HI All,
First up apologies I know its a topic that comes up all the time. Will give as much info as I can about set up to help any replies to be as relevant as possible.
Had a boyu ef-20 external running for almost 5 years with no issues until we moved house back in october when for some unknown reason it decided to start leaking. Never managed to identify the reason for the leak so binned the filter and stuck with the 2x internals that I'd put in the tank as an emergency measure after a 24 hour spell without a running filter.
Tank is a juwel 180 (I think, it was a freebie we got a couple of years back) which has plants and probably a slightly high stock level but is very stable with the only recent death being after no filter for 24 hours.
Tested water yesterday with API freshwater master kit results showed around 20ppm nitrate no nitrite or ammonia. PH was reading a bit high at around 8 from its normal 7.2ish but have been a bit lax with water changes for probably over a month due to new house/christmas etc. Running a tap water test tonight as although we are in the same water area we do seem to get more of a chlorine smell from tap and I think we are nearer a treatment plant than before so wonder what effect that has on chemistry.
Fast forward to now I have the funds to buy a new external. I've thought about an FX6 for a long time which is a great upgrade from the boyu we got for free 5 years ago.
Should I be considering any other alternatives within a similar price bracket?
Anything to be aware of with the FX6?
Many thanks in advance as I know this topic comes up alot.
Kayne
First up apologies I know its a topic that comes up all the time. Will give as much info as I can about set up to help any replies to be as relevant as possible.
Had a boyu ef-20 external running for almost 5 years with no issues until we moved house back in october when for some unknown reason it decided to start leaking. Never managed to identify the reason for the leak so binned the filter and stuck with the 2x internals that I'd put in the tank as an emergency measure after a 24 hour spell without a running filter.
Tank is a juwel 180 (I think, it was a freebie we got a couple of years back) which has plants and probably a slightly high stock level but is very stable with the only recent death being after no filter for 24 hours.
Tested water yesterday with API freshwater master kit results showed around 20ppm nitrate no nitrite or ammonia. PH was reading a bit high at around 8 from its normal 7.2ish but have been a bit lax with water changes for probably over a month due to new house/christmas etc. Running a tap water test tonight as although we are in the same water area we do seem to get more of a chlorine smell from tap and I think we are nearer a treatment plant than before so wonder what effect that has on chemistry.
Fast forward to now I have the funds to buy a new external. I've thought about an FX6 for a long time which is a great upgrade from the boyu we got for free 5 years ago.
Should I be considering any other alternatives within a similar price bracket?
Anything to be aware of with the FX6?
Many thanks in advance as I know this topic comes up alot.
Kayne