quite reasonable.

has anyone any experiance with these filters and are thay any good?