Which Filter?!

[Lorrie]

Hi all,

I am looking at upgrading my filter, but I'm confused and not sure which to go for.

My current set-up:
24" x 15" x 14"/80l tropical tank
What I consider to be a well planted tank - 7 or 8 'rooted' plants, 5 moss balls, bogwood with a couple of big plants on.

Stocked with:
8 Neons, 6 Endlers Livebearers, 11 Guppies.

I only had 5 Guppies until someone gave me 6 yesterday - I'm a little nervous about overcrowding - I think it's just about okay at the moment, but would be interested in other peoples opinions! I'll feel happier when the Endlers are moved into a new home. Have tested ammonia/nitrate/nitrite today and the levels don't seem to have changed, but I will monitor it closely to make sure there's no real change with the new additions.

I'm looking to get a 2nd tank, so I can seperate the Endlers away from the Guppies, and want to move the current filter (Fluval 2-Plus) into the new tank (planning on approx 50l tank, for the Endlers alone), and getting a new filter for my current tank.

I've read somewhere that filters tend to lose power, or not be as efficient as the manufacturers state. I'd rather overdo the filtration than not have enough, but would a Fluval U3 be overkill?

 

[zuulan]

Some manufacturers do overstate their flow-rates. Or rather they state them without media in, which of course is totally unrealistic.

Switching to a small external filter would free up some nice space for your fish. Try this link.

 

[Lorrie]

Thanks Zuulan - I'd briefly considered an external, but have never had one before, so was sticking with what I knew.... Have decided to take the plunge and go for your suggestion!

 

[BigbruiserAl]

Plenty of people on here and other sites have Fluval 05 range fail on them might want to rethink?
Also try get a filter that will turn you tank water over x 5

 

[StandbySetting]

I'm not a fan of Fluval 05 filter's either, poor design and build quality.
Tetratex ex700 would be my choice.

 

[Fantail_John]

I'm not a fan of Fluval 05 filter's either, poor design and build quality.
Tetratex ex700 would be my choice.

Been thinking of getting a Tetratex filter myself,since I have just set up my planted low tec tank, but was told you can't auto turn down the water flow? so if your can't what will be the best for a 25g tank?

 

[StandbySetting]

You can do turn down the water flow, but there is no need to, on a 25G, I'd go for an ex 1200 personally, I always have 10x turn over where possible.

 

[BigbruiserAl]

indeed you can heres a pic, see the green taps to adjust flow?

 

[moochy13]

eheim 22 series is a great little external. check charterhouse aquatics, i got a 2213 with taps, hose, media, everythign basically for about 60 quid i think, maybe 70. taps and media are pretty expensive on their own.

 

[Lorrie]

Okay - more uncertain than ever now! lol! Will definitely go with an external filter, based on all your suggestions - now I just have to choose one. Have always gone fluval before because I know the brand, and they've never failed me and always had good reviews, but based on the comments here, perhaps it's not the best to go for. It has a 3 year guarantee, which is great - until it goes wrong, of course! Will go away and do some research on them all now. Thanks for all your help!

 

[fluttermoth]

Incidently, your green and white striped plant is non-aquatic and should be removed before it starts to rot; make a lovely houseplant...

 

[Lorrie]

Incidently, your green and white striped plant is non-aquatic and should be removed before it starts to rot; make a lovely houseplant...

Thanks for that. Wasn't sure what it was. Funny thing is, that seems to be doing well - it's the large leaf plant behind it that isn't... Had to take a few leaves off of it since I got it and there's only a couple of leaves left. I think I'm going to remove it altogether and look for something to replace it, so I'll do those at the same time.

I'm a novice (does it show?! lol!) so any help and advise is gratefully accepted!

 

[Fantail_John]

Incidently, your green and white striped plant is non-aquatic and should be removed before it starts to rot; make a lovely houseplant...

Thanks for that. Wasn't sure what it was. Funny thing is, that seems to be doing well - it's the large leaf plant behind it that isn't... Had to take a few leaves off of it since I got it and there's only a couple of leaves left. I think I'm going to remove it altogether and look for something to replace it, so I'll do those at the same time.

I'm a novice (does it show?! lol!) so any help and advise is gratefully accepted!

We all do it I'm just learning about plants and had 3 in my tank that were non aquatic plants, only found out when posted the photo in the forum, best of it the Pets at home told me it was for a tank lol

 

[zuulan]

If the plant seems to be doing well is there any need to remove it?

Btw Lorrie, don't get a Fluval 05 on my suggestion. I've no experience of them either. I just picked a 100ltr external that came to mind and that I could find a link for. So wasn't really a recommendation, more me being lazy! Lol.

I've a Fluval interal and I like the design. For external I've an APS (all pond solutions) one which I bought on a value for money basis, someone had posted a discount voucher code on here and I couldn't resist a bargain.

 

[nurglespuss]

I recommend the Fluval 05, its been good with me! Never had a problem (been running one since it came out)

I would also recommend (depending on the position of your tank/hood etc. the EHEIM Liberty series of HOB (hang on back/side) filters, in between an internal/external, easy to maintain, never had an issue. (Have just bought another one for a new tank 24x12x15).