External Vs Internal Filter

Hi All

Have always disliked the Juwel filter in one of my tanks and have decided to remove it to match the other tank where someone had already done that. I was thinking to just purchase another internal filter to match other tank but wondering if I should consider an external filter for each tank.

Done some reading up and seems an external filter is an upgrade but wondering what peoples opinions are. What will an external filter do better than an internal one?

Thanks

David

I just want the best for the fish, so seems an external filter might be way to go. Fluval seem highly regarded although so do some Eheim, Tetra, Cristal Profi by JBL, V2 Poerbox by TMC and Aquia Pro by Aquaone seem well regarded as well.

I use a mix of internal & external filters.

I started with internal filters & small tanks. As the tanks gave got bigger I've moved towards external filters.

I agree with Sue that one of the disadvantages of internal filters is when it drops muck back into the tank when being removed. I have a plastic jug kept specifically for putting into the tank & putting the internal filter into, before removing jug & internal filter to avoid dropping anything back into the tank.

I'm not too bothered about having equipment in the tank, so I've been happy with the internal filters in the smaller tanks.

As for external filters, I will openly admit by love of the Fluval FX filters. I love the drain port at the bottom, which with the addition of a piece of hose long enough to reach the garden, makes draining water from the tanks so easy. I have FX4s on several tanks, and have 2 FX4s and an FX6 on the river tank (400L). There is no priming botton, just put the water in the filter, attach the pipes & switch on. these filters also switch off briefly every 12 hours to remove any air from the system. I have also put extra media into my filters. I think the FX filters are relatively quiet for what they are, though I admit that the FX6 can make the doors on the cabinet vibrate slightly, which is louder than the filter. There is no priming button, just put the water in the filter, attach the pipes & switch on. these filters also switch off briefly every 12 hours to remove any air from the system.

I also have a Fluval 306 on the tiger barb tank, and a Fluval 206 attached to the chiller unit for the axolotls. They have worked well, are quite compact, so don't take up much space in the cabinet. The priming button can be a bit stiff, and there's no drain port like on the FX, but they're great little filters.

I will admit that I use trays underneath all of my external filters for two reasons. Firstly, I know what I'm like with water, and tend to be quite "splashy" during tanks maintenance & water changes. It's relatively common for me to spill water, or forget to completely close a valve before removing a hose    The second reason is because the FX filters have little rubber feet, which makes it almost impossible to slide the filter out of the cabinet for cleaning. Having it on a tray makes it much easier.

I'm sure you'll be able to find a filter that works well for you, your tank, and your fish. 

I have 2 JBL Cristalprofi e150x series on my 270 litre tank. I find them very quiet in use and easy to remove and clean. They are also very efficient in terms of electrical consumption.

When you come to remove the Juwel filter, it is pretty easy. I removed the one in my old Rio 125. You will need a longish bendy knife and a razor blade (the kind used for decorating), and do it during a water change. There are blobs of a silicone type stuff, two at the top and two at the bottom on each side in contact with the tank. Gently pull the top away from one side and saw through the two blobs - if the tank is full, the sawing will cause a tidal wave which is why you need to do it during a water change. Once you've done those blobs, do the other top pair next. Then the bottom four. There will be some black stuff left on the glass. Use the razor blade to scrape it off.

Be careful not to touch the tank's corner sealant.


Don't forget that you'll need to put the media in the new filter. This is easier with an external 

Hi @barneyadi

I think most people have covered the key factors when deciding on internal vs. external. I use internals in my tanks up to 50 litres. And an external filter (Eheim Ecco Pro) on my 125 litre tank. Regarding the issue of leakage and wet carpets, etc., I have a low-voltage float switch arrangement that I built. It switches off the filter if the tank water level drops by less than one centimetre. There are commercial products that do the same. I also have a simple water leak alarm with the sensor itself in my under-tank cupboard*. The alarm itself is on the outside of the cupboard and is extremely loud in the event of a leak.

JPC

* affectionately known as 'The Engine Room'

I am wondering if the Fluval 107 would work. It says it is for tanks upto 130l, mine is 125l but of course it will be less with substrate in etc.

Any thoughts?

As Littlefish has said, bear in mind quoted flow rates may not be seen in real life, especially if you plan on attaching an in line heater, this will add resistance and slow the flow further. I have a filter rated for a 300litre tank on my 220litre and would say that the flow rate in reality is quite low.

There are a few ways to reduce flow but not to increase it beyond what the pump can achieve.

Very well known brand, and looks like a good filter. Again, very neat and compact looking, and with a built in heater. I've not used one of these filters, but looks perfect for your tank.

I've read very favourable reviews about it elsewhere.

Any ideas where you read those reviews?