External Filters

[dinsdale]

I've had my original Juwel filter for years but a lot of you are championing the use of externals. This makes sense to me as it liberates space in the tank and maintenance seems to be simpler.
What I would like to know is; is there ever a risk of flooding with external filters?

 

[Liam50]

i would say there is a risk if you buy a used one or a very cheap one. but if thats the case i would stand it in a bucket for the first few months or replace the o ring when you first get it.

 

[BigbruiserAl]

There is always a risk the filter may leak or that the tank may crack or a plane lands in your front room , i called my insurance company and told them i have 1300L in my front room with laminete floor they were ok with it

 

[dinsdale]

If the hose somehow became detatched during the night I would need some size bucket. I arranged the home insurance yesterday and, surprisingly, there was no section on aircraft crashing into the house. Fingers crossed then.
While we're on the subject, how often do you wash/change the media in an external? I've heard some people don't touch them for months.

 

[magical trevor]

I clean mine when I do my big clean and large water change so normally 3 weekly or 4 depending on my schedule. But everyone is diffrent. Some might say every 2 weeks but ive got a 265L and have no problems with me levels.

 

[BigbruiserAl]

Will depend on what fish you have and how many. I feed my discus very heavily so clean the external every 2 weeks, the big community tank get done every 2-4 months

 

[m_attt]

6 months plus in my eheims, before any noticeable drop in flow