Need Recommendation for External Filter

[KEN TAN]

Hi, Can anyone recommend a reliable external filter for my 3.5ftx1.5ftx2ft tank. Heard alot of brand (Jebo, dolphin, atman etc)but don't know which is best? If possible can advise me which model performance is the best & roughly how much it cost. Thanks in advance.

[prec]

eheim pro II ard 200+

[vinz]

You should be aiming for a filter with a flow rate of about 3 times your tank volume, which is about 280litres.

[benny]

Hi Ken,

Do you have a budget in mind?

Eheim filters are good, but can be a costly initial investments. The returns are only obvious when you see the reliability and the availibility of spare parts. Some hobbyists here have Eheim filters which they have used for the longest time without any problems.

Cheers,

[KEN TAN]

Hi, Thanks for the advise. I know Eheim pro is the best but I'm wanted to know whether there is other brand (e.g. Jebo, Atman & Dolphin) which the performance is comparable to Eheim . My budget is roughly $100 cos I need to reserve $ to custom build the cabinet & other accessories.

[budak]

You could try posting around for a 2nd hand Eheim...... my own 2224 (bought for about $70) was already a couple of years old when I bought it 4 years ago, and it's still working fine 24/7. Even if a few parts are worn, the Eheim workshop at Qian Hu Farm can change them for a small fee and it's good as new.

[CT]

agree with budak, can tried posting ard to look for a 2nd hand one.. I bought my 2213 at 40 fro one of the forumer a year ago... now still going strong..

[KEN TAN]

OK. Then which Eheim model is suitable for my tank?

[budak]

like what vinz mentioned, go for a model with a flow rate at least 3 times your tank volume.... go to the company's website to see their models (but don't follow their recommendations, which are too conservative).

[KEN TAN]

Thanks for the advise.

[KEN TAN]

Hi, Vinz. Just need to confirm with U regarding the flowrate. For 3X the 280litres tank which data should I compare with "Pump output or Filter circulation"? Thks.

[JAGER]

Flow rate should be 2 times the capacity of your tank. Too fast a rate, your BB will not have time for Dinner If your tank is 250 lits, just get a filter which is around 500 plus. If you though about upgrading your tank in the near future, then get a bigger filter, but reduce it's flow. Too fast a flow rate will stress your fishes as they need to swim against the current and hovering in the tank will also be a problem

Getting a bigger filter does not mean that you lenghten your maintenance cycle

[tawauboy]

a filter flow rate will slow down after a while.
so get one which has a higher flowrate, about 3 times or so.
if too low, you are stuck.
if flowrate is a little too high, throttle the outlet valve only.