internal vs. external filters

[mkoh]

hi all,

would like to know the differences between internal & external filter in terms of maintaining water quality. assuming used in a 2ft ~ 3ft tank. in the case of external filter, the "poo" are collected & trapped outside the fish tank -- does this mean better water quality ? or it's just more maintenance needed when using internal filter ? thank you.

[bclee]

An internal filter is generally cheaper than an external one.

External filters have bigger chambers and is able to accomodate more filter media. They can also house more powerfull motor for higher flowrates. Generally, period in between filter cleaning is longer for external filters than internal ones.

It will depends on your budget and application to decide what type of filter to use.

BC

ps: whether the filter media is located within the tank or in the chamber in the external filter do not really matter since water is constantly circulating through the filter media.

[limsteel]

Dude, whether Internal or External dirt, poo, etc... all get trapped in the filter media. AND Water is constantly passing through all the waste material, So don't expect any much different in the water quality.

Price wise, external cost more as it is surely more efficient as it can accomodate bigger filter sponge and more C. Rings, BioBalls, etc... More of these mean more Beneficial Bacteria can be cultivated to break down the nitro NH3/4 and N02 into NO3!

In term of space, Internal filter occupy space in the tank and unless you are able to conceal it, it will be an eye sore to your planted tank.

Internal that has high power rating will increase your water temp... A running Electrical Motor will generate heat.. at least the External can rediate some off to the surrounding. Heat generated in the Internal filter will directly be conducted to the aquarium water...

Maintenance, I find internal really easy to clean, External ones is really a pain in the behind to clean! but again due to the sure size of the external filter, cleaning can be done less frequently... My case: 3 months once. internal filter 2weeks once.

[geoffrey]

Take a look at the smaller Atman external filter at NA. It's value for money, certainly worth considering.

[benny]

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On 10/7/2003 2:26:56 PM

An internal filter is generally cheaper than an external one.

It will depends on your budget and application to decide what type of filter to use.

BC

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Internal filters are not always cheaper than exernal cannister filters. Price is not a good basis to compare the merits and shortcomings of the different type and brand of filters.

For example, an Eheim Aquaball could easily cost as much as if not more than some of the external cannister filters on the market. To some, it's not worth the money, while others feel differently.

Also, some internal filters are better than other for specific needs. Take for example, the Attman power liquid filter F201, F202, F203 or the F101, F102, F103 filters. These internal filters very affordable, has a good flowrate (up to 2000L/hr), separate media compartment for different types of media, directional control for output. But they are probably suitable for fishes larger than 3 cm only. Otherwise, it's going to be a death trap.

Similarly, the Fluval 1 plus, 2 plus, 3 plus and 4 plus are pricy compared to the Attman, but you can easily keep small fishes such as Corydoras hastatus, pygmaeus, Boraras maculatus and Nannostomus anduzei without fear of the fishes being stuck behind the filter or the inlet.

Therefore, the size and density of the bioload in the tank will probably be a better guage of the suitability of a particular type of filter over the others, be it internal or external.

Cheers,

[vinz]

IME, Internal filters simply get clogged too easily. This is especially so if you do plenty of uprooting and replanting.

External filters OTOH, are designed to minimise clogging. If you have one, you'll probably notice that the filters have a few inches below the media which is empty. That is where larger/heavier detritus settle instead of being drawn into the media.

There is also the concern of the bacteria that decomposes organic matter may take over the bacteria we want in our filters. This is more likely to happen with an internal filter which gets clogged easily. There was an excellent article about it at Erik Leung's (toshi) site before, but it seems that he has revamp it and the articles are not there anymore. I'll try and see if I can find it again.

[tirimisu]

Hi
Just curious, how much watt for the internal filter enough to ensure the water clean in a 2feet tank? Coz see a lot of different watt ....any kind soul can advise my noob qns...Thanks

[Shadow]

look at the filter flow rate instead. normaly for fish only tank 2-3 times your tank volume. It getting tricky for planted tank, because it depend on your scape or thing that can block the flow. In planted tank it can go all the way to 10 times tank volume.

[tetrakid]

Hi
Just curious, how much watt for the internal filter enough to ensure the water clean in a 2feet tank? Coz see a lot of different watt ....any kind soul can advise my noob qns...Thanks

A 6W HOF is strong enough and is just nice for a 2ft tank. Filters of this wattage usually come with two-chambers with the inlet pipe at the center. It will not create too much water currents to disturb and wear out smaller fish. Another advantage of the chambers is that you can customise (change to) your own bio media too. I always attach a ribbed sponge to the inlet permanently, thus I only have biomedia in the filter's chambers.

[ren_hao]

Hi
Just curious, how much watt for the internal filter enough to ensure the water clean in a 2feet tank? Coz see a lot of different watt ....any kind soul can advise my noob qns...Thanks

Flowrate is more relevant in keeping the water clean. If you get the same flow rate with lower watt rating, that is the best.

[sqwerc]

Well bro I think it really depends on your requirements when choosing an external or internal filter. External and internal have so many types.

External: Sump, OHF, canister, HOB
Internal: Undergravel, air powered corner filters, IOUS, skimmers

The list goes on.. haha all are good if they achieve what you want! To me it is how you deploy the filter