External Filter

[GavinB]

I'm seriously considering obtaining an external filter for my 180 litre Jewel Rio which I'm currently keeping mbuna cichlids in.

I've been told to overstock with fish and filter the water really well to ensure the best environment for my fish, unfortunately I don't believe the built in filter with the rio is all that good.

So, I'm going to invest in an external filter, the only problem is I have no idea where to even start!

I dont know what would be an adequate size external filter for my tank and I have never had to purchase a filter previously and so have no experience in choosing a good make and model!

I'm looking at around the 100 quid mark but am open to suggestions.

What would you suggest?

 

[rdp50734]

I would suggest http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/Aquarium-fish-tank-external-filter-1400L-H-9WUV-Media-/400097837109?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item5d27b08035#ht_4773wt_905

I use the model down on my 120l and they are faultless IMO. and for the price you cant go wrong. I however would not bother with the UV. Just my preference. Fluval 205 would also be a good choice as would a rena XP 2, there are a lot of good filters on the market!

 

[Biulu]

I am very happy with my Marineland (Tetratec in Europe). In the Americas they don't come with a spraybar but I understand that in other parts of the world they do. My C-220 was only 99USD including shipping and I have the same tanksize as you do. I would though next time buy the larger C-360 to overfilter heavily. Since I have a planted tank, now it is not an issue for me, but since you will be keeping cichlids, I suggest you overfilter.

 

[shasm]

I have run a Fluval 405 for over a year and have been very pleased with it.

 

[Carlovel1]

The Tetratec EX1200 is one of the best filters out there

 

[InsaneHOH]

This is something i have been thinking about doing for my Juwel 260.
How do these externals work, and how comes they are so much better,, also how often do you change things?

any more info would be greatly appreciated

 

[rdp50734]

This is something i have been thinking about doing for my Juwel 260.
How do these externals work, and how comes they are so much better,, also how often do you change things?

any more info would be greatly appreciated

Externals work by syphoning water down into the cannister and through the filter media. It is then pumped back up into your tank via a powerhead at the top of the cannister.

The reason they are deemed so much better is their capacity to hold more media in them. More media means more beneficial bacteria can build up and cope with the bioload better keeping your water stats stable.
Also they are outside of the tank so it leaves more room in the tank for your display.

I have had externals running for years now and I have not had to replace anything. You need to keep up on maintenance as always. I just rinse the media in old tankwater every month and clean the impellor etcc every 2.

 

[CrystalClear16]

I got a Fluval 205 for my 125L 6 months ago and it is brillant. The water is beautifully clear and I find it much easier to maintain!

I went for Fluval because I have heard good reviews and it is less expensive than alternatives (I got mine on sale for only £60!). I imagine you would need the next size up to mine at least though.

 

[onebto]

Hello Gavin. You will find alot of recomendations for alot of different models and makes.

Ehiem appear to be the pinnacle of the cannister world but they can be quite pricey and I have no experience to the claim as I have never had one. But there are plenty of makes that do the same job, Personally I have a Fluval 405 and a Tetratec 1200 and both are excellent Very quiet they do not leak and they do the job fine. As the others have mentioned its the volume of media and turn over of water per hour that give the canister a good name against internal filters.

If I was going to choose between the two I have I would by a slim margin choose the Tetratec over fluval for one reason ONLY the connecting pipe! Fluvals have a crinkled pipe which allows a build up of of waste which can fog your tank on priming again after a clean.

Personally I only clean my canister filters out when I notice a reduction of output flow which at the moment is working out at 2.5 to 3 months for the fluval and 3+ months for the Tetratec. Its important to make sure when you do clean a canister out to get a good maintenance regime going.

One thing to watch is the manufactures claim of water cycle an hour it can be reduced by about 30% because most work that out with no media in.

Hope this helps and dont forget to tell us what you got and how it works out for you.

Regards onebto.

 

[Aqua Tom]

I have the exact same tank as you & use the fluval 205 external filter with it. It is a fantastic filter, virtualy silent & with a nice strong output.

 

[BigC]

EHEIM 2217+ Classic series
They are absolute workhorses rarely let you down, build quality is second to none
http/www.aquatics-online.co.uk/catalogue/eheim-2217-classic-external-canister-filter.asp
Bargain...you wont regret this, I have 3.
Complete with taps which is an extra bonus and look at the saving
ATB
C

 

[InsaneHOH]

This is something i have been thinking about doing for my Juwel 260.
How do these externals work, and how comes they are so much better,, also how often do you change things?

any more info would be greatly appreciated

Externals work by syphoning water down into the cannister and through the filter media. It is then pumped back up into your tank via a powerhead at the top of the cannister.

The reason they are deemed so much better is their capacity to hold more media in them. More media means more beneficial bacteria can build up and cope with the bioload better keeping your water stats stable.
Also they are outside of the tank so it leaves more room in the tank for your display.

I have had externals running for years now and I have not had to replace anything. You need to keep up on maintenance as always. I just rinse the media in old tankwater every month and clean the impellor etcc every 2.

Hi mate, thank you for that info much appreciated! think i will have to invest in 2 for my bigger tanks,

so you don't need to change the filter wool thing everyweek with new media like juwel's
that sounds a hell of alot easier and cheaper.

thanx again
Ben

 

[rdp50734]

You dont need to with the juwels. The only time you should change the media is if its falling apart! Although the wool may need changing more regular when it gets to worn it looses its effectiveness to polish the water! All you need to do is rinse and squeeze them in old tank water!

 

[Biulu]

EHEIM 2217+ Classic series
They are absolute workhorses rarely let you down, build quality is second to none
http/www.aquatics-online.co.uk/catalogue/eheim-2217-classic-external-canister-filter.asp
Bargain...you wont regret this, I have 3.
Complete with taps which is an extra bonus and look at the saving
ATB
C

Jeez! Aquarium equipment really is a lot more expensive in the UK than in the USA! THe price mentioned in that link is a normal price in the USA. Maybe it is because the pound is so high rated?

 

[Aqua Tom]

You shouldnt be changing the media at all in a filter be it external or internal. It is whats housing your benificial bacteria. Just give it a squeeze in some tank water is all thats needed.

If you use tapwater then you will kill all the good bugs.