Filters

[cheerycherry]

Hi I have the juwel jumbo filter on my rio 300 so im going to need something extra if im going for cichlids yes?

Can anyone recommend the best to go for if indeed I do need another filter?

thank you.

 

[Pleccy]

A big filter is a must if you are planning to overstock the tank (as with Malawi mbuna) or if you intend to have large, messy fish. An external is the best thing for the job.

 

[cheerycherry]

Is there a really big external that would do the job on its own or best to have 2 seperate?

 

[Pleccy]

One filter would be enough, however two would be even better. You would then have more media and extra water movement, also if one filter conks out on you you have a backup. Are you planning to remove the internal filter?

 

[darrel69]

Yea, the JuwelJumbo will turn your tank over just over 3x, so its a good idea to install another to bring that number up to about 8x or 10x (a good number to aim for with cichlids.. though 6x is good enough for juvies.)..

If you want an external, i reccomend a Tetratec ex1200. They're excellent, ive never had any problems with mine, best filter i ever bought. Apparantly Eheim have the best reputation, but ive never had one to compare... Also, dont get a Fluval external.. only had mine 8mnths and it leaks and recently brokedown.

 

[cheerycherry]

Well I wouldnt mind on taking the juwel out at some point would mean alot more space and its not great on the eye either lol but im not sure what to do really.If I was going to have 2 filters think id stick with the jumbo and get another external rather than 2 externals.

I have no experience what so ever with externals so not sure what im looking for

 

[fishlover500]

I would take out the jewel and get the tetratec ex1200, I've heard really good things about them.
If you take the jewel out maybe get a hob too of around 400 gph-600gph.

 

[cheerycherry]

ok thanx

 

[Pleccy]

I agree with the above, get a tetratec or an eheim, steer clear from the Fluval 05 series, mine broke after the seal between the media basket and the pump housing failed, the result: a very wet wooden floor!

 

[darrel69]

I have no experience what so ever with externals so not sure what im looking for

Externals may look scarey but they aint lol, really... Your not gunna get an external that will turn your tank over enough times by itselfs for a fully stocked cichlid tank, your gunna need at least two. Your jumbo & an external, or two externals. Which ever you choose, get either a Tetratec/Eheim external.. not a Fluval or non-branded. Simple as that..

 

[kj23502]

I was nervous when i got my first canister filters too. I read the instructions and did what it said. I haven't had any real problems except for an O-ring leaking, but I bought the filter second hand and that rubber hardens after it sits empty for awhile and was to be expected. It was only a few $ to get it fixed. Canisters are the way to go for you.

Btw, I have 2 eheim pro II 2028's.



Kj