Newbie Confused By External Filters

[tropico]

Hi,
I have been doing a lot of internet research on filtration and am still confused by all the options available. It looks like external filtration is the way to go for me but the choice seems huge. Fluval and Eheim externals look popular on here.

I am looking to set up a community tank, the tank is 142L or 31 gal (37.51 US gal). I am looking to spend a maximum of around £70 but would prefer to spend around £50.


Has anyone got any recommendations?

Thanks

 

[Disco]

I would get a fluval 205 for around £69.99. Don't waste money on an eheim unless you are going to splash out on a proffesional 2.

 

[Bloo]

Without a shadow of a doubt, the Eheim 2213 - how can you possibly beat £47.99 inclusive of all media. If you spend a couple of ££'s more and your order is worth £50 or more, shipping is free. Otherwise it's £4.95

I have one of these filters as well as a 2224 and they are superb filters and in my opinion far better than Fluvals (which I've had).

They are ultra silent and couldn't be easier to run and maintain. Top quality

 

[Ste_J]

I'd agree with the Eheim - had a 2213 and now running the 2224 which is a fantastic filter. If you go for the 2213 it may be worth pricing up a couple of taps for cleaning times.

 

[tropico]

Thanks,


I was looking at the fluval 304 - how does the fluval 205 compare to this - which is the better filter?



I was also looking at the eheim 2213 and the eheim 2224 - what are the benefits of the 2224 compared to the 2213?


Why are the eheims a waste of money if you do not get at least a professional?


Any more opinions? as I'm shooting in the dark here so to speak

 

[Bloo]

Why are the eheims a waste of money if you do not get at least a professional?

I my opinion that's a rubbish statement. The professional 2 range has the advantage of instant priming but to be honest it's an absolutely doddle on the 2213 and the 2224. The 2224 is more expensive at around £90 or so (inclusive of media) but slightly easier to operate than the 2213 - but also a heck of a lot larger.

Fluval have a notorious reputation for leaking and failing, but some people love their fluvals - I'm not one of them. Been there, done that - not again.

My Eheim 2213 came with taps so I didn't have to buy any extra. With a twist of the taps, it takes 2 seconds to disconnect the entire canister from the pipes for maintenance.

 

[Disco]

There are no significant differences between a fluval '04 and an '05. The name change has come about to highlight the numerous small changes to the 04 series in the last 3 years. A 104/5 is for 100litre or smaller tanks a 204/5 for a 200litre etc. If you buy a 2213 please buy a spare impellor shaft at the same time it will safe you getting one later.

 

[modernhamlet]

I'll pipe up for the Rena Filstar XP series of canister filters.

Better quality than the Fluvals.
Cheaper than the Eheim Pros.
More features than the Eheim Classics.

As far as I'm concerned, a good external filter excels in 3 areas:
1. Self-priming
2. Easy maintenance
3. Dependability

For the money, the XPs are exceptional at all of these...

 

[fishing4exotics]

I use the XP3. Never had a problem with it. Better than the Fluval at the same cost.

 

[Tolak]

I have a 2222, 2224, 2026, and Ecco 2231. They are all excellent filters for the tanks they are on. The 2222 or 2224 would be good for the application you are planning. The difference between one of those and a 2213, 15, or 17 has to do with ease of use more than anything else. The 2222 & 2224 come with media baskets & shutoffs on the taps. The pro line has more ease of use features, I needed this for the show tank in my white carpeted living room. The Ecco was a good lfs sale purchase.

I'm more than pleased with the Eheims, I show them no mercy, going 4-6 months between cleanings in a breeding setup. I work a lot of hours, usually with little advance notice, so maintainance has to be on a more scheduled basis, and breakdowns could be a disaster. This post http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=120823 makes me glad I don't have Fluvals, and shows what can happen when a filter has a serious breakdown.

 

[Rooster]

I have used Fluval internals for years.... my first try at an external is Eheim, no matter who/where you ask Eheim are the daddy !
I went for the 2234 at £64, a bit more than I wanted to spend, but how often do you buy a filter ?
Hoping mine will last 5 years +++ so its not a lot of money is it ? The difference in filter area is HUGE - the sponge from my Fluval 3 is lost in the Eheim !

 

[tropico]

thanks for your views

Please could someoe explain what priming, instant priming and self priming are?

 

[Bloo]

Instant Priming = Self Priming.
Manual priming = Self explanatory

To prime the filter means to get the waterflow running properly and with no air trapped.

Manual priming can be done in a few different way - this is explained in the manual with the filter.

Self priming is usually done with a pump action button or lifting handle action. Depending on the type of filter.

Hope that Helps

 

[tropico]

yes thanks for that

 

[hunterm8]

2224's with media can be had for about £70 if you look around