Fluval 206 Vs Aquamanta Efx 200

[bigcheed]

hi all im looking at upgrading my filtration next month on my 33g. was looking at the fluval 206 as I have a fluval roma 125 tank. however after browsing through my local maidenhead yesterday I had a good long look at their aquamanta range. does anyone have the lo down on which is best over all. because to be honest im leaning towards the aquamanta at the moment. it looks pretty good. is equal in price. has cheaper replacement media. and comes with a spray bar unlike the fluval.

 

[Lunar Jetman]

Have you checked the power to run these two? I've started to look at how much it will cost me to run my tanks and you could find that although the cost of media is cheaper on the Aquamanta, the wattage required to run will end up costing you more in the long run.

 

[Blobfish]

I have two Aquamanta 1500 filters running on my Oscar tank and have had no problems with them, they seem to do a good job and are easy to maintain.  They were much cheaper than the Fluval equivalents.  My electricity bill is a lost cause so I haven't checked how much they cost to run    

 

[bigcheed]

something I hadent looked at thanks guys.

 

[Plecc]

I have one of each, both are quiet, well built and easy to clean. 
 
The fluval has less room for filter media and doesn't fill itself, the priming pump is very poor. 
I have to fill my filter to the brim, fit the lid and start the pump and then get the water moving with the priming pump. 
I'm sure its still the same design as the older ones. 
But it has run flawlessly for the last 6 years. 
 
The aquamanta i have only had for 2 years, it has crappy pickup and output pipes (the bits that hang down into the tank) they are a very poor fit and made from a clear perspex like material so they show all the rubbish inside. 
The filter does run standard vinyl hose so a lot of other manufacturers pickup and output pipes would fit! 
but the filter itself is great, loads of space for any combination of media you fancy, they prime effortlessly. 
 
Winner in my opinion  
 
 
 

 

[KirkyArcher]

I've no problems filling either of my 206/306 filters I need just re-open the aquastop valve and providing syphon is maintained (at least one of the pipes remaining full of water) when doing water changes the filter will actually self prime. I've not had any other external filters for comparison and I opted for the 306 for my second tank based on the fact that I was more than happy with the performance of my 206, 

 

[KirkyArcher]

With regard to replacement media you only need coarse foam & fine/medium foam and optionally filter floss/wool, foams will last in the region of about 3-8 years ceramic biological media will even outlast that, plus if you feel obliged to replace your foams at more regular intervals it's cheaper buying sheets of the stuff and cutting out pieces, which will be easier with the Fluval over the intricate shape of the Aquamanta. All the phosphate/carbon pads aren't required for either filter.

 

[bigcheed]

Thanks all. Seems there isn't much between them. Looks like it's going to be a personal choice. Thanks again guys.

 

[paradiddle]

I love my fluval fx6 its brilliant!
I also have high thoughts about my TetraTec EX1200, which is probably closer to what your looking for, have a look

 

[MBOU]

Aquamanta is far better by a LONG way, however, for a very similar price... look at the AquaManta EFX1000, it has auto prime, better design and much higher rating.

 

[spongy]

I bought my set up second hand including a Fluval 205 filter. It gave up earler this year so had to do a late Sunday 16.55pm dash to my local Maidenhead Aquatics to buy a replacement. I was initially looking to get another Fluval but I also looked at the Aquamanta efx200 and decided to give it a try.

I'm so glad I did. It's a great filter!!!!! Runs well, is very quiet and the flow rate is still just as good 7 months later and I haven't cleaned it out yet.

The prime function is better, I had to pump like buggery to get the Fluval working but the efx200 is really easy to get going, it's bigger and has more space for media.

I recommend it!!!

 

[bigcheed]

thanks spongy. think that's put another tick in the box for the aquamanta.

 

[kevingrods]

spongy sweet tank!  i have the fluva 206 didnt set it up yet let me know how it works out for you