Which External Filter To Buy? Help!

[MBOU]

I don't think the efx600 is enough on it's own, especially when you consider that the flow rate given isn't including all of the filter media that goes in it, which slows it down further.

 
Actually... for a change, this flow rate *is* inclusive of the media being in place.. was one of the stipulations MA made when the packaging was designed
 
The EFX 400 would be absolute minimum for the tank but if stocked low, it would work... the EFX600 would be more than adequate. More filtration or powerheads can be added later on if needed when fully stocked or planted etc....
 
Alternatively there is the TetraTec EX1200...
 
I dont think the FX5 would fit in the cabinet, its monstrously huge as filters go!

 

[balajake]

My bad on the fx5 suggestion. I really didn't think about the fact it was going in a juwel cabinet. I think the ex1200s would be better and terrific value

 

[MBOU]

the EX and EFX filters are designed by same person
 
Comes down to 'the look', the price and how easy it is  to get spare parts (eg... if you live really close to an MA, it will be easy to get spares... TetraTec will pretty much always need to be ordered online or through shop..).
 
Either way... always advise investing in a spare impeller at some point as its most likely thing to go and you're stuffed without one

 

[Alm0stAwesome]

One thing I can say for tetratec is that their customer service is brilliant. If you ring them up with a problem they will send you out the replacement part free of charge, virtually no questions asked and is there in something like 3 days. This isn't just my experience either.

I now have a complete spare head unit because I thought mine was leaking (turns out it wasn't it was just a few drips after maintenance, it stopped as soon as it had resealed itself)

 

[MBOU]

True, I found TetraTec very good when I had problems with my filters (i told everyone how good mine were whilst everyone else had leak problems with that bad batch a couple of years ago... then all 3 of mine went in the space of 2 weeks lol).
 
Though I know there are certain people around that really abused Tetras good will one replaing parts, lying to get the spare parts they wanted.... makes me wonder how many people doing that it takes before they stop having such good will! Id be hacked off if I were them!

 

[balajake]

My primer got stuck and they sent me a new top. Tetratec are great, it's why I opted to buy another one