External filter/pumps

Apart from the obvious, what's the difference between an external and internal filter/pump? Planning an external but as I've never had one before, how do I go about maintaining it? And, what are the benefits? This is an expensive purchase so any advice would be extremely helpful! Cheers J

Pro's

Much more room for media meaning it is much more efficient.

you can add things like carbon or poly pads in for chemical filteration.

Because of the extra surface area in the filter it doesn't need cleaned as often.

Also because it doesn't clog easy your flow doesn't drop off so quick.

You can turn the taps off, remove the hoses and carry the whole filter to the sink without getting anything wet.

More room in the tank without the filter there.

You have more choice with flow using the filter return. Choose between rotating returns, spray bars etc.

You can put equipment inline in the filter hose such as CO2 delivery or heaters.




cons

More expensive innitially

I wouldn't be without one on a tank over 30lt now tbh!

To maintain simply clean the sponges/bio balls etc once every few weeks in only tank water as you would the sponges of an internal.

You will prob find you need to do it alot less often though

Are there any types/makes that i should look at in particular for 180l tank?

heya...well i bought my external filter from ebay...brand new 45 quid....BHW-302...LOOKS LIKE EVA OFF OF WALL-E LOL...have it filtering the big tank with no issues at all...

Features:
1. This appliance is our most recent designed external canister filter. It is has the feature of high efficiency, big capacity and multi-functiona.
2. Multilayer filtering function.
3. The water inlet and outlet are integrated in the valve control, easy for maintenance.
4. Integrated in big flow and high quality pump, quiet while running.
5. Safe rubber "O" ring and lid lift-lock clamp, free of leakage.
6. Rubber feet to reduce the vibration.

Applicable Scope: Suitable for both marine and fresh water fish tank filtering.
MODEL: BHW-302
VOLTAGE: 110V/220V/240V
FREQUENCY; 50Hz/60Hz
POWER: 18W
H-MAX: 1.4M
OUTPUT: 1000L/H
WEIGHT: 3.5KG
DIMENSION: 232X232X395MM

mega quiet and would never go back to a internal filter as its so much more efficient and less mess to clean

I take it that there's pipes that go over the side of the tank?

yeah there are pipes one going in and one coming out...quite chunky tbh...but can be hidden well with nice backing paper, the bits that go into the tank themselves are about inch round hooks...will pop a pic on in a bit of mine so you can see.x

I'd love to see a pic! couldn't buy without seeing what they're like!

ignore the mess of cables...they dont belong to the filter heheheh https://2img.net/h/i1103.photobucket.com/albums/g480/cherylpaton/003.jpg

Is that a normal sized filter ......or do you have a HUGE tank??

Jacqueline wrote:Is that a normal sized filter ......or do you have a HUGE tank??

i think its a bigger filter as its in my 5 foot tank but am sure they have smaller ones available for smaller tanks

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/External-Aquarium-Fish-Tank-Hang-Filter-500-L-H-New-/400181162447?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item5d2ca7f1cf#ht_2686wt_1185

this is a small one up to 90 litres but its a tank hanging one