External Filter

[Stephanie p]

Hello, can anyone point me in the right direction for a good external filter for a 50 litre tank?

Many thanks

Steph

 

[rabbut]

The Tetratec 600 would probibly be a little overkill, but they are the smallest in the range, and are apparently a very good filter (though I haven't used one they get good revews constantly)

A Fluval 105 may also be worth a shot, a little less overkill, and IMO a very good filter. Some members tought reliablility issues with this brand, but I question the numbers who use them, as I have one still running that I purchased second hand longer ago than I care to remember

A Rena XP1 may also be worthwile. I use the XP2, and they are very good filters. Well designed, reliable and easy to maintain. I have only heard of problems on the XP4, with impeller issues. Luckily, these issues do not pass down the model range

Most will recomend Ehiem, though I have had a bad run with them.

The order I would probibly look at is as follows;

Tetratec - first choise
Fluval - second choise
Rena - third choise
Most others - forth choise
Ehiem last.

Most will think the above unfair, and ask you to consider Ehiem first. This is just my opinion, based on what was probibly a one off. My experience has efected my opinion of them seriously, but for most it seams they are one of the best out there. Please do not take my word for it, and get some non-bias opinions from other Ehiem users who have not run into difficulties

HTH
Rabbut

Edit for spelling, and to add;

There is a pinned topic of filter reiews at the top of this board. It is well worth a look

 

[Stephanie p]

Mant thanks for your reply Rabbut, its really helped

 

[Stephanie p]

Do you know anywhere where i can get one at a good price?
They all seem quite expensive

Thanks

 

[boardy]

Do you know anywhere where i can get one at a good price?
They all seem quite expensive

Thanks

[URL="http/www.capital-aquatic.co.uk/external-filters-221-c.asp"]http/www.capital-aquatic.co.uk/external-filters-221-c.asp[/URL]

External canisters are more expensive. They are more expensive for a reason and that's because they are so much better than internal filters. The media trays in TetraTec's are absolutely brilliant.

This is where I got one of my TetraTec EX1200's from (got a spare one lol). Very good place, very cheap compared to street prices. They do all decent makes but I would very highly recommend TetraTec. A friend of mine was using a Fluval 405 for about 6 months and after seeing my tank and how clear it was, he went out and bought 3 EX1200's for each of his tanks which are 100l, 200l, and 360l.

I use an EX1200 on my 108l tank, really overpowered but I like the water clear. I use a Fluval 205 on my 60l, again complete overkill but I want the water in that tank as clean as possible as it's a fry tank. I hate the Fluval but I bought it for the 108l before deciding it was crap and wasn't coping well at all with 108l even though it's rated for 200l.

I would say the EX600 also for a 50l tank. Overkill yes, but it'll put through enough water to keep the tank crystal clear and cycled.

Hope that helps

Adam

 

[Stephanie p]

Do you know anywhere where i can get one at a good price?
They all seem quite expensive

Thanks

[URL="http/"http/www.capital-aquatic.co.uk/external-filters-221-c.asp""]http/www.capital-aquatic.co.uk/external-filters-221-c.asp[/URL]

External canisters are more expensive. They are more expensive for a reason and that's because they are so much better than internal filters. The media trays in TetraTec's are absolutely brilliant.

This is where I got one of my TetraTec EX1200's from (got a spare one lol). Very good place, very cheap compared to street prices. They do all decent makes but I would very highly recommend TetraTec. A friend of mine was using a Fluval 405 for about 6 months and after seeing my tank and how clear it was, he went out and bought 3 EX1200's for each of his tanks which are 100l, 200l, and 360l.

I use an EX1200 on my 108l tank, really overpowered but I like the water clear. I use a Fluval 205 on my 60l, again complete overkill but I want the water in that tank as clean as possible as it's a fry tank. I hate the Fluval but I bought it for the 108l before deciding it was crap and wasn't coping well at all with 108l even though it's rated for 200l.

I would say the EX600 also for a 50l tank. Overkill yes, but it'll put through enough water to keep the tank crystal clear and cycled.

Hope that helps

Adam

Thanks for your help Adam, just been looking at that filter and i must say......it looks really good. I want one now lol.
Any one got a second hand Ex600 filter they no longer need???

 

[T1KARMANN]

if it says EHIEM on the box then you no its a great filter

cheap is not always the best

a filter is the most important bit of kit you will ever buy for your tank dont cut corners

 

[heresmike]

if it says EHIEM on the box then you no its a great filter

cheap is not always the best

a filter is the most important bit of kit you will ever buy for your tank dont cut corners

I couldn't disagree more!! Based on my experience, if it says Eheim on the box, it's overpriced junk. I've had two Eheim's, both of which just decided they did not want to start working after routine maintenance. My 4 Fluvals, on the other hand, have been workhorses for the last 4 - 8 years. I will never buy another Eheim.