The Best Filter Type

What is the best filter type you have used?

External : Tetratec Ex range
Internal : Interpet PF3

External...Fluval FX5
Internal...Fluval plus range.

external :-fuval 05 ( tank isn't big enough for fx5 )
internal :- fluval plus range

I personally always prefer sponge filters and while over at the Duisburg show I picked up an internal sponge filter it’s about 28” X 8” X 5” that’s 70cm X 20cm X 12.5cm with two outlet pipes. I was told I will have to clean the sponge about once every 18 months so I set it up when the impeller on my Fluval 404 packed in. It’s working great and I’ll let you know how it goes................................................Tom.

External: Eheim wet/dry. Ehime 2211, 2212. Cascade (4 years never a problem). Tetratec 1200. Fluval 203 (old). Sump filter (marine tank).
I plan to change the Cascade for 2x Eheim ecco and i also want to change the Tetratec.

Internal: Mostly sponge filters. 2 of the tanks with externals also have juwel internals. I removed the media in these and just filled them with lava rock. I flush this about every 6 months to remove any mulm.
I have used several power internals and find the flow is to much for the size of the filter.

Back to the question of the best filter type? Sump's are great because there are no restriction on how to use them. Water turn over is your choice just choose a pump to suit. Media can be anything from cut up straws to gravel, bioballs, siporox, lava-rock etc. There is also plenty of room for heaters and chemical filtrating. If you wanted you could have a section to grow plants in for nutrient export. As the plants grow they use up Ammonia, Nitrate, Phosphate etc. When you cut the plants back you are exporting these undesirables from the tank. The only draw back is energy consumption.

You must be getting into Discus Tom going to the show in Duisburg:laugh:. I hope it was good. Any pic's?
You sponge filter sounds like the Mother of all sponge filters. I wouldn't be surprised if you get some denitrification in a sponge this size.
I think how ofter these have to be cleaned and replaced depends on a number of things. Fine food like Sera micron, zm-oo, tabimin (dust) etc. will clog them quickly. The likes of beefhart will coat them in gunk in no time. Stuff like this means cleaning more often.
The open cell size of the sponge also will determine how often they need cleaning. So will the air flow rate.

Hi Tom,
where you really over in Duisburg at the show ? Any chance of a few pics??
Regards,Tim

frontosa wrote:

Hi Tom,
where you really over in Duisburg at the show ? Any chance of a few pics??
Regards,Tim

No, but I'm told by some people that you were............