Thinking Of Getting An External Filter

[kuncan]

Hello,

As the title says I'm thinking of getting an external filter as I don't like the look of the big black box in my tank.

At the second I only have a 100L tank. But when work calms down I will hopefully get a larger one.

I've read several posts about which brand is better and see that Eheim is the popular brand here.

Which model and media would you recommend ? How much space will they take up.

Would buying second hand be an option?

Sorry if these questions have been asked before

Dunacn

 

[Bloo]

I have a classic eheim 2213 on a 72 litre, though it can easily cope with a 100l and more. Maintenence is a doddle (once you get the hang of priming them!). It's not a very large external (as externals go) and probably roughly 30cm high x 13cm across.

 

[kuncan]

OK at the minute I'm thinking of either a Fluval 205 or 204 or an Eheim ECCO 2234.

Does anyone use both of these ? which would you recommend?

 

[Bloo]

Be warned that many people have problems with external Fluvals (leaking at very inopportune moments ! and priming) though obviously there are also people using them with great success. As for the new '05 range I'm not sure.
Ecco's are also said to be inferior in functional quality and performance compared to the classic range and other Eheim externals.

 

[zig]

The flowrates of the eccos are extremely poor in reality, people complain of lack of flow even though the filter should be able to handle it going by the spec, i would do my homework carefully before i would buy one, personally i would avoid them,.