External Filter

[drew85]

Hi all,

I have been browsing through catalogues at LFSs for external canister filters. Right now, I have 2 2ft tanks, both planted.

I was considering Ehiem Classic & Ecco, Fluval, and Hydor. Rena Filstar is way out of my budget. What I am interested in is the safety features of the filters. Myth has it that the Rena Filstar, has some auto switch function, such that when the impeller gets jammed, it just ceases operation- auto power off.
As for Ehiem, I've heard that in the same circumstances, chances are, the impeller gets damaged only. As for Hydor, I am uncertain about it. Another area that I am considering is the flowrate. The output can't be too low, and the filter should come with valves for fine-tuning of inlet and outlet flowrate.

I'm not familiar with external filters, and would be more than glad for any opinions provided.

Thanks,
Drew

[|squee|]

From my judgement, Ehiem suits your bill best. I've never heard of impellers jamming while in operation and causing a fire or anything, but Ehiem's impellers hardly ever spoil, in fact the whole damn fliter can last for years if operated properly

Different fliters have differnt outputs, so you have to choose the model that suits your tank. Mine's a Atman 3335, 600L/hour for my 2ft.

Most external fliters now come with on-off taps at the output and input. Eheim's a reliable brand, testimonies can be found worldwide.

[augi_ow]

hey.. i'm using a rena filstar 1 now for my 2 feet tank!!
honestly... it doesn't give me any problems....
the start up of the filter is easy too... just fill the water to the brim and turn the switch on... and thats it!
i bought my rena filstar for $135
i think an eheim is more expensive
one thing bad about the filstar i feel is... it heats up the water, i don't know whether other filters do that....
i'll give 4/5 stars for rena

[augi_ow]

and for the safety feature of rena.. i don't think it has this feature
the output rate is quite okay.... the fine tuning thing...don't have to worry about it cause after a whole when your filter is a bit dirty, it fine tunes by itself.... and if you want to fine tune it, rena has a knob to control the output

[drew85]

How about Hydor Prime series of external filters?

I heard that nowadays, Ehiem is made in China. It used to be manufactutred in Europe with better quality control.

Drew

[juggler]

[quote:3e7fe6f3="drew85"]How about Hydor Prime series of external filters?

I heard that nowadays, Ehiem is made in China. It used to be manufactutred in Europe with better quality control.

Drew[/quote:3e7fe6f3]

Really? Didn't hear that before?

But the China-made ATMAN looks like Eheim and I heard can even use the same spare parts.