Internal Or External Filter

[Starsailor]

Sorry if this is posted somewhere else; I looked through a couple of pages and I couldn't find a comparison...

I just bought a 20 gallon tank today ($40!). I don't know what kind of filter to use though- external or internal. I plan on keeping live plants. This is probably going to sound trivial, but I really can't stand the noise of the water dropping from the filter back into the tank And the aquarium is going to be right by the living room.
Would an internal filter be better,then? I read something about them not being as effective as the external kind. I could grin and bear the noise if it's better to get an external filter but if I'd really like to cut back on that noise.

And one final thing...could anyone please make brand and model-specific suggestions?

Thank you!

 

[ShoC]

I have an Eheim 2236 Eco,
and it's dead silent Only way I can tell its on is if I look at the water movement or Touch the canister to see it vibrate. (external filter) and it takes up less room inside the tank, So its nice

 

[2day]

Hi there.

To cut it short, don't go for an internal, you will regret it. Externals (Cannisters) clean the water much more thoroughly and precisely, and leave the tank crystal clear. THey are much better, economical, and hold a whole lot of bacteria which is what you want. It would be a good option to invest in one of these, but it is primarily up to you. It gives you more room in the tank, and... it just suits a tank much better.

An Eheim would do the job, look around the Ecco range, or even the Classic for that matter.

A fluval would also be good to do the job, maybe 205? Just make sure if you do get a fluval, it is one with a dvd that tells you how to set it up (this clearly identifies that it is the newer model).

Hope that helps

 

[Starsailor]

Thanks

I'll look out for the Fluval and Eheim at the fish store or pet store. Is the Fluval quiet too? Honestly, that noise drives me bonkers...like the audial version of the Chinese Water Torture

 

[ShoC]

It will be noisy for first few mins then goes silent after all the air is out of the cannister,
just submerge the flow tubes and your sorted.

 

[2day]

Fluvals are just as good as eheims now, as they revamped their product range... You shouldn't have any problems

 

[ShoC]

I read TeraTec are very good
so many choices eh

 

[Starsailor]

Thanks again =)

I'm very glad that they're quiet (that was my main concern and why I was considering an internal filter). Although I hope we are thinking of the same sense of quiet! The sounds of the filter don't really bug me, it's the pouring of the water that does....

 

[Starsailor]

(excuse the double post, I still haven't figured out how to edit!)

Phew, those filters come with a nice price tag!
Are there any other good filters that are a bit more affordable? You can assume I have the budget of a college student

 

[ShoC]

you shouldnt get any sound of water pouring if you have the water flow going into the tank below the water level,

I'm not sure on any cheap external filters as I didnt really look for any hopefully some one else can help
I think mine was 60-70 quid I have honestly forgotten

 

[GRJ]

It will be noisy for first few mins then goes silent after all the air is out of the cannister,
just submerge the flow tubes and your sorted.

Hi, i have a fluval 205 external and its very quiet. I only hear it when i turn it on after cleaning ect and its just the water and air, after a few moments it goes queit again. I thinks its easier to clean also, just have a bucket of aquarium water handy to put yourmedia in whislt emptying and its sorted! Hope that helps. GRJ