Filter Any Good?

[EX1EY]

Decided to get a new filter for my new tank as the one I bought my second hand tank with is done for. Im on a budget and came across this from aquatics warehouse for £22. I know thats a cheapy in terms of quality filtration but will it do for now? Aquael 500 UV Internal Filter?

Im annoyed already as this has set me back, can't even start cycling and ive had the tank almost a week

 

[fluttermoth]

You really don't need UV in a freshwater tank. I'd go for the 750, from that range.

 

[EX1EY]

You really don't need UV in a freshwater tank. I'd go for the 750, from that range.

The 750 also says its UV... should I get it anyway?

 

[fluttermoth]

I meant this one; http/www.charterhouse-aquatics.co.uk/catalog/aquael-internal-filter-750-p-1403.html

There's honestly no need to pay the extra to have UV

 

[EX1EY]

I meant this one; http/www.charterhouse-aquatics.co.uk/catalog/aquael-internal-filter-750-p-1403.html

There's honestly no need to pay the extra to have UV

Thanks fluttermoth, you have been a massive help since I started posting here. IS the UV version better? Because if it is for the extra 50p I may aswell get it??

Also, do you know where i can get some prime? I read its good for water treatment but I cant find anywhere to order it from ont tinterweb!

 

[fluttermoth]

UVs really don't do anything useful in freshwater tanks, so it would cost you more in electricity and replacing the bulbs.

You can get Prime on both Amazon and Ebay

 

[EX1EY]

UVs really don't do anything useful in freshwater tanks, so it would cost you more in electricity and replacing the bulbs.

You can get Prime on both Amazon and Ebay

Thanks again. Err last question Can I leave the casing from the old filter in the tank and just fix this one inside it, space permitting of course? Also where would be a good place to put the heater? Its currently in the filter housing which is convenient but if I have to remove the housing to fit this filter I dont want my new little fishies getting burnt by an exposed heater. Sorry if this is a completely stoopid question!

 

[Juggler75]

you could put the intake in the casing but put the spray bar elsewhere. Most, however, remove the juwel filter box to gain extra space. The heaters very rarely burn fish but if you are worried then something like this might help put your mind at ease

EDIT: misread OP and for some reason though they were buying an external.

 

[fluttermoth]

That's very good question...

I'm not 100% sure, but I don't think I'd want to put a filter inside the old casing; it would probably impede the flow and affect the new filter's efficiency.

The heater goes as low down as you can get it, without it touching the substrate. Really it's only catfish that tend to get heater burns, but you can buy heater guards pretty cheaply; your LFS should have them.

 

[EX1EY]

Thanks to both of you.

Decided to buy the filter fluttermoth recommended and take out the filter housing, shouldnt be a big deal. At last im getting somehwere. Should have some fish by the end of 2012 at this rate

Filter ordered and seachem prime ordered. Anything else anybody can recommend?

Oh err, one last question. When you buy a new filter does it come with all the media? I know I must sound like an idiot to you guys

 

[Juggler75]

Some do, some dont but every internal I've seen has done.

You'll need to cycle the filter before you use it exclusively though.
You can either take out media supplied and jam/cut existing media to fit to do this immediately, or, run them side by side for a period.

I would also take out any carbon that is supplied and replace with a sponge. (I've learnt on here that carbon isn't needed except for removing meds)

 

[EX1EY]

OK, Im kinda leaning toward the Eheim Pick Up 2012 Internal Filter, Im reading good things. The only thing putting me off is the look, it lokks a bit bulky. Any thoughts?