External Filters

[Mollymomma]

I have the fluval 304 canister...I have never used a canister filter before. Noise is a big concern for me also... my Fluval Is pretty quiet. I like it alot.. uses 3 different filter media's

 

[CFC]

You cant beat Eheims,expensive but the best IMHO,and their budget ECCO range is good value but IMO only realy suitable for tanks under 30 gallon with small fish.

 

[marineland-man]

3 Different filter medias can be as good as they are bad.

You have to replace 3 times as much therefore its much more expensive!

 

[Kenliz]

I'd stick to the Eheims. They are dearer but far easier to look after. The Pro II being the best but a bit on the large side for your tank but a good choice if you intent to upgrade in the future. Plus the 2026 lets you cut back on the fow rate but at about £130 from Aquatics on line (being the cheapest) they are a fair bit dearer than the Fluvel or Altman's. These filters run silent but the output flow can make a noise.

 

[Jazz_UK]

I got the Eheim Pro II with heater yesterday and it was my first external filter. It is massive and my wife was not too happy as I had to clear out the cupboard below the tank to fit it in!

I was impressed by it's design and it looked well built, until I primed it and one of the clamps broke and water started to be pumped over me rather than back into the fish tank

However don't let one bad report put you off, I have researched the web & some magazines and although everyone has their favourite brand, Eheims came out top in the reviews IMHO.

Jazz_UK

 

[Great Lakes]

I'll stick with the Marineland Magnum 350. It works superbly and has a feature none others have. It is clear, so you can do a quick visual inspection of how dirty your media is. This feature alone appeals to me.

 

[Jamnog]

hmm im a little confused about the bio wheel filteration does bio wheel apply to one brand i thaught all filters pretty much involved bacterial filtering all the media in the fluval and the canister filter i now have claim to help the bactiral filtration i think. anyway just a little confused on the brands?

 

[Mogo]

I think I'm going to have to jump on the Eheim bandwagon here. Another aspect about the Eheims is quality, although the initial cost can be steep, you'll probably never have to buy another filter. The bushings have to be replaced every six years or so, to keep water flow optimal, and only cost around 6-10 dollars.