Hi!
I have never used external filter before, I only have internals (eheim, tetratec, juwel) filters in all my tanks.
I decided to go external on my juwel rio 240 (I am not really happy with their filter, and it is a pain to clean)...
I am undecided as to which filter to buy (for my size of tank):
TetraTec ex 1200 - costs 122 Euro
Eheim Pro 3 2071 or 2073 - costs 129/ 153/Euro
Eheim ecco pro 300 - costs 92 euro
Fluval (I only saw this one in one shop and didn't remember what series it was) - it was like 130 Euro or something.
they also sell Eheim Professionel 3 electronic 2074 but they are way more expensive than eheim pro ( 236 euro) ...and well electronics tend to be not very long lasting (judging by my GSM at least )...Tho from description I would say it is very good..But it is expensive...
Now, given the fact that I have never used external filters before, I want something that
1. is easily installed and easy to work with, clena etc. it would also be great if the instructions on the filter are usefull ....
I heard that tetratec is easy to install, what about others?
2. I have juwel rio - and I would prefer not cutting anything to get the filter output/input pipes in the tank (I hope you know what I mean). There are two holes in the tank covet - one on each site. that is what I don't like with fluvals - because (at least the one I saw in the pet shop) they have to output pipes and one input - so that makes 3 pretty large pipes and the hood can't be closed than... i have cats and tank being shut tightly is a must!
3. It has to be as quiet as possible, my tanks are in my bedroom. (which of them is the quietest?)
4. it would be great if it doesn't consume too much electricity
5. I have some bigger fish in there, the tank is planted and has gravel. But I am thinking of possibly ussing sand. (I don't know if that matters)
6. What do you think - are the prices good or not? (for new filters)
Please help
I have never used external filter before, I only have internals (eheim, tetratec, juwel) filters in all my tanks.
I decided to go external on my juwel rio 240 (I am not really happy with their filter, and it is a pain to clean)...
I am undecided as to which filter to buy (for my size of tank):
TetraTec ex 1200 - costs 122 Euro
Eheim Pro 3 2071 or 2073 - costs 129/ 153/Euro
Eheim ecco pro 300 - costs 92 euro
Fluval (I only saw this one in one shop and didn't remember what series it was) - it was like 130 Euro or something.
they also sell Eheim Professionel 3 electronic 2074 but they are way more expensive than eheim pro ( 236 euro) ...and well electronics tend to be not very long lasting (judging by my GSM at least )...Tho from description I would say it is very good..But it is expensive...
Now, given the fact that I have never used external filters before, I want something that
1. is easily installed and easy to work with, clena etc. it would also be great if the instructions on the filter are usefull ....
I heard that tetratec is easy to install, what about others?
2. I have juwel rio - and I would prefer not cutting anything to get the filter output/input pipes in the tank (I hope you know what I mean). There are two holes in the tank covet - one on each site. that is what I don't like with fluvals - because (at least the one I saw in the pet shop) they have to output pipes and one input - so that makes 3 pretty large pipes and the hood can't be closed than... i have cats and tank being shut tightly is a must!
3. It has to be as quiet as possible, my tanks are in my bedroom. (which of them is the quietest?)
4. it would be great if it doesn't consume too much electricity
5. I have some bigger fish in there, the tank is planted and has gravel. But I am thinking of possibly ussing sand. (I don't know if that matters)
6. What do you think - are the prices good or not? (for new filters)
Please help
. I keep the tank no more than 2m from my bed and the filter is soo silent only noise is the lighting timer (must get that changes soon). Regarding switching to sand; youll love it, looks far more natural than gravel and had no daverse affects on the filter. Go for it you'll never go internal or gravel again. 
