Should I upgrade to a Fluval 204?
Graeme
I have a 17gal tank, which is made by Hagen, it came with a Fluval 2+
Internal filter. Being a newbie at the time I used the inch of fish per
gallon rule, and in the end had 5 fancy goldfish in the tank. Now at the
moment the tank isn't over stocked as the fish are all young and small at
the moment. Unfortunately the problem is I don't have the space for a
larger tank, if I could find the room I would be out tomorrow getting a new
tank.
But the good news is, the fish seem happy, and in the 5 months I have had
them I have not had any health issues, so can't be doing too much of a bad
job :-)
Now the problem - I am not happy with the internal filter. I have to clean
it every week or so, plus it isn't doing a very good biological job.
Although the test kits shows the ammonia/nitrite as 0 and the nitrate at
about 30, the water is has a milkiness to it, which I believe is
free-floating bacteria. The solution as I see it is to purchase a new
external filter which not only will do a better filtering job, but also
provide much better biological job.
As the tank is made by Hagen and I have been happy with the filter itself, I
am looking at the Fluval External 204 filter. Hagen say the cut outs in the
tank fit this filter fine, so that is one good thing about sticking with the
same brand (as the cut outs don't seem that big).
I have also looked into Eheim, but the worry is for me, will it fit into my
tank. Plus I haven't had much luck tracking down information about there
filters online, where as the Fluval I have been able to read the manual plus
speak to them.
So basically before I purchase just would like your opinions if I am making
the right move - while the filter may be an overkill size wise I do think it
will do a much better job in the long run which is the most important thing.
Also - does anyone know what media is included with the Fluval normally?
Thanks.
Graeme
KerplunKuK
www.aquaticswarehouse.co.uk think that's right. really cheap. they come
with three prefilter media, strange fluval bead things and carbon.
"Graeme" <ne...@graeme.me.uk> wrote in message
news:3ff49311$0$61061$65c6...@mercury.nildram.net...
Graeme
news:3ff49b6a$0$2759$cc9e...@news.dial.pipex.com...
> I have two of these and they are a dream. try going to
> with three prefilter media, strange fluval bead things and carbon.
Thanks. I can get it online for £51.99, but a local store has it for
£59.99, as it is only £8 more expensive I may get it in the store - least
that way if anything goes wrong I can just visit the store again and not
have to send it back, as it should be covered for a year.
Plus I don't have to wait for the post :-)
Graeme
Iain Miller
I've got a 204 & also an old Eheim & two newer Eheims. As a preference I'd
buy an Eheim - but there isn't much wrong with the Fluval. The Fluval piping
is bulkier & less flexible than the Eheim variety. Sizewise you might get
away with a 104 but bigger filters never hurt as long as you can manage the
water flow/turbulence in the tank.
I.
Graeme
news:j%dJb.15251$FN....@newsfep4-winn.server.ntli.net...
>
> I've got a 204 & also an old Eheim & two newer Eheims. As a preference I'd
> buy an Eheim - but there isn't much wrong with the Fluval. The Fluval
piping
> is bulkier & less flexible than the Eheim variety. Sizewise you might get
> away with a 104 but bigger filters never hurt as long as you can manage
the
> water flow/turbulence in the tank.
Thanks. When at the store today I will look at the Eheim, but the issue I
may have is will they fit though the tanks cut outs, as it was designed
really just for Fluval filters. I plan to direct the flow of the water
towards the side of the tank like it is now with my internal, my fish tend
not to go into that area anyway, so it shouldn't be an issue. If it is I
may purchase a spray bar although I think you can use the aqua-stop on the
Fluval to lower or control water output?
I also plan to create some kind of area in the tank which is free from any
water flow or current- at the moment they go under the internal filter but
once they goes in a few weeks the tank is quite open plan.
Graeme
Spindoctor
Secondhand filters are always cropping up secondhand, I've got a mix
of eheims and fluvals for not very much money eg. eheim pro 2 for 45
quid and eheim 2217 for 40 quid and a few noisy fluval 303s for 15
quid each.
have to say I too prefer the eheims.
Brian
Graham Ramsay
> Thanks. I can get it online for £51.99, but a local store has it for
> £59.99
Even cheaper in your local pet superstore if you don't mind
buying from there.
--
Graham Ramsay
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