External Filter Choice

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Amypoo89

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Jan 24, 2020
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Amy
Hi all!

I'm looking to upgrade my 120L tank with an external filter, with no idea where to start if I'm honest.

I'll be looking to live plant it in the next couple of months, and currently have it stocked with a flame gourami, 3 kuhli loach, 6 guppies (all male- no breeding), and 6 panda corys.

Any suggestions on a suitable external filter, or any general advice is welcome ?
 

fishorama

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Jun 28, 2006
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I like Aqua Clear filters. I've had some for ~20 years. On most tanks over 20 gallons, I like 2 slightly smaller filters. That way you can clean the heck out of 1 without putting much of a dent in your beneficial bacteria. It also improves water movement to suck up more detritus.

Because you use liters (or litres, lol) I think you may not live in the US. You might not have the same options...

When it's time, ask us before getting plants, some are much easier than others. I like easy, lol.
 
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dougall

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Mar 29, 2005
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I would personally use a canister filter... Because I like them.

If I were going to look for a new one right now, I would strongly consider one from the Oase, assuming they are available.

But it's all personal choice :)
 
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Amypoo89

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Jan 24, 2020
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Amy
Thanks!

It hadn't occured to me to get two, probably a good option for me actually because I do love a good scrub ?

Any idea on 'capacity' as it were... The internal filter I have is okay for now, it's good for a tank up to 180L, I'm just struggling a tad with figuring out what size external filter I'd need.

I'm still fairly new to fish keeping so my lingo isn't up to much, which is where I'm having trouble with my research I think
 

FreshyFresh

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Jan 11, 2013
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Welcome! Sounds like a nice setup you've got.

For my 29 gallon, I have a Odyssea CFS130 external and a small sponge bubbler filter as backup. I had a Sunsun 302 canister on this tank for years, but had been batting a leak with it and gave up on it. All filters can leak, but chances are much greater with canisters.

I can't recommend the Odyssea CFS130 yet. I'm not sure I care for it. My normal go to is AquaClear hang-on-backs, like fishorama mentioned above.
 

Rbishop

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Dec 30, 2005
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And any range of flow capacity the manufacturer claims is at best, half of what they say with media in it....let alone the media limiting flow as it does its tasks....
 
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