Which Filter?

[dgwebster]

Im looking at external filters for my new 178L 4ft tank.

Question is, which one?

The Fluval 205, suitable up to 200L or the Tetratec EX700, suitable up to 250L

Im tempted towards the Tetratec for given the tank over filtration, am putting a ickle plec (5") and slightly over stocking the tank (about an inch over tank max, though its well distributed throughout the levels of the tank so im not worried about it become too croweded in any section)

So the next question is im looking for a stand. I was thinking of customer building but im laxy.

my local chain store sells stands cheap, but only 48x12 and my tank is 48x15x15.

Would the Juwel Rio 180 stand be good for this or am i better with the 240?

 

[clareriley]

I say an Internal but thats only because I have a small child who goes in cupboards and everywhere else. i would also go with the 240 stand as when and if you upgrade you have the stand. I was going to upgrade to a 240 but then I can fit the rio 300 in. so im getting the tank aswell. more ££ but worth it

 

[dgwebster]

Im a master at DIY and lock fitting and would prefer to remove the filter out of the tank. was seriosuly considering a sump as well and moving the heater to the sump as well as i was going to build my own stand but... im not quite that devoted, im already making the hood myself.

 

[@ombomb]

The tetratec... why? Because it's more suitable for a tank that size with a higher turn over. Personally I'd go with an Eheim though.

 

[Bloo]

The tetratec... why? Because it's more suitable for a tank that size with a higher turn over. Personally I'd go with an Eheim though.

Seconded

 

[clareriley]

Im a master at DIY and lock fitting and would prefer to remove the filter out of the tank. was seriosuly considering a sump as well and moving the heater to the sump as well as i was going to build my own stand but... im not quite that devoted, im already making the hood myself.

If you have done the hood then why not go the whole hog and do the stand aswell. Id love to do my own stand but im scared haha. Im already scared of upgrading incase the tank ends up in the foundations. An external then I would say the fluval.. I have heard good reports on it.

 

[dgwebster]

im just being lazy with the stand - the hood is easy, no need to consider stress and struts along with the tensile and compression properties of the material you are workin with. Though I must admit, the ability to crave my own beading etc to put around the tank that i could then match for decor on the doors to make them a little less than plain is very tempting (ok, i say carve and my own, when whati mean is pre-made designs using a router and a router bit, but my father has many of them to choose from, hence my own choice)

It may be something i will still so in a few years when i have the money for the wood and the time to devote to it.

Which eheim filter would you go with?

ok i have just looked at the eheim professional 2224. its about £15 more, but looks good. I may see if i can save alot of money on my lighting with the aid of ebay etc in order to allow this.

 

[RandomWiktor]

I've heard a whole lot of bad reviews regarding fluvals; apparently they are both leak and clog prone, and are heinously expensive compared to similar, equally or better functioning filters.
On the other hand, I've heard great things about Eheim and Rena canister filters. I just got a Rena recently because it fit my budget, and I am extremely pleased with it; it is virtually leak proof, extremely easy to clean and maintain, and customizeable to your individual aquarium needs. Definately a winner in my book.

 

[@ombomb]

I have en Eheim classic in my 180ltr tank, but would be tempted to go for the 2215 if I was buying it again now.

Never used the Ecco range, but they don't seem to do much that the Classic range doesn't...

 

[dgwebster]

the eco range is just mroe economical on the power consumption., only main difference i can see stats wise.

 

[@ombomb]

More ecconomical you mean.... makes sense!

 

[squishy_1984]

i have a fluval 105 and 305 and have had no problems with them at all. I would recomend them to anyone

 

[dgwebster]

More ecconomical you mean.... makes sense!

that would be right. im having a bad day lol

 

[Alex_]

for my 46 gallon i have 2 aquaclear 50s (200gph a peice)
thay are cheaper too.

 

[dgwebster]

although cheaper to buy, not as cheap to run the two of them as to one external or internal got to admit buying two is tempting as better in case of one failing