External Filter, What To Get?! Confused...

[JasonMichael]

Hi guys,

I'm upgrading my 60l tank to a 350l (Juwel Rio 300) next week and I'm removing the internal filter system. I'm currently stocking a community tank: Ghost kife, bristlenose, tetras, ram and loach.

I've been looking at 2 different external filters, I have been told both are really good systems but I'm not sure what to get.

- Fluval 406 (suitable for up to 400l tank)
- Eheim 2217 (suitable for up to 600l tank)

What do you guys think would be best for my tank? I'm leaning towards the Eheim as when I get more fish this should filter well, however I don't like the green pipes in the water so I'd change that. I've heard both models have occasional leeking if you dont lube up the seals, what can I use for this, Vaseline? also any tips on how to get these primed as I'm unfamiliar with this process?

Thanks for your help in advance!

 

[mike455555]

i used Vaseline for my 205

 

[JasonMichael]

i used Vaseline for my 205

Awesome thanks

 

[alistairw]

Hello again!!

I have been looking at the externals too! Got another external to throw at you! I have a 90 litre tank and was looking at the Tetra Tec ex700. They do another one for larger tanks called the Tetra Tec ex 1200. I have had a look at reviews online and they do get quite good reviews.

Try this you tube link to see how it works!
http/www.youtube.com/watch?v=JR61v1a7xBY&feature=related

I think they are a little bit pricey, so ultimatly I assume it is down to how much money you have in your pocket!!

Enjoy searching and let me know your findings!!

 

[JasonMichael]

Hello again!!

I have been looking at the externals too! Got another external to throw at you! I have a 90 litre tank and was looking at the Tetra Tec ex700. They do another one for larger tanks called the Tetra Tec ex 1200. I have had a look at reviews online and they do get quite good reviews.

Try this you tube link to see how it works!
http/www.youtube.com/watch?v=JR61v1a7xBY&feature=related

I think they are a little bit pricey, so ultimatly I assume it is down to how much money you have in your pocket!!

Enjoy searching and let me know your findings!!

Hello hello!

Thanks heaps! But I cant find anywhere in the shops and online where Australia stocks the brand there's a lot of fluval, eheim, aquaone and some other brands but no tetra tec thanks though!

 

[alistairw]

Hello again!!

I have been looking at the externals too! Got another external to throw at you! I have a 90 litre tank and was looking at the Tetra Tec ex700. They do another one for larger tanks called the Tetra Tec ex 1200. I have had a look at reviews online and they do get quite good reviews.

Try this you tube link to see how it works!
http/www.youtube.com/watch?v=JR61v1a7xBY&feature=related

I think they are a little bit pricey, so ultimatly I assume it is down to how much money you have in your pocket!!

Enjoy searching and let me know your findings!!

Hello hello!

Thanks heaps! But I cant find anywhere in the shops and online where Australia stocks the brand there's a lot of fluval, eheim, aquaone and some other brands but no tetra tec thanks though!

Bummer!!

I think all the makes you have listed are pretty good, so go with one of those!

Can't wait to get mine next month so roll on crystal clear water!!

 

[JasonMichael]

Hello again!!

I have been looking at the externals too! Got another external to throw at you! I have a 90 litre tank and was looking at the Tetra Tec ex700. They do another one for larger tanks called the Tetra Tec ex 1200. I have had a look at reviews online and they do get quite good reviews.

Try this you tube link to see how it works!
---

I think they are a little bit pricey, so ultimatly I assume it is down to how much money you have in your pocket!!

Enjoy searching and let me know your findings!!

Hello hello!

Thanks heaps! But I cant find anywhere in the shops and online where Australia stocks the brand there's a lot of fluval, eheim, aquaone and some other brands but no tetra tec thanks though!

Bummer!!

I think all the makes you have listed are pretty good, so go with one of those!

Can't wait to get mine next month so roll on crystal clear water!!

Haha that doesn't narrow it down silly externals WHY SO MANY! hahaha! I feel your excitement! =D

 

[justin85]

Eheim would be my pick, but if I was you get a newer model as maintenance with the 2217 isn't the easiest. Check out these models:
Eheim pro 2 2028
Eheim pro 3 2075

Depending on your budget really but the pro 3 is amazing and really quite.


Iv had fluval filters before and never liked them, bad flow and not verry good at removing the smaller particles from the water but that's just my personal experience as some people love them and have nothing but good things to say.

Eheim cost more but IMO your paying for better quality and is money well spent.

 

[JasonMichael]

Eheim would be my pick, but if I was you get a newer model as maintenance with the 2217 isn't the easiest. Check out these models:
Eheim pro 2 2028
Eheim pro 3 2075

Depending on your budget really but the pro 3 is amazing and really quite.


Iv had fluval filters before and never liked them, bad flow and not verry good at removing the smaller particles from the water but that's just my personal experience as some people love them and have nothing but good things to say.

Eheim cost more but IMO your paying for better quality and is money well spent.

I just had a look at the ones you suggested, prob a bit out of my budget when you say the 2217 isnt the easiest for maintenance, can you tell me more?

Hmm, I've read mixed things about fluval as well so I'm not sure, also heard pros and cons with eheim!

 

[ZoddyZod]

for a 350L tank you are really looking for TWO externals, the 405 will barely cope with that size, even though it's rated for 400L tanks.

On my 300L I run a 305 + 405 and the amount of flow is just about adequate to keep my plants happy.

The only filter big enough to do the job properly on its own is the Fluval FX5......but they are very expensive.

if you are looking for budget options, do the usual eBay hunt for 2nd hand filters, or look at All Pond Soloutions - their externals are cheaper but apparently don't give the greatest flow, according to some reviews on this forum.

Iv had fluval filters before and never liked them, bad flow and not verry good at removing the smaller particles from the water

this is a media issue, not a filter one. Pack one of the trays with filter floss and fine particulate will not be an issue.

 

[JasonMichael]

for a 350L tank you are really looking for TWO externals, the 405 will barely cope with that size, even though it's rated for 400L tanks.

On my 300L I run a 305 + 405 and the amount of flow is just about adequate to keep my plants happy.

The only filter big enough to do the job properly on its own is the Fluval FX5......but they are very expensive.

if you are looking for budget options, do the usual eBay hunt for 2nd hand filters, or look at All Pond Soloutions - their externals are cheaper but apparently don't give the greatest flow, according to some reviews on this forum.

Iv had fluval filters before and never liked them, bad flow and not verry good at removing the smaller particles from the water

this is a media issue, not a filter one. Pack one of the trays with filter floss and fine particulate will not be an issue.

As I'm in Australia I can't get products from sites like that and I need to get something next week so online overseas isn't the best option at the moment. Do you think the Eheim 2217 would suffice as it's listed for 600liters? Regards to Fluval, i'm getting so many mixed reviews that I dont know about them haha - I'm using a Fluval U2 at the moment in my small tank and I've been happy with it, but unsure about the 406 etc..

 

[ZoddyZod]

my apologies, I didn't notice where you are based.

If the Eheim is rated for 600L then it should be fine.

 

[justin85]

for a 350L tank you are really looking for TWO externals, the 405 will barely cope with that size, even though it's rated for 400L tanks.

On my 300L I run a 305 + 405 and the amount of flow is just about adequate to keep my plants happy.

The only filter big enough to do the job properly on its own is the Fluval FX5......but they are very expensive.

if you are looking for budget options, do the usual eBay hunt for 2nd hand filters, or look at All Pond Soloutions - their externals are cheaper but apparently don't give the greatest flow, according to some reviews on this forum.

Iv had fluval filters before and never liked them, bad flow and not verry good at removing the smaller particles from the water

this is a media issue, not a filter one. Pack one of the trays with filter floss and fine particulate will not be an issue.

As I'm in Australia I can't get products from sites like that and I need to get something next week so online overseas isn't the best option at the moment. Do you think the Eheim 2217 would suffice as it's listed for 600liters? Regards to Fluval, i'm getting so many mixed reviews that I dont know about them haha - I'm using a Fluval U2 at the moment in my small tank and I've been happy with it, but unsure about the 406 etc..

2217 will work good for your tank mate, are you buying it new ? Make sure it comes with 2 double taps it should anyway as they come standard with these filters but iv seen some without and you will need them.

 

[JasonMichael]

my apologies, I didn't notice where you are based.

If the Eheim is rated for 600L then it should be fine.

That's alright. I just got off the phone to one of my friends who works for a company that stock these items, they sell a lot more fluval and the 406 is top of the range, also better features than the 2217 eheim she said, so now im confused again lol

 

[ZoddyZod]

as stated, the 406 (which is just a prettier 405 with a couple of modifications) will be at its limit on a 350L tank. If you don't plan on having plants and you lightly stock the tank it might be ok though.