Author Topic: Good filter make (Read 5432 times) 3 replies

Richard W · « **on:** September 06, 2015, 11:51:26 AM »

I've tried to keep down costs by buying cheaper equipment, generally off EBay. However, with regard to filters I've decided it's a false economy. Quite a few have failed in one way or another, the most common being that they become extremely noisy and no amount of tinkering can quieten them down. I've tried three different makes, I won't name names but if you look on EBay and find makes that are 50% or less than the "big names" you'll get the picture.

I know Sue has recommended Eheim and they seem reasonably priced, and the Pick-Up types seem totally adequate,but I'd be interested to hear other opinions. I like simple filters with nothing but foam inside and particularly dislike the way that so many include carbon as standard, just a way to make the uninitiated shell out for regular replacements I think.

Sue · « **Reply #1 on:** September 06, 2015, 12:30:48 PM »

I find Eheim filters to work well.
I have aquaballs (in the 50 litre and quarantine tanks) and a biopower in the 180. I've not used a pickup though the 50 litre came with that included but since I already had a fully cycled aquaball I sold it. It did look a nice filter though.
The only things I've ever had to change with my aquaballs has been an impeller after several years, and a few impeller shafts as they are ceramic and I am clumsy. I keep one in the cupboard at all times now. They come in several sizes and don't come with carbon as standard, though a carbon sponge is available as an option.
The biopower range tends to be for larger tanks with the smallest rated for 80 to 160 lire tanks.

Fluval is another good brand; they do have poly-carbon pads but these are easily replaced with a sheet of filter wool. They also have two sponges and a central box containing ceramic noodles.

fcmf · « **Reply #2 on:** September 06, 2015, 06:14:22 PM »

I found Fluval to be a reliable and good make - I used one for ~12 years until its impellor eventually broke. It was quiet and had various settings.

I have a Marina i110 which came with my current tank - it is very quiet (I often take a glance just to make sure that it's still working) and has a 'waterfall' effect but doesn't provide much/any surface agitation (except for in the initial few weeks). It does come with a carbon & zeolite filled filter cartridge but this can cartridge be easily replaced with sponge or filter wool instead. I supplement the Marina i110 with a Clearjet 1 - a very old, small filter which I used ~13 years ago and which was resurrected earlier this year - and it provides plenty of surface water flow.

fdm · « **Reply #3 on:** September 07, 2015, 11:05:18 PM »

+1 for Fluval, I've got a U2 that I've used in a couple of tanks and it's been brilliant. Ultra ultra quiet and I like that you can alternate cleaning the primary filters.

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Good Filter Make

Good Filter Make

Author Topic: Good filter make (Read 5432 times) 3 replies

Richard W

Good filter make

Sue

Re: Good filter make

fcmf

Re: Good filter make

fdm

Re: Good filter make

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