Which External Filter - with UV Sterilizer?

Hi all,

I've been running a 240 litre tank for a while now, keeping a few Discus in there. I had been running it with an Eheim External (Classic 2215) and a Fluval 4 Plus Internal filter. Due to a cock up while cleaning the Internal filter - the propeller broke in the Internal Filter. And with the Fluval it's not possible to but the propeller seperately.

Anyway - this has given me the justification to make a change to my filtration set up. I had wanted to change the Internal Filter for a second External filter. I just think the hassle with cleaning and internal filter is not good for Discus, so a second External would be great. The Eheim I have at the moment is the Classic, 2215. It's working great.

But I've been looking at the UV Steriliser possibilities in some of the newer External Filters. So as I understand it - some of the newer External Filters have built-in UV Sterilizers to kill viruses and harmful parasites. And UV light will also purify my tank of green water and make it crystal clear.

So the story goes!!!

Is it just a sales pitch, is it worth getting the UV sterilizer in the External Filter? Does it reduce the overall performance of the Filter? Is it better to just get a good reliable External Filter and ignore the UV sterilizer function?

I was just wondering what your experiences of these are, are they worth getting, and if I was to get something my tank (my tank is a 240 litre but I'd get something scaled up for a 300 to 400 litre capability) - what would you guys recommend?

Thanks,

Rob

I had been using this Chinese filter with UV lamp that Draco linked but stronger one - 1400 lph for a year. I was very satisfied with it and I am considering coming back to using it. I would recommend you to buy the 1400 lph or stronger model for your tank (2000 lph). The UV lamps they have do good job and price is 'pocket friendly'

Thanks Katherine & Draco!!!

I hadn't seen that brand previously, and just saw in the 1400 lph model online also. It claims that "The built in UV sterilizer exposes passing water to lethal doses of ultraviolet light, killing, sterilizing or otherwise irreparably damaging many micro-organisms. Your fish tank water is pumped slowly past the UV light which is sealed inside a quartz glass sleeve which is designed to allow the maximum amount of UV to pass through the water." - which is the part of interest here.

The alternatives with no UV sterilization capability I've seen are the following:

• Rena Filstar XP3 External filter
• Tetratec EX700/1200
• FLUVAL 405
• AQUAEL UNIMAX 250/500
• EHEIM 2217 CLASSIC
• Eheim Ecco Pro 300

So - would anyone care to give their recommendations to the list above?
For the price, and if it does what it says on the label - I think Draco and Katherine seem to have unearthed a good option with the additional UV feature that sounds of interest!

Appreciate all the feedback and advice,

Rob

So - would anyone care to give their recommendations to the list above?

I got the Eheim 2217 second hand about 4 years ago and its still flying.
Its reliable and quiet and when I got it it had been sitting in a shed for about a year.
So being a second hand filter and the way its still performing, i'd highly recommend it.
Plus I got it for free, so that always helps!

Using the negative selection. I would cross out TetraTec EX1200 from your list. I have this filter working for me since November. It was bought second-hand. I learnt that this model was just a crap - faulty design. It leaks whenever I manually pump water after cleaning media. I read somewhere that there was a re-call for this model...
This Chinese filter is lauder than TetraTec and the UV lamp is very sensitive for power changes. My UV lamp broke after 4 months but it wasn't very expensive to replace it.

in my opinion you should go into filters which power is more than 1000 lph.

If I was going only by flow rate:

• Rena Filstar XP3 External filter - 1350 litres per hour
• Tetratec EX700/1200 Not sure yet????
• FLUVAL 405 - 1300 Litres per hour
• AQUAEL UNIMAX 250/500 - 650 l/h and 1500 l/h
• EHEIM 2217 CLASSIC - Max flow rate 1000 litres per hour
• Eheim Ecco Pro 300 - Maximum flow rate 600 litres per hour

So the Eheim is quiet and reliable, but without the UV feature and is more expensive.

Think I will make a decision before the end of the Eurovision!!!

Just one more question I just thought of - Is there a max flow rate that I should limit myself too when keeping Discus?

I run several Tetratecs,600,700,and 1200 models,and they are second to none.There was an issue with a faulty batch about 3yr ago,the 1200s leaked,but that was resolved.I would not use the 700 on your size tank.
The Eheim Ecco Pro are very attractive due to the very low wattage,BUT they clog quickly,and need very regular maintenance.I only clean the Tetratecs every 6-12mths,with the Ecco,it's every few weeks or less.
I have one of those Chinese ones with uv in that link,but smashed the glass cover to the uv tube,and need to find replacement part.I got it free,and am extremely reluctant to use it,it is VERY heavy on the electricity,the Tetratecs or Eheim would be a much better bet,having better performance for much less electricity.I will probably give it on to someone else.(no begging pm's please )
I have Fluval 205 and 305,but havnt used them yet,have heard a lot of bad things about them leaking.Again,I got them free,wouldn't pay for that range.
Have never used the other brands,so can't comment on them.
To sum up,go Tetratec,or Eheim.

Thanks so much for sharing the experience Acara. Just out of curiousity - do you have a seperate UV Sterilizer working in your tank, and if so - is it seperate to the Filter?

I had decided late last night to go with the Chinese model - on the basis of price, flow, and the extra feature of the UV filter. Not sure again now...

Thats what happens when you ask for advice - but am delighted to get the different opinions.

Thanks again!

The Chinese model may be cheaper at the outset,but what is the availibility of parts like? And the huge extra amount of electricity it uses,24/7,will put up your leccy bill.So is a cheaper filter therefore false economy???
I have never run a uv.I don't have any reason to have ever used one.Just another toy to buy.seems that these days we're being told you need to have all these gadgets.Whaat for?So companies and shops can make more money,I suspect.
And yes,I know I'm a tight git