Which External Filter?

[Ben M]

hi, i have a 4ft, 216l tank that has a rena filstar xp2 currently running. but i would like to get another external to improve the filtration. could anyone suggest a cheap but efficient external filter that i can run alongside the xp2?

cheers

 

[AdAndrews]

Im a big fan of the tetratec externals, the ex1200 would fit the bill.

 

[Ben M]

cheers, any other ideas so i can compare?

thanks

 

[Truck]

Im a big fan of the tetratec externals, the ex1200 would fit the bill.

Ditto, also the Eheim pro 2026 would fit the job.

But what ever you do, avoid the fluval externals like the plague (bar the FX5) they're guaranteed to fail just outside the warranty.

 

[Ben M]

thanks, i'll stay away from the fluvals and i'll have a look at the ehiem pro. what sort of prices are they both?

cheers

 

[Truck]

tetratec about £70 new on ebay, the eheims £70-150

 

[bitteraspects]

get another xp2 or xp3.
otherwise, go for an eheim classic.

 

[Ben M]

thanks, i'll compare prices etc and see if my parents will let me have one.

cheers

 

[Faffer]

I have an Eheim Classic 2217 running alongside my XP2. It has a noticeably higher flow rate and, in my opinion, filters better, as there is no way for the water going through it to bypass the media. It is slightly less convenient to clean than the XP2 but still fairly simple. Personally, I prefer the 2217, but they are both very good.

I have both filters outputting to spraybars running along the back of the tank and spraying towards the front, the 2217 output on the left and the XP2 on the right. I then have the 2217 intake on the bottom right corner of the tank and the XP2 intake on the bottom left. This setup ensures the water is circulating fairly evenly throughout the tank. I also have a Rena Smartheater on the intake of the XP2.

If you don't mind buying second hand, you can pick up a used 2217 for around £30-40.

 

[Ben M]

thanks, i think that i'll get a second hand one, but do they ever wear out, or can the seals break on them? because i don't want to buy one and then find that it floods my room, or breaks down.

cheers

 

[Faffer]

The 2217 is very well built, but spare parts are readily available on the Internet, should you need them.

 

[Ben M]

cheers

 

[Ben M]

hi, just found this. do you think it's any good?

http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/Eheim-2026-professional-II-filter-marine-fish-tropical_W0QQitemZ160406286705QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Pet_Supplies_Fish?hash=item2558f5b171

cheers

 

[Truck]

They're brilliant filters, go for it!

 

[Ben M]

thanks, i'll ask my parents if i'm allowed. i was a bit surprised about the price. it seems really cheap. do you need paypal to use ebay?

cheers