How is this External Filter?

[GBLShorty]

How if this external filter to filter my 240L Peacock cichlid tank? i plan to stock about 15 male peacocks and 5 Yellow Labs, my tank currently has a 1000l/ph hood filter but i want to get a external one because i heard the hood filters are not up to the job, i am seriously cash strapped with credit card bills coming out of my ear holes.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Aquarium...E-Media/181225666150?var=&hash=item2a31e43666

I was going to get a Fluval 406 but they are 3x the price.

 

[fluttermoth]

I have a few of those. They're okay for the price, with a few caveats.

The stated flow rate is without media. Once you've got media in there, that flow rate drops a lot; I measured 1200lph from one of the 2000lph models. Having said that, if you have fish, like your Malawis, that are messy but don't need a lot of flow, then they're ideal, and I find that a decent turn over in a four foot anyway.

The baskets are quite flimsy, as are most of the other parts, tbh. You need to treat them gently to get them to click together; don't force them, or they'll crack. But if you take it slowly and don't get frustrated with it, they last quite well.

I've been running two, for at least six years with no problems, and one of those was on a 240l with a rescued oscar and gibbi for a year, and it coped with those guys .

 

[GBLShorty]

i'm going to cycle the in hood filter monday (dont any fish yet as tank is brand new) do you think the 1000l/ph hood filter would be ok once cycled to keep the labs then get the external later on when i start adding peacocks?

 

[fluttermoth]

It's more about amount of media than flow rate, but you should be fine, just for five labs.

 

[DrRob]

They're ok. I've found their flow rates to be less than expected, media volume huge and plastic bits can be a bit flimsy.

I always advice people to have a look at the power consumption on these things as well. Cheaper filters are great, but can end up more expensive within a couple of years when you factor in the electricity bill for it running 24/7. Plus, the environment etc.

 

[seangee]

Since you already have a working filter start with that and save your money until you know for sure it is inadequate. You could then supplement it wit a simple sponge filter if needed. These are really cheap on amazon or ebay and powered by a small air pump so you could probably set up a fairly effective one for under £30 (if you actually need to)