New External Filter Advice

[boardy]

Hi,

I've just upgraded my tank from a 120L running a Tetratec EX1200, to a Fluval 260L with easy connect fittings attached to a Fluval 305 currently.

I am planning on going for a pretty high stock in the new tank so want the best filtration I can get. Now before anyone says why not just put the EX1200 on the new tank, well it seems to be leaking from the primer, and around 1 of the catches. I have yet to find the exact location of the leak, but I'm a little unwilling to hook it up again as a permanent system in my rented house. I am planning to use this as a spare along with my Fluval 205 which it originally replaced (I can't bring myself to get rid of anything over £60 especially when it still works).

I know the Fluval 305 is rated to 300L but I'd be a little happier with "over the top" filtration, than just about enough. I've been looking at the Fluval 405 which would seem the logical choice as it's rated to 400L tanks and will just be a simple fit to the easy connects, but as you can imagine I'm looking for options.

I don't really want to be spending over £150 as I can pick up the Fluval 405 for about £120 and already have enough media to fill it, and then some. The only other thing I'd prefer the new filter to be is very economical. I'm a self employed student so have a set electricity bill which I'd like to keep down, so the lower the power usage, the better.

Does anyone have any suggestions that would be suitable for my needs?

Cheers
Adam

 

[arobinson1984]

Have a look at the eheim classic range, they are affordable, efficient and extremely reliable

Andy

 

[boardy]

Have a look at the eheim classic range, they are affordable, efficient and extremely reliable

Andy

Thanks Andy, I'll have a look into these.

I have had my eye on the Eheim range for a while if I'm honest, they were just far too expensive last time I upgraded. They always seem to get really good reviews, and I've never really seen a bad thing mentioned about them.

Are the professional series worth the extra cash? I may be able to convince my other half to help me pay for a professional if I can justify it.

Cheers
Adam

 

[indigoj]

I'd go for another tetratec - one of mine started leaking and it was just one of the little rubber rings had got dislodged.

 

[boardy]

indigoj I would go for another TetraTec but to be completely honest, I don't think I'd consider anything below the EX2400 now after having an EX1200, and for the cost of that I might as well get a big Eheim or Fluval.

I've looked into the Eheim classic a little more, the main thing I'm not so keen on is the lack of media baskets, and no primer. I like to have everything in the baskets so I can just pull them out leaving the water in the canister which I can use to clean the media if I need to.

I have found somewhere I can pick up a Fluval FX5 up for about £140. Would this be REALLY overkill for my tank, creating too much of a flow, or would it just mean that I wouldn't have to massively worry about overstocking too much. I've looked into the FX5 before but opted for the EX1200, really wish I'd got the FX5 before but for the old tank it really was REALLY overpowered for a 120L tank.

I have run a power monitor on my tank and everything currently in it and have found it to be using about 110w of power when the heater is off, and 310w when the heater fires up. The heater is coming on more frequently at the moment, but that will change as I am fitting my 300w external when I get the new filter, so the power concern isn't all that massive now. I would also like to replace my lights for an LED setup, but finding somewhere in Lincoln to go and see an LED system setup is a nightmare.

The chain of equipment will be this if anyone is interested - Tank->Filter->Vecton 15w UV->300w Hydor heater->Tank

Any comments on any of the above?

Cheers
Adam