Wanted: External Filter

[shell30984]

Hi,
Im after an external filter for my new 600l tank (5ftx2ftx2ft)
i am currently researching them, so i dont no which one is the best one etc
it came as a bare tank - so im setting it up as a new, so if you have anything else eg sand, heaters etc then i would be grateful if you could let me know
i do have a 4ft tank, so im not completely new to all of this


im in derby - so could collect from local ish area, or im willing to pay for postage.

let me no what you have
thanks

 

[minnnt]

Keep an eye out for an fx5 by fluval. Will probably be the best option for a tank that size. Second hand ones go for about £80-£100 and are worth every penny. Try aquarist classifieds too.

They're capable of turning over about 2400 litres an hour when full of media. I believe mattlee is running two on a tank a similar size to yours, but it depends on what fish you're planning on keeping.

 

[mattlee]

you wont really go wrong with an FX5. as minnnt said i have 2 of them on a 60x24x18 and 2 on a 60x24x24. they keep the tank spotless and the fish are happy with the flow, although it can be adjusted to suit like most filters can.

when looking for a filter read up on the flow rate and media volume as you will need a decent amount for a decent size tank like yours. bare in mind that most filter manufacturers provide a flow rate as an empty canister so when media is added it will reduce quite a bit. i have always been told that eheim give the most reliable flow rates on filters.

as with buying anything electrical and secondhand is a gamble so if poss try and buy from someone you know or can trust. there are too many people out there saying they have a 6 month old FX5 for sale but dont have the receipt..... this means its probably 2 years old + which may mean seals etc may need replacing etc etc. it may not but just be aware. also look for onr that has been ran on a freshwater tank not marine as the salt can increase wear and tear on moving parts

to get close to the flow rate of an FX5 there is nothing close without paying over double the price for the filter the Fx5 seems to be very reliable and a great filter but it is big so just ensure it can fit in the cabinet.

 

[shell30984]

Thanks guys,
i have done some research into the fx5 and think it will be the one i'll go for...But i didnt realise how big it was my partner is making the cabinet, so have advised him to make the cupboards a little bigger haha xx

i have 2 oscars, 1x plec, 4xjd's, 2x green terrors, 2x snakeheads and 2 acaras - all are young and small at the moment - but i no they grow quite big!!
i no the 5ft tank might not be big enough once they are all grown - but i will cross that bridge when it comes and probably upgrade again!

 

[matt_storey]

How about some lovely bogwood and marsh root to decorate http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/372084-bogwood-large-and-small/

 

[minnnt]

Lol!

Yes you will need 2 fx5's with that list! What snakeheads are they?

 

[shell30984]

lol - yeah not sure how they will all be when they are older.
they are only rainbow snakeheads, have been told that once everything is fully grown that i might have to get rid of them as the oscars would swallow them whole.

That piece of bog wood would look great!! but i am going to have to say no, not now i need to invest in an FX5...or 2