Filter Differences?

[Fisherman_Sam]

Hey,
Im going out to buy my filter today and was wondering what was the advantage of an external filter over an internal. I have been looking at the Fluval 3 plus to put in my tank which is about 70l, but was wondering what other options I have before asking my lfs about it.

Sam

 

[steve01]

Hey,
Im going out to buy my filter today and was wondering what was the advantage of an external filter over an internal. I have been looking at the Fluval 3 plus to put in my tank which is about 70l, but was wondering what other options I have before asking my lfs about it.

Sam

The External filter will give you more room in your tank

 

[minxfishy]

There is more room in an external filter for media, thus giving you more room for the bacteria to develop. Externals are easier to do maintenance on and as mentioned take up no space in your tank.

A fluval 3plus is an internal filter, if you want fluval you can get a 105 external which would be sufficient for your tank size.

Lots of people here use tetratec externals and say they are very good.

 

[mark.w.jones]

Eheim are probably considered the top of the tree as far as external canister filters are concerned but come at a price. As mentioned above Tetratec are also well thought of. The only thing you may have to consider is that external filters need to go below the tank and you may not have the space for this in which case an internal may be better. Fluval canisters have a mixed reception on this forum but overall I think most people here would direct you away from them as reliability is sometimes questionable. However, I have run a fluval 305 on a 33 US gallon tank for 2 years now with no problems at all. Can't comment on latest models though.

 

[BigIan]

I`ve been running a 405 for the best part of 3 years and the only problem i have is that its a swine to get the top off when it comes to filter cleaning time

 

[minxfishy]

Yep 305 here, no problems apart from priming the damn thing after maintenace which thankfully doesnt have to be too often.