Filters

[AMcGregor]

HI All,

I have a 45g tank and currently have a fluval U3 internal filter. i know that this is inadequate for the tank and am looking to change.

I have been advised that the Fluval u4 will be suffiencent, however i am wondering if i will be better with an external filter.

The issue i have is that tank is not on a aquarium stand. It is on a solid oak unit in the lounge of our house, so i have nowhere to hide the filter. this is not too much of an issue as there is space on the unit to stand this next to the tank and hide, however i am worried about noise and leaks. Can anyone advise if they have set one up like this before or there opionion on if it would be too noisy for this set-up.

The fish are all currently young and is stocked with the following:

5 x tiger barbs
5 x green tiger barbd
5 x black ruby barbs
6 x odessa barbs
1 x red tailed black shark

thanks

 

[ZoddyZod]

I'd advise external, even the U4 will struggle with a tank that size.

Externals are also easier to maintain as you aren't fishing them out of the tank to scrub the media, etc. They also hold vastly more space for media, increasing your bioload capacity and also the media options (ceramics, floss, carbon etc. etc.)

 

[AMcGregor]

I'd advise external, even the U4 will struggle with a tank that size.

Externals are also easier to maintain as you aren't fishing them out of the tank to scrub the media, etc. They also hold vastly more space for media, increasing your bioload capacity and also the media options (ceramics, floss, carbon etc. etc.)

ok what about the Eheim professional 3 2071? would this be ok?

 

[ZoddyZod]

I have never used Eheim's, but they have a reputation for being very good.

Hopefully someone with experience will share their thoughts.

 

[AMcGregor]

I have never used Eheim's, but they have a reputation for being very good.

Hopefully someone with experience will share their thoughts.

thanks - it doesn't have to be Eheim, what would you recommend?

 

[ZoddyZod]

personally I have only ever used Fluval's.....so I can only say that I've had no issue with them. However, Tetratec get a lot of postitive comments as well, especially on this forum.

 

[AMcGregor]

i have also been looking at the Fluval 306, this looks like a good filter. Can you adjust the flow rate on this filter? i noticed on the Eheim it has an adjustable speed and also a stream setting. i'm not sure if this acually works or is a gimic though??

 

[ZoddyZod]

I have the 305 (the 06 range replaced the 05). On mine I can restrict the flow with a simple handle that is attached to the base of the input/output pipes. I would assume the 06 range as retained a similar feature.

 

[AMcGregor]

great! what about noise?

as i said mine isn't in a cabinet and would be out in the living room. Are they noisy or no more noisy that an internal filter?

 

[ZoddyZod]

my 2nd hand Fluval 405 makes quite a noise, but my 305 is almost silent.

I've seen people bang on about how silent the tetratecs are

 

[Alm0stAwesome]

I've got a tetratec ex1200 on my 180l/46g and it's great, very quiet as well.

 

[Dazzler666]

Ive got two Fluval 304's on my 5ft. One has leaked all over for no reason!! Tjey are difficult to prime & build quality is rubbish. Tho flow rate is good!! I also run an All Pond Solutions 1400 with UV onmy 120 litre which in my ppinikn is a mich better filter in build quality, ease of use & media space. Maybe not as stronger flow rate but had no problems at all. Infact im looking to upgrade at some point frommy Fluvals and wod go with either a SunSun external (basically a german APS filter just cheaper but with good reviews!) or an APS one with UV. Mind you, if space is an issue make sure you measure as my APS filter is BIG!! That aside, all my externals are very quiet. Much much better than an internal which i had a few years ago.
Keep us posted on what you get tho.

 

[CMan]

I have an external filter.. and there great.. id never go back to a internal.. i think there much better, i think easier to clean out.. there quiet.. can get they cheaper on internet.. cant go wrong.. and if they do break down.. parts are easier to come across and fix yourself!