External Filters

[bitsnbobs]

I've never used an external filter before but am planning on buying one for my 125L tank. Trouble is I don't know which one to get...the Fluval 205 or the Eheim equivalent. Can anyone advise me?

Also do I need to keep an internal filter running alongside the external incase of failure of one or the other? I'm using an Interpet PF4 and running a Fluval U2, plus a little Superfish Aqua 100 (so I always have a spare sponge) in the tank together at the moment (you can't have enough filtration!!) I know I need to keep the internal running for 6 weeks until the external has seeded....any advice on which external filter is best appreciated.

I must admit the Interpet PF4 is a very large filter and does take up a lot of space in the tank, although it seems very good but is so heavy the suckers don't support it and I have had to put a rock underneath to keep it in place - I would really like to offload it and have the extra room. At some stage I will need the Fluval U2 for another tank I am setting up.

Thanks!!

 

[KittyKat]

Eheim Professional 3 or 3e range gets first vote, second goes to Eheim Classic range, third to Fluval 205.

In my experience, Eheims are smoother running than any other external filters I have used. Also the Classic range doesn't change and spare parts are available very easily and will still be available in 10, 20 years' time. On the other hand, the Fluvals get small, but annoying updates every so often at which point spare parts for the "older" version of the same filter are no longer available.

 

[bitsnbobs]

Thanks again Kat...think I'll just message you directly, you have given me sound advice over the months, thanks.
The Eheim Pro 3 is more than I can afford to pay, so will have a look at the Classic - the Eheim 2213 looks ok, and I can get a new one for around £65 on ebay. Can you just confirm this will be ok? it states between 150 and 250 Litres so should be plenty big enough for my tank.

Thanks Julie

 

[KittyKat]

The Eheim Pro 3 is more than I can afford to pay, so will have a look at the Classic - the Eheim 2213 looks ok, and I can get a new one for around £65 on ebay. Can you just confirm this will be ok? it states between 150 and 250 Litres so should be plenty big enough for my tank.

It should be ok with that tank size rating, although I don't know the exact flow rates (I have already contacted Eheim, suggesting they put that info on their website).

 

[bitsnbobs]

Hi Kat - the Eheim 2213 Plus pumps 440 litres per hour....thanks Julie

 

[KittyKat]

That would be fine for medium stockling/low plants. If you want to keep higher stocking or a jungle, might be worth looking at the next size up.. on heavily planted set-ups, I prefer to have slightly more so that it can actually get through all the plants

 

[Shaddex]

External Filters

One of the best filters I have used. Currently have Fluval 204, aqua 1000, aqua 700 and the 1000 L/H from above link.
Allpondsolutions are very good quality at a good price.

 

[raptorrex]

It should be ok with that tank size rating, although I don't know the exact flow rates (I have already contacted Eheim, suggesting they put that info on their website).

they do, you just have not look well enough. every piece of information on eheim filters is available from their site. for the record the 2213 has a pump flow rate of 440lph.(its also on the box and every, almost, advert you find on google)

lol, talk about teaching your granny to suck eggs.

@OP, if you are looking at Eheim, can i suggest the 2217?

 

[bitsnbobs]

Thanks for all the replies - the tank is pretty well planted and has just about max amount of fish - so I will look at the Eheim 2217 as soon as I can afford one!! Meanwhile I will keep the Interpet PF4; the Fluval U2 and the little Superfish Aquaflow 100 going in the tank..... thanks Julie