Milopapa
New Member
Hi everyone,
I've been researching filters for the last few weeks for my upcoming 240l and seeing how some other people are in the same boat, thought to open this thread to have my findings and considerations in one place.
This is where I started as I already own an Eheim Pro 4+ 250 operating in my 75l and I'm generally happy with it. The considered model is either the
+reputable, well-known brand
+quiet operation
+spare parts are available
-recent generation of Eheim filters have taken a step back when it comes to build quality and don't live up to the legendary reputation
-quite pricey for what they deliver
AquaEl Ultramax filters:
I've come across this brand just recently but it looks very convincing.
+exceptionally high flow rate for its category
+quiet
+large capacity canister (space for biomedia)
+prefilter (easier cleaning)
+inexpensive (for its capabilities)
-the largest model (Ultramax 2000) has unorthodox piping (19/25mm), difficult to match with standard lily pipes, spray bars, piping etc
Fluval FX4 series:
For a time I thought this was only available in the US but found it in a few shops here, so looked into some reviews. My main deterrent here is the nonstandard piping and relatively small media capacity.
+very high flow rates
+extra plug for fast water changes (through filter)
+automatic start/stop to get rid of air bubbles
-relatively small capacity for biomedia (most of the space is taken up by coarse sponge filters)
-huge outer dimensions
-proprietary, ribbed hosing (difficult to integrate with existing piping)
Oase Bio Master filters:
This is the most recent contender. Similar to Eheim although a more recent arrival to the aquarium filter scene (original background in ponds).
+reputable, high quality
+pre-filter (easier cleaning)
+built-in heater (Thermo models) for a premium
+standard piping
-quite pricey with built in heater
-maximum flow is 1500l/h (for 850 model)
Feel free to add your thoughts if you're also looking at buying external filters in the near future. I'll also keep adding new items to the table (maybe leveraging @The grumpy one 's excellent table).
I've been researching filters for the last few weeks for my upcoming 240l and seeing how some other people are in the same boat, thought to open this thread to have my findings and considerations in one place.
Things I've considered:
- advertised (and real-life) flow rate
- filter media space
- operating volume (noise)
- hose diameters (standard being 16/22mm)
- quality of life features (eg. pre-filter, integrated heater, water change help)
My findings
Eheim Professional filters:This is where I started as I already own an Eheim Pro 4+ 250 operating in my 75l and I'm generally happy with it. The considered model is either the
+reputable, well-known brand
+quiet operation
+spare parts are available
-recent generation of Eheim filters have taken a step back when it comes to build quality and don't live up to the legendary reputation
-quite pricey for what they deliver
AquaEl Ultramax filters:
I've come across this brand just recently but it looks very convincing.
+exceptionally high flow rate for its category
+quiet
+large capacity canister (space for biomedia)
+prefilter (easier cleaning)
+inexpensive (for its capabilities)
-the largest model (Ultramax 2000) has unorthodox piping (19/25mm), difficult to match with standard lily pipes, spray bars, piping etc
Fluval FX4 series:
For a time I thought this was only available in the US but found it in a few shops here, so looked into some reviews. My main deterrent here is the nonstandard piping and relatively small media capacity.
+very high flow rates
+extra plug for fast water changes (through filter)
+automatic start/stop to get rid of air bubbles
-relatively small capacity for biomedia (most of the space is taken up by coarse sponge filters)
-huge outer dimensions
-proprietary, ribbed hosing (difficult to integrate with existing piping)
Oase Bio Master filters:
This is the most recent contender. Similar to Eheim although a more recent arrival to the aquarium filter scene (original background in ponds).
+reputable, high quality
+pre-filter (easier cleaning)
+built-in heater (Thermo models) for a premium
+standard piping
-quite pricey with built in heater
-maximum flow is 1500l/h (for 850 model)
Summary of specs:
Brand | Model | Flow (as advertised) l/h | Media capacity (l) | Hose diameter (mm) | Additional comments |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Eheim | 2274 Pro 5 350 | 1500 | 4.5 | 16/22 | |
Eheim | 2076 Pro 5 450 | 1700 | 6 | 16/22 | |
Eheim | 2078 Pro 5 700 | 1850 | 8 | 16/22 | |
Fluval | FX4 | 2650 | 3.9 | nonstandard ribbed | easy water change (extra connection) |
Fluval | FX6 | 3500 | 5.9 | nonstandard ribbed | |
AquaEl | Ultramax 1500 | 1500 | 7.6 | 16/22 | pre-filter |
AquaEl | Ultramax 2000 | 2000 | 9.5 | 19/25 | pre-filter |
Oase | Biomaster 850 | 1550 | 8 | 16/22 | pre-filter, T version has heater built in |
Current thinking:
My current thinking is getting either the AquaEl 1500 or the Oase 850 to get to 1500 l/h, and then later potentially getting a second filter if the flow rate proves to be insufficient. That would also give me better options for overall flow in the tank (from 2 opposing sides), as well as some redundancy. It would also help me add a UV filter (should I decide to invest in one) and run that with a lower flow.Feel free to add your thoughts if you're also looking at buying external filters in the near future. I'll also keep adding new items to the table (maybe leveraging @The grumpy one 's excellent table).