Suggestions on filters?

[Essjay]

Out of curiosity, do American members not use internal filters like we often use in the UK?
For example, I have two of these internal filters in my 180 litre/48 gallon tank (long story*)

EHEIM biopower 160

The aquaball concept with external filter technology External filter technology and multi-layer filtration – that means: the water at the bottom…

eheim.com

And this filter in the 23 litre/6 gallon tank

EHEIM pickup 45

The EHEIM pickup is a small practical filter with a special concept The filter is simple to attach in the tank with suction cups. The special…

eheim.com

And I had this filter in my 54 litre/14.5 gallon tank

EHEIM aquaball 130

An all-round convincing concept The ball shaped pumphead sits in a ball joint and can be turned right round. Thus the outflow of the filtered…

eheim.com

* I used to have the biggest of the Biopower filters in the 180 litre but the pump stopped working. I'd had to close the 54 litre so the filter was in the cupboard. All the Biopwer and Aquaball filters use the same size pump, just different ratings so I put the lower powered pump on the filter in the tank. Then rather buy another large Biopower, I bought a cheaper, smaller version; split the media baskets between the two filters and now run two smaller filters rather than one large filter

 

[Slaphppy7]

Out of curiosity, do American members not use internal filters like we often use in the UK?
For example, I have two of these internal filters in my 180 litre/48 gallon tank (long story*)

EHEIM biopower 160

The aquaball concept with external filter technology External filter technology and multi-layer filtration – that means: the water at the bottom…

eheim.com

And this filter in the 23 litre/6 gallon tank

EHEIM pickup 45

The EHEIM pickup is a small practical filter with a special concept The filter is simple to attach in the tank with suction cups. The special…

eheim.com

And I had this filter in my 54 litre/14.5 gallon tank

EHEIM aquaball 130

An all-round convincing concept The ball shaped pumphead sits in a ball joint and can be turned right round. Thus the outflow of the filtered…

eheim.com

* I used to have the biggest of the Biopower filters in the 180 litre but the pump stopped working. I'd had to close the 54 litre so the filter was in the cupboard. All the Biopwer and Aquaball filters use the same size pump, just different ratings so I put the lower powered pump on the filter in the tank. Then rather buy another large Biopower, I bought a cheaper, smaller version; split the media baskets between the two filters and now run two smaller filters rather than one large filter

Before joining TFF, I was a Mod on another forum, based in America. Very few members there ever mentioned internal filters, and there were few (if any?) questions/comments about them.

For me personally, the less equipment inside my tanks, the better...the inside of the tank is for fish, water, deco, and plants, not bulky equipment....just my own personal opinion

 

[Essjay]

I never saw a HOB filter in a shop when I first started keeping fish, though they have made an appearance in recent years. The main reason i don't have an external (aka canister) filter is that my husband refuses to let me have one. I am renowned for my clumsiness, and he reckons I'll fail to seal it properly after cleaning one and empty the tank onto the floor. He's probably right *sigh*

 

[Slaphppy7]

I never saw a HOB filter in a shop when I first started keeping fish, though they have made an appearance in recent years. The main reason i don't have an external (aka canister) filter is that my husband refuses to let me have one. I am renowned for my clumsiness, and he reckons I'll fail to seal it properly after cleaning one and empty the tank onto the floor. He's probably right *sigh*

LOL....canisters DO take some getting used to, but for me, they're a must for bigger tanks...I only have one, Eheim Classic 2215, great filter, on my 40B....the rest of my (smaller) tanks have AquaClear HOB's...

 

[Lajos_Detari]

Thank you for all of the info. I did order an HOB last night. I do weekly 79% water changes so the water has always been crystal clear. How does your sponge filter splash? They are underwater. Just curious.

Sorry, probably my wrong usage of English. LOL
My water level is high and the sponge filter will push the water upward (bubbling up) and splashed to the lighting. It will splash on anything above it.

 

[momsspaghett]

If you're looking for a new filter I would highly suggest the AZOO Mignon Filters. They don't deal with annoying cartridges and you only really need to use ceramic rings and a sponge with the setup. Cycled and cleans my tanks with ease along with it being quite cheap on amazon (about $20). I believe there is a version for smaller tanks such as 10-20gallons along with the option for larger tanks. I currently have the 150 version (I use for my 10 gal) but they also have the 60 version. I would suggest checking those out. They don't take up much room on the tank as they hang off onto the back.

 

[FishGuest5123]

Thank you, I did purchase an HOB but different brand. Will check these out though.

 

[Bruce Leyland-Jones]

Out of curiosity, do American members not use internal filters like we often use in the UK?
For example, I have two of these internal filters in my 180 litre/48 gallon tank (long story*)

EHEIM biopower 160

The aquaball concept with external filter technology External filter technology and multi-layer filtration – that means: the water at the bottom…

eheim.com

And this filter in the 23 litre/6 gallon tank

EHEIM pickup 45

The EHEIM pickup is a small practical filter with a special concept The filter is simple to attach in the tank with suction cups. The special…

eheim.com

And I had this filter in my 54 litre/14.5 gallon tank

EHEIM aquaball 130

An all-round convincing concept The ball shaped pumphead sits in a ball joint and can be turned right round. Thus the outflow of the filtered…

eheim.com

* I used to have the biggest of the Biopower filters in the 180 litre but the pump stopped working. I'd had to close the 54 litre so the filter was in the cupboard. All the Biopwer and Aquaball filters use the same size pump, just different ratings so I put the lower powered pump on the filter in the tank. Then rather buy another large Biopower, I bought a cheaper, smaller version; split the media baskets between the two filters and now run two smaller filters rather than one large filter

I've been looking at internal filters myself recently.
The reasons for an internal, as opposed to external...

• There's absolutely no chance of a filter leak draining the tank and/or wetting the surrounding area, (I continue to have a distrust of external cannisters, with all of that pipework and necessary valves...plus they take up space I don't have).
• It doesn't need priming.
• They're easier to service.

The reasons for an internal, as opposed to Hang On Back...

• I don't want to start cutting my lid to fit the HOB
• There's no chances of leaks/evaporation
• There's no chance of contamination from airborne contaminants
• Active kitties cannot disrupt it.

I think the 'Murricans prefer the externals because, generally, they have larger tanks and more space and their own manufacturing capacity provides. Whilst we don't make filters in Blighty, we do have easier access to the excellent Eheim, for example.
There's also that herd mentality, where people see what the most popular is and then get it themselves, thereby making it even more popular.

Currently looking at the Tetra In600 or 800.

 

[Deleted member 149562]

I had been using Tetra externals...EX600 Plus

Fed up with them...especially one that refused to work no matter what I did with it.

Am now using Aquael Turbo 1000's again. Internally fitted and they have the ultimate customising choices available on the market. You can have them with a huge intake sponge with the powerhead, you can have them with same huge sponge with a container or 2+ with the powerhead, you can have them with the container or 2+ with the powerhead. The combinations are endless and at 25 quid each they are amazing value, never get bunged up, awesome flow that is fully adjustable in strength and direction with optional aeration too

Its a bit like having all the benefits of an external with all the benefits of an internal with all the benefits of a sponge filter......brilliant

Aquael.pl - internetowy sklep akwarystyczny!

Najwyższej jakości sprzęt akwarystyczny od polskiego producenta - bogata oferta z szybką dostawą!

www.aquael-aquarium.co.uk

Most importantly the fish LOVE them....especially playing the idiot in the outlet game (a BN speciality)

 

[Boundava]

It's a large issue with internal filters in America is that nothing is very reliable, at least that has been my experience. There isn't also a good selection of them. My sister and I have gone through quite a few internal filters in the past mainly between tetra and whisper. They start out strong but within a week or two the flow really cuts down and eventually before a year is through they just wind up dying on you. So for a short period of time we just gave up on internal filters and just purchased very small hang on back filters for the tanks instead. Issues arise when you have a tank like the low boy which is 16" tall but has a 2' x4' footprint, so a hang on back filter doesn't really work on them well especially when figuring out how to deal with lids and keeping dojo loaches from jumping out of tanks. I could just stick a couple sponge filters and some current makers, but I wanted something with a little stronger filtration and I didn't want to have to break out more air pumps to power the sponge filters.
I have been using internal filters, the fluval U series. However we have been experiencing a lot of power outages lately due to the weather, and I think they they fried the filters as all three of the Fluval U3 filters that I have just died on me. I had two in my 50 gallon lowboy and I had one in my 125. I also have one in my 20 gallon turtle water feature in the 180 gallon tank that I haven't checked to see whether or not it's dead. I'm not worried about the 125, as it has a FX4 on it and a corner Matter filter. However the little boy is now without filter so yesterday I was researching some filters and decided to go with the Sicce Shark 800. I liked the Aquael internal filters, but it would take too long to ship to me. The tank is too low for any other type of filtration other than sponge. Hoping that the Sicce does well, at least better than the Fluvals did. I would love to add some of the Aquaels to my 125 and the 120 in the future, currently in school so money is very very tight.

 

[Bruce Leyland-Jones]

Am now using Aquael Turbo 1000's again. Internally fitted and they have the ultimate customising choices available on the market. You can have them with a huge intake sponge with the powerhead, you can have them with same huge sponge with a container or 2+ with the powerhead, you can have them with the container or 2+ with the powerhead. The combinations are endless and at 25 quid each they are amazing value, never get bunged up, awesome flow that is fully adjustable in strength and direction with optional aeration too

I like the look of these...and you can adjust the flow?

 

[Deleted member 149562]

I like the look of these...and you can adjust the flow?

Yes you can adjust the flow very easily. There is a flow control lever on the front of the powerhead.

They come in various sizes/flow rate...the 500 is the smallest and 2000 is the largest.

They are really good filters....as I said you can mix and match the attachments to the powerhead and mix and match your choices of media. They come with a full container of ceramics which can be taken out completely, used in part or whatever you want. It is entirely dow to you the user as to what combination you have and what flow rate you want.

 

[Lajos_Detari]

Yes you can adjust the flow very easily. There is a flow control lever on the front of the powerhead.

They come in various sizes/flow rate...the 500 is the smallest and 2000 is the largest.

They are really good filters....as I said you can mix and match the attachments to the powerhead and mix and match your choices of media. They come with a full container of ceramics which can be taken out completely, used in part or whatever you want. It is entirely dow to you the user as to what combination you have and what flow rate you want.

I agree with the above.
Aquael Turbo is a good internal filter.
It's main advantage is it has a container where you can put "any type of filter media" in it.
It's like the Aquaclear hang on filter with its big container for you to put any type of filter media.

I put Biohome filter media inside which can give you more surface area for the beneficial bacteria to grow.

At the bottom of the filter is a big sponge filter.
The negative point about this filter is this big sponge filter.
Since this sponge filter doesn't have any housing, it will release debris into the water whenever you take the filter out for cleaning. And this really make your water full of debris.
You might want to get something like a big plastic bottle/container that can enclose/cover the whole sponge before taking it out for cleaning.

Here is a video about the filter.

Biohome Filter Media – Professional Filter Media

 

[Lajos_Detari]

I have been using internal filters, the fluval U series. However we have been experiencing a lot of power outages lately due to the weather, and I think they they fried the filters as all three of the Fluval U3 filters that I have just died on me. I had two in my 50 gallon lowboy and I had one in my 125.

It's weird that your internal filters can get burned.
By right, if your internal filters are submerged completely inside the water, the motor will always be in the water and there is no way for the motor to get burned.

In my opinion, the motor will only get burned when there is no water or not enough water. This occur mainly in "hang on "filters.
Other possibility could be when the power returned after the power outage, there could be some voltage surge that could damage the filters.
Other than this, I can't think of how the filters can get damaged.
By right, internal filter is the best to handle power outage as the motor is always inside the water.

By the way, if you have some space above your tank, you can also consider some Top filter or Overhead filter.
Dophin brand is cheap. I bought one for less than USD20 for my 25 gallons tank.
Check the length(must be enough to cover your tank length) and flow rate when you are selecting this filter.

Some videos might be in different languages.(just observe the filter)

 

[itiwhetu]

I've been looking at internal filters myself recently.
The reasons for an internal, as opposed to external...

• There's absolutely no chance of a filter leak draining the tank and/or wetting the surrounding area, (I continue to have a distrust of external cannisters, with all of that pipework and necessary valves...plus they take up space I don't have).
• It doesn't need priming.
• They're easier to service.

The reasons for an internal, as opposed to Hang On Back...

• I don't want to start cutting my lid to fit the HOB
• There's no chances of leaks/evaporation
• There's no chance of contamination from airborne contaminants
• Active kitties cannot disrupt it.

I think the 'Murricans prefer the externals because, generally, they have larger tanks and more space and their own manufacturing capacity provides. Whilst we don't make filters in Blighty, we do have easier access to the excellent Eheim, for example.
There's also that herd mentality, where people see what the most popular is and then get it themselves, thereby making it even more popular.

Currently looking at the Tetra In600 or 800.

I have been a fan of internals for around twenty years. Keep everything in the tank. No spills. Power cuts, they just start up by themselves, really easy to service. You can direct the out flow where you want it. Love internals will never go back to anything else.