Filter For My New Tank

[Twinklecaz]

Hi

When I upgrade my tank (to the Fluval Roma 125l)I'm pretty much decided on also upgrading to an external filter and getting the Tetratec Ex1200 (as recommended by someone on here). I am an absolute newbie to external filters so please excuse my incoming list of questions if they're stupid:

1. I'm really keen to properly over-filter my tank this time around so is this model powerful enough?

2. Is there anything I need to buy too or does everything I will need some with it (tubes, spraybar if I need one etc). Also does it come with enough media or it it were you, would you buy extra (if so what and how much)?

3. I currently have the Fluval U2 Internal filter in my 60L and it's all the fish from that tank that will be transferred over. What's the best way to do this cycling wise? Should I run the U2 in the new tank for a while or should I cut the media up (not sure how easy this will be the U2 cartridges) and put it all in the new external?

4. This tank will be medium to heavily planted but with no Co2 so should I also invest in a powerhead?

Thanks, just really want to get it all perfect this time and learn from mistakes as I made as a newbie

 

[Juggler75]

1. I should think so
2. It comes with everything and has extra space for more media (from your u 2)
3. Put your media into the gaps in the new filter
4. Not an expert but a powerhead would seem overkill, would think the 1200 would give enough flow.

Just my 2p worth, I'm sure if any of above answers are way off the mark, someone will chip in

 

[minnnt]

Hi Caz. If you do decide to go with the 1200 then you won't be disappointed. They are excellent filters. The media included has everything you need and yes there is some space for extra media from your U2. I would just remove the cartridges and place them in the filter then you should be good to go. No need for an extra powerhead, the 1200 kicks out a fair old flow so will be fine for a planted aquarium.

Just a quick question, will you be getting the tank with the cabinet? If so the the 1200 won't fit inside it.

 

[Twinklecaz]

Thanks guys!

and thanks for that Minnt lol yes is the answer. Bums, that kinda defeats the object of the cabinet for me. There's a new design Fluval Roma and cabinet that I've been toying with, I wonder if it would fit in there.

New design: http/www.seapets.co.uk/products/aquarium-supplies/aquariums/fluval/fluval-roma-aquariums/fluval-roma-125-aquarium-and-cabinet-black-with-silver-inserts.html

The cabinet is a fraction bigger and looks like it opens with just 2 doors rather than the old design which looks like 3 Do you think that will make a difference?

 

[Juggler75]

I seem to remember that the issue was the height of the cabinet causing the issue

 

[Twinklecaz]

My god really? Lol the filter is HUGE then?

 

[Juggler75]

Might have got mixed up. This is thread I remembered http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/378040-eheim-2213-value/

 

[safire_eye]

I've literally just bought a jbl e901 for my roma 125 with old cabinet (it does fit providing my measurements are correct!). There's not much in terms of reviews but what Ive read is good, and its jbl, which is German... speaks for itself somewhat. It's easiest the best bang per buck wise, especially with zooplus discount. You may want to check them out, I'll review mine when it actually arrives! http/www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/fish/filters_pumps/canister_filters/jbl/210139

 

[minnnt]

The old cabinet was 2 doors also as the middle panel was fixed. I dare say you would be able to get it in through the back, but that would be a ball ache when it comes to cleaning!

Shame really as the 1200 are one of the best filters available imo. The flow, the media and the quality is fantastic. The 700 should fit and will still have enough umph to filter your tank.

I believe the sizes of the filter are on the TT website, so cross referance them with the new cabinet style sizes.

BTW, the new cabinets are far better than the older ones imo.

 

[Mowbz]

If it help (as ive seen lots of "Cartridge" talk) the U2's filter catridges can be dismantled. The bottom of the dark blue ones (either side) pop off and you can slide the sponge out of it. Likewise with the small blue ceramic media box, just empty it into a tray in the new filter.

At least if you then need a spare filter, most of your U2's internals wont be buried deep inside a running external! If you havent had and external yet, you wont appreciate how much of a PITA it is if you have to get it apart for anything other than maintenance!

 

[Twinklecaz]

Lol thanks for that.

Minnnt do you think the Ex700 really would be enough? Coz there's enough - and enough - isn't there? If you get what I mean lol!

 

[Twinklecaz]

Ok so I just checked it out and the dimensions of the new design cabinet are

80.6cm(L) x 35.6cm (W) x 72 cm H

The dimensions of the Tetratec Ex1200 are:

26 cm (H)x 25 cm (w) x 50cm (D)

Now I feel like I must be missing something because to me it looks like it's too deep for the cabinet by loads? Because the depth of it is 50cm but the depth of the cabinet is only 35.6 cm. Am I missing something? Coz it looks like the filter is deeper than it is tall which it doesn't look in the pictures.

Not often I'll do the girly bit (lol) but I'm not good with measurements and the like. Will it fit or am I right?

 

[Mowbz]

Looks like someone has got the dimensions of the filter wrong, as your right, its not wider than it is tall!

I think 50 is likely to be the Height of the filter, the other two are width and depth measurements, as its a pretty much square filter.

 

[Twinklecaz]

Yeah I wondered that. I've emailed Tetra and asked them.

On that basis of it being round the wrong way, it should all fit in the new cabinet shouldn't it?

Having said all this, it's not the end of the world if it doesn't just not ideal. Apparently it's silent anyway so noise won't be prob, I'll just be able to see it

 

[minnnt]

To be clear, i would allow 22 inches in height, and at least 11 inches in width to get the filter in and out easier. Just measured mine for you and that should give a little space either side and allow for the connector on the top of the filter.

If you would be ok with it being outside the cabinet then definately get one. If you can get it into the cabonet, then thats a bonus.

And yes, the 700 would be fine.