What Size Tank Would You Start To Think About External Instead Of Inte

[jailawes]

Hey,

I'm just wondering about what minimum tank size would you start to think about using an external filter. I'm currently using internal filters and have never used externals, so can any suggest what size would be best to make the switch between internal and external.

Thanks

 

[Sp00ky]

Hey,

I'm just wondering about what minimum tank size would you start to think about using an external filter. I'm currently using internal filters and have never used externals, so can any suggest what size would be best to make the switch between internal and external.

Thanks

there are varying sizes of external filters... this may have been better posted in the Hardware section dude.

 

[whip]

Based on nothing but my opinion, I would say 55 gal would be the minimum. Most tank that are smaller than 55 can very effectivly be filtered by H.O.B style filters for a lot less money than what an external would cost. There are always exceptions. If you have a small tank that is overstocked, or has a high bioload. If I was given a 30 gallon tank with an external filter, I would use it, but I would not spend the money on one for a small tank.

 

[DaveW]

I have a 126 Lt tank with an Ehiem Classic 2213 external filter, which is for 150 to 250 Lt, and works brilliant.

 

[The-Wolf]

you could put a small cannister on a 24x12x15
but I would say anything under 30g it is not really needed

 

[Bloo]

I've found an external eheim 2213 to be enormous beneficial in my 19US gallon (72l) heavily planted.
Though there is an eheim for around a 10 US gallon I think too

 

[basia]

It depends what you have in the tank. I have an external filter on my son's 20 gallon goldfish tank because the internal filters couldn't cope with their enormous waste.
I also have an external on our 30 gall tropical because I prefer it, the tank is spotless and it is easy to maintain. Personal choice I guess.

 

[andywg]

I run an external (Fluval 104) on my hand built 7.5 Imp gallon. The main reason is the horrendous noise that internal make, and there is no room for a HOB (and they are very rare in this part of the world). I'm more than happy to overfilter, especially when the tank is by my pillow.

It's all down to choice.

I would have prefered to put a small sump on it, but was vetoed by the good lady...

*Edit* meant to add; the ease of cleaning and ability to choose media also made me switch my small tank to cannister.

 

[Rooster]

Externals can run on any size.... an email I got from Eheim states that you can turn down the flow, using the OUT tap on an Ecco !
But would be a bit silly on a goldfish bowl !

I'd say 24 inch plus...

 

[huntnikk]

Externals can run on any size.... an email I got from Eheim states that you can turn down the flow, using the OUT tap on an Ecco !
But would be a bit silly on a goldfish bowl !

I'd say 24 inch plus...

Now that would be funny... an external with bottom pipes on a 1/2 gallon fish bowl...


It would make for a nice vortex or fountain..