New Filter Decision

[andyt_uk]

help me out guys.
trigon 190 tropical tank
want to get rid of the juwel filter box and add an external filter
been looking around and considering some of the below...

fluval 305, or 205?

tetratec700

an eheim, but which one?

hydor prime 20 or 30 (bottom of page)


anyone any thoughts / preference / experience with them???

and while i am at it, any thoughts on an external heater like this
or anything similar?

 

[Tolak]

Eheim 2213 or 2215, depending on your stocking. If you want a little easier maintenance go with a 2222 or 2224. If you want to really spend, and impress your friends, the 2026 is an awesome filter. I have one of each of these, they all run forever with little maintenance. The Pro's & Pro II's have baskets for the media to make maintenance easier, the Pro II's have auto prime, and adjustable flow with a flow indicator.

 

[DarkEntity]

I have the Eheim Ecco 2236 and its a lovely filter. It has baskets for a variety of media and is a doddle to setup and use.

 

[raptorrex]

i got a Hydra Prim 30, as a filter i cant fault it. its the attachments and fittings that are suspect, though they are reasonably priced to replace. I like the idea of a external heater, especially with a Cray in the tank.

 

[Bloo]

Agree with Tolak. Classic 2215, Pro 2224 (but I think they are not making them anymore, and you will only be able to pick up old shelf stock - but I had one a year ago till I sold my tank and it did a superb job) or ulitmately the Pro 2026

 

[BigC]

I've always bought Eheim and I've been around this game for eons, Yes I tried a Fluval once and I must admit I kept it for a while until it packed in and then I went back to the tried and trusted Eheims. One word of advice I can give, the canister types have a sealing ring between the canister and motor housing. on the CLASSIC models atleast. If you do decide on an Eheim then buy a couple of spare Sealing rings and a spare set of clips (the clips snap the canister to the motor unit). Sometimes the sealing rings can get mangled (user error) so it's always best to have some spares around.
Regards
BigC