Juwel Filters

[millwall]

What is it about juwel filters that people don’t like? I’ve read a number of threads where people mention they have or want to remove their juwel filter, I read in one post where it was considered a blessing in disguise when someone’s filter detached from the glass. So being pretty new to fish keeping, all this talk has me concerned about me filter, I’ve had my 2nd tank a cloned Rio 180 up & running for a few weeks now no real problems thus far, so. Are there known problems with these filters? Or am I just being paranoid.

 

[Bloo]

From my personal point of view - maintenance.

I just got fedup with the constant clogging and sluggishness and build up of sludge and grime that slows down the flow (which already extremely gentle under normal circumstances).

Running an external filter is just such a dream to maintain in comparison.

I now also have a lot more space in the tank and the ugly large black box now doesn't stick out like a sore thumb (yes, I know you can hide it behind plants, but that never quite worked for me).

I also had a number of instances where fish got into the filter - not great as it took ages to find them there. The little lid on the top is quite rubbish for that (keeping small fish out).

I'm not saying that Juwel filters are rubbish and suggest that everyone should rip theirs out. But if you want increased / better filtration and incredibly easy maintenance, then that's the way to go

 

[annka5]

I've a Juwel filter, and personally think they are at least as good as other internal filters. They're less obvious, have bigger filter media volume, and I've found mine perfectly relaible.
The water level on my tank is such that no fish would be near the top (unless they jumped)- I always keep the tank full to the line marked on the inside.
However, an external filter, if you have the money, the tank size and occupants warrant it, and have the inclination, would be better - not as much inside the tank, bigger filter media volume, maintenance is outside the tank, etc.

 

[Mbuna Dave]

I have a Juwel 260 with built in filter and have no trouble at all.I dont have any bother with maintenance neither so i wouldnt worry.
I have bought a new Eheim external but not because the internal is not good enough but because the more the merrier.

 

[morgan]

Hi, I have a Juwel Rekord96 and also upgraded to a Juwel Rio 300. I find them to be very good, but I have no experience of any other tanks and filters. I find the filters very easy to maintain.

 

[Spiceweasel69]

The juwel design isnt that great.Theres lots of places that 'dead water' can exist and accumulate lots of crap. This is a pain to clean out and as it sits below the filter media. I have just changed to an external and have found the water to be much clearer even tho i used the same media - had to cut it to fit, and the extra space is a blessing.

 

[millwall]

Cheers folks one again you've put my at ease. Would I be right in assuming external filters are a better option for larger tanks? As I intend to set up a six-foot tank with this being the eventual home for my sail-fin Plec & clown loaches. How easy would it be for pipes or tubing to be knocked out? Say by a very curious cat

 

[Bloo]

Just attached more suckers to a pipe - a fairly tough task to just knock the pipes out if you have a whole string of suckers keeping the inlet and outlet pipes in place.

Externals are much better at handling a lot of waste from high stocking and high waste producers (such as plecs).

 

[millwall]

Cheers again Bloozoo2 , your help & advice is greatly appreciated

 

[linda1503]

Hi everyone, Sorry to go on about juwel filters again but one final question please. Whats the best maintenance for them? How often and which pads need cleaning? I do mine in two halves, weekly. just a quick rinse in tank water, but my water never seems christal clear, I always seem to have some sort of 'bacteria bloom' going on!! My water stats are ok and the tank has been running for a few months now, so any help would be most appreciated. Thanks

 

[morgan]

Hi, I follow the maintenance schedule in the instruction manual. The tank water is crystal clear. The blue sponges mustn't be rinsed too often and the sludge at the bottom of the filter housing should be left alone. I have never had any disease in the tank (touch wood!). HTH I can type out the exact schedule if you like.

 

[linda1503]

Thanks for reply. When you say the blue sponges shouldn't be cleaned too often, what do you mean by 'too often?' weekly or monthly? I rinse my white filter wool weekly and changed fortnightly, the green sponges I rinse weekly. Is this correct? Thanks, Oh and the black sponge weekly also. (never touch the 'sludge')

 

[diademhill]

Throw out the black sponge & replace it with a blue one. These are rinsed weekly - monthly according to stock levels. The sponges can last years. The polypad can be replaced with cheap wadding (sold in sheets for ponds) swap these weekly (ish)
The juwel filters are excellent if the tanks are moderately stocked with smallish fish.
Keeping a spare filter in the opposite corner aleviates any dead spots & allows instant hospital or QT tanks.

 

[linda1503]

Thanks Diademhill I'll throw my black one out and get some of that wadding. If this doesn't clear up my 'bloom' I'll pull it out and put in a different filter. Cheeers

 

[morgan]

Hi, you don't rinse the green sponge (Nitrate Removing Sponge). If you choose to have one (I do) you replace it after 6 weeks because the bacteria dies off. You don't rinse the black sponge (carbon). If you choose to use one (I do!) you replace it after 4 - 6 weeks otherwise it will leach stuff back into the water. People have varying opinions on which sponges to use and I don't want to be argumentative! I am just telling you what I do so you get a range of opinions. My tank water is crystal clear, I never have any kind of bloom.