External Filter Recommendations?

[KathyM]

Hi you lot

We've decided to start saving for an external filter for our tank. Ideally we need something to suit a 48" x 15" x 18" with 4 angels, 2 plecs and tetras/cories/etc. So a good amount of filtration needed.

However, if we get one, it seems daft to buy one for this tank then upgrade the tank in future for the plecs and have the filter not be suitable for that too - so we'd also need it to be able to filter up to 5ft x 2ft x 2ft with the same fish.

My sister got an FX5 cheap for her tank (around £100) so if anyone knows of cheap suppliers of those or similar that would be great. Sadly we're on a tight budget, and I don't really want to go over £100, and preferably less (we're going to look into 2nd hand too).

What would you recommend?

Thanks

Kathy
xx

 

[KathyM]

Anyone?

 

[The-Wolf]

although I have not even seen one out of the box I'd say the new fluval FX5 would do the job.

however you may want to go for an eheim
either the pro 3 2080 (rated at 1700 l/h)
or the pro 2 2028 (1050 l/h)
your 5ft tank will be around 550ltr so any of them will be sufficient

HTH

 

[KathyM]

The Eheims are waaaayyy out of our budget unfortunately. The FX5 would be pushing it to be honest, but I've seen that for sale for approx £100. The Eheim Pro III 2080 is closer to £200 which to me is way overpriced (but that's what you get with the Eheim name *lol*).

I'd consider them second hand though, so maybe that's worth looking into, and thanks for the help

 

[The-Wolf]

ok then for good quality externals at a sensable price
look for tetratec 1200 cannister or jebo 809.
infact the jebo 809 can be found here at £59.95
http/www.charterhouse-aquatics.co.uk/cat...s-c-52_186.html

I myself have the 809 on my 42g tank and it is great;
the only thing is this filter is made by LAC and they went bankrupt a few months ago
maybe an idea to buy a spare impellor and other stuff at the same time.

 

[KathyM]

Thanks very much - I'll have a look at that link you gave

 

[bobf]

Thanks very much - I'll have a look at that link you gave

If you do go in for the big tank I'd look very seriously at getting two external filters.

Much better for the water movement within the tank and makes the maintainence (and consequently water quality) much better as the filter maintainence can be rotated.

As a brand I'd always favour Eheim (although I own and have used others as well) and for £100 you should be able to get a couple of decent sized 2nd hand filters from ebay - don't be too precious about 'old model/new model' as much of the difference is cosmetic. Only moving part is the impeller which is not expensive to replace, otherwise they will last a lifetime.

If getting older/less stylish filters means bigger filter then go for it! Filter volume is the key to the long-term sucess!

 

[KathyM]

Thanks Bob - the plan was to get one filter soon, and another before we get the bigger tank. We thought in the long run that's probably better than getting one huge one?

 

[phlawed]

Cascade canisters is what i use and absolutly LOVE THEM. VERY quiet and does its thing and much cheaper than some other brands. I get mine off ebay dirt cheap.

 

[KathyM]

Thanks Phlawed - will look at them too

 

[SamUK]

my main worry with an external was that it would be too noisy but after reading this thread i think im gonna have to go shopping.

 

[so-fishy!]

I was going to ask the same question! I have a Juwel Rekord 120 with the original internal filter (which quite honestly is pants) and I am currently looking for a external filter that will do the job and be powerful enough if I upgrade to a bigger tank in the future. Have been looking on ebay and there seems a good selection.

 

[keane]

my main worry with an external was that it would be too noisy but after reading this thread i think im gonna have to go shopping.

Hi Sam,

sorry to butt in....I think I recall from other threads that you have a 6 x 2 x 2 tank. Is that right?

May I ask what filtration you have at present if you don't have externals?

I can't imagine two (or even three) internal filters would have anywhere near the capacity to sufficiently filter the amount of water your tank holds. Or do you have a sump?

As you suggest, I would go "shopping" and get a couple of big(ish) external filters and I highly recommend the fluval 404 (which is probably now a hell of a lot cheaper too, now the 5 series has been brought out).

Mine never let me down.

(sorry again....)

Steve

 

[KathyM]

ok then for good quality externals at a sensable price
look for tetratec 1200 cannister or jebo 809.
infact the jebo 809 can be found here at £59.95
http/www.charterhouse-aquatics.co.uk/cat...s-c-52_186.html

I myself have the 809 on my 42g tank and it is great;
the only thing is this filter is made by LAC and they went bankrupt a few months ago
maybe an idea to buy a spare impellor and other stuff at the same time.

I've just seen a couple of these for sale second hand - one is the Jebo 828 and the other is a Jebo 819. Which is the best out of these two? going to have a look and see if spare parts are availble for them....