Upgrade Internal Filter

[ghostcarp]

Hay Everyone

Im running a Fluval 3 Plus Internal on my 126l community tank.
I would like to upgrade to External Filter, I have been looking at the Fluval 204.

Can any else suggest another filter to compare to.

 

[BobK]

Are you just looking at canister filters or all externals. I can help out with power filters.

 

[fraservet]

I would go for an Eheim filter - ideally a pro2
they are quite a lot more expensive than Fluvals, but are of much better build quality.

 

[Paul_MTS]

I agree, go for a Ehiem at least.

I run a 204 on my 100l and it does the job but it's a right bastard to clean, get started again and generally a pest.

I have a Ehiem Pro 2 (2224) running on my 360l and it's so much more easier to operate.

 

[Inchworm]

Hi ghostcarp

If you are looking for a HOB filter, you won't go wrong with an AquaClear.

They are not too expensive to buy, and are very cheap to maintain. If you skip the charcoal bag and fill the chamber above the sponge with inexpensive filter floss (which can be rinsed out and reused for months and months) you can even increase the bacterial and mechanical filtration abilities of it. This will allow you to exceed the "inch per gallon," rule of thumb that we use for stocking.

For your size tank, I would recommend an AquaClear 300. It will more than do the job for you.

 

[Yenko]

My dad has been running a Fluval 204 for years now, and never had a problem with it.

 

[rvm]

I've got 2 204's and had a 404 in the past, and I agree with Paul v Biker. They are a real pain. They always lose their flow, and cleaning dsoesn't always help, plus 2 out of the 3 I've owned have developed leaks!! Pretty bloody useless IMO!!!
Get yourself an Eheim, they are leagues ahead of the fluvals. You don't need to bother with the expesive Pro II version, it is just prettier and has a nice self priming button. Get one from the classic range (a 2211 would do the job, but go for a 2213 just in case!!) they're not as expensive as the Pro's and pretty much just as good! trust me you won't ever look back at fluvals!!

 

[ghostcarp]

Hey thanks to everyone for all the advice, I've gone for the EHEIM PRO 2224 with Ehfisubstrat Pro. Most expensive filter I have purchased before Total £90
cant wait to get it going.

Should arrive Tuesday

I will let ya know how it goes.

 

[Yenko]

Mabye my dad's filter was an anomaly; but that doesn't change the fact that his filter has been running for 6 years without any leaks or excessive maintenance. Besides, the shops around here don't carry Eheim filters.