Best internal filter?

[boogaloo]

Hi,

I'm looking to purchase a couple of internal filters as emergency backups. The tank sizes range from 120 litres up to 200 litres. I've used the old Fluval+ filters in the past, which I find OK, though they can be a bit of a pest to clean. Any recommendations anyone?

Cheers. B.

 

[JackGillett]

I'm running the tetra tec 700. It's a good filter but it struggles to get going again after a clean. There is a pump button for this though. But as a backup is good, easy and quick to set up and easy to clean

 

[FF MkII]

Isn't that an external? I used to like the old fluvals too (still do) but have recently bought an eheim aquaball. Not great flow rate if I'm honest but a good filter nonetheless

 

[macvsog23]

Eheim
Any of the Aquaballs or the power heads all are good solid units

 

[D-MAC]

Ehiem pick up filters are the best value for your money, but as Bob and Steve said Aquaball are very good also...Its really down to how much you have to spend...Fluval should never have changed from the old models of 10-15 years ago...They were much better filters than the newer ones. imho.

 

[macvsog23]

Ehiem pick up filters are the best value for your money, but as Bob and Steve said Aquaball are very good also...Its really down to how much you have to spend...Fluval should never have changed from the old models of 10-15 years ago...They were much better filters than the newer ones. imho.

The problem with Fluval is they "Change" every few years they dump the current range and go for what they see as a wizz bang filter be it internal or external, heaters or any thing.
The sad fact is they get it wrong trying to be good.
The old Fluval heaters were spot on I have a stock of a few dozen as it is no longer made, They came up with some thing that looked good on the star ship enterprises but was fugging worse than useless in a fish tank. It was square and had to stand upright it flashed and winked and beeped or some daft thing like that when your water was to hot cold or god knows what.
The new filters can tell you when to do a water change ect but if your on top of your fish keeping you already know, if your not on top of your fish keeping why would a blinking light distract you from sitting in front of the TV and eating takeaway?

Regards Mr grumpy

 

[D-MAC]

They came up with some thing that looked good on the star ship enterprises but was fugging worse than useless in a fish tank.

Regards Mr grumpy

Lol, I know the one you mean....Best place I found to put that one is a skip...:thumbup:

 

[Jimmy]

Fluval should never have changed from the old models of 10-15 years ago...They were much better filters than the newer ones. imho.

Have to agree with you there, I recently replaced my old Fluval 3 with the U3 and I am so dissapointed with it. I don't know if it's me but getting at the impeller is a nightmare :wb:

 

[dw1305]

Hi all,
I like the Eheim Aquaballs, they don't clog as quickly as most internals I've used and they are very easy to clean. The impeller shaft is ceramic, which is both good and bad, they last eternally, but only if you can avoid snapping them.

If you want a cheaper option I'd suggest a Maxi-jet power-head and sponge, I use these a lot and they are very good and they come in a range of sizes. You can fix an existing sponge from your external on with a cable tie, but I usually have an internal running in the tank alongside the external filter all the time.

I usually use a "Kettering Koi" drilled filter sponge: <http://www.ketteringkoi.com/acatalog/Filter_Foam_Blocks.html>

but you can DIY your own, these are intake hose size sponges, but you can make them any size you like from a sheet of foam.

&

.

cheers Darrel

 

[boogaloo]

Thanks for your replies everyone. I tried a Fluval U2 and hated it for several reasons - went back to my old trusty Fluval 3+! Think I'll look at an Aquaball or a pickup filter. Cheers.

 

[JackGillett]

Yes I apologize, misread the post. Eheim are good, as mentioned:thumbup: