Advice on Internal Filters, Eheim vs Fluval

Hi Guys,

Sooo after some shopping around - I am about 95% sure that an internal filter is the way I want to go... unless someone knows of a valid reason (aside from 'it takes up space') not to?

Also - regarding the filter capacity - I have read 2 versions, and I am not quite sure which one is correct:

Version 1: Your filter should process 3 - 5 times your aquariums volume in an hour, so I'd need a filter with a 162 - 265 lph capacity.

Version 2: Your filter should process 5 - 7 times your aquariums volume in an hour, in which case I'd need a filter with a 265 - 378 lph capacity
I would like a filter to be effective, quiet, and easy to maintain. In that order.

Currently the contenders are:
a) Fluval U Series ( U Series | Aquarium Filtration | Fluval )
b) Eheim Aquaball ( EHEIM aquaball 60 )
c) Eheim Aqua Corner ( EHEIM aquaCorner 60 )

I have also read that I should not rely on the maximum capacity stated on the packaging - and instead work out that any filter system ( after adding filter media) will only do about 65% of what it claims on the box. Is this correct? If so, would it be smart to get the next bigger size of filter available, or would that smoosh the fish into the wall on the opposite side of the aquarium?

Is there anyting else that i need to consider, eg - I know that the Fluval filter can double as an airpump - but I'm not sure if this is a good thing?

So here are my questions:

1) Is an internal filter a dumb idea? if so, why?
2) Which is the 'correct' formula to determine filter capacity? And is it clever to get a filter that is a bit stronger than that?
3) Which of these 3 would you recommend, if so why? Do you know of another amazing brand that I should look into?
4) Do you know of any hiccups with these filters?
5) Do you know of any local stockists for these filters?

I would really appreciate any advice you have to offer.

 

How big is your tank?

 

54l

 

I do not use internal or external canister filters, I use sumps but I will give some advice. An internal or external canister filter has a much smaller surface are than a sump, this is why you would want the water to turn over much more than one would in a sump. Now it all depends on the size of the filter, and therefor the surface area of the filter. If you have a large canister filter then you can go with a smaller water turnover in the filter, if you have a smaller filter with smaller surface area on the media then you would want the powerhead to be stronger and turn the water over faster.

Next depends on stock, what type and how many. Obviously a few tetras will not make nearly as big a mess as a bunch of 30cm cichlids will make. Also, some fish prefer faster moving water, while other prefer slow moving water... that will probably push you towards a choice of big filter with slower water turnover, or smaller filter with more powerful powerhead that will turn water faster and maybe also increase water movement.

Hope that helps a bit

*edit, eish, I see your tank size now... my one sump is 400L xD

 

Have you considered a hang of the back (HOB) filter, doesn't take any space inside your tank, which is limited, easier to clean, and more effective imo. The brands you have listed are all very reliable, no problems there.
Look to "oversize" filtration at 4-5 times tank size as you have suggested, a 200l/h filter would be a good starting point.

 

I would rather go for a hang on back style filter, like an aquaclear 50 or 70.

 

Aquaclear is well supported, I'd go with the HOB, I would think that it has a greater filter media volume. Unless you're specifically going for a strong current, then an internal filter is better.

In terms of tank volume turnover, everyone has different numbers, but generally 3-5 times is a minimum and larger is always better, as long as you can live with the currents.

 

IMO (and its not a great amount of experience as I have always used canisters) internal filters can get messy at cleaning time, when you remove them from the tank I find that a lot of debris ends up back in the tank... I have developed a cunning jug, scoop technique but something external would be much easier..

HOB sounds good to me too, maybe a small, decent quality, external canister though if you have the cash.