Upgrading to a Fluval 204 Filter seeking advice

[michael.qian]

Hi all.

Currently running an Eheim 2010 Internal but I would like a more powerful filter with mechanical filtration as well.

Considering a Fluval 204, read some fairly good review about this filter would you recommend it?

Also it has a 3-stage filtration beside the sponge, do they all need to be filled up? What's a good arrangement in the 3 columns?

Lastly would it do a better job of keeping maintaining my water quality? My Eheim keeps ammonia, nitrite at 0 but with 20-30ppm nitrate.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[Mgamer20o0]

rena xp. my fluval broke down way to many times.

how often do you do water changes and how much do you change? nitrate build up can be from a few factors such as over stocked over feeding or lack of water changes.

 

[michael.qian]

Do a 25% to 30% every week.

Just thought I might try a filter with mechanical filtration as well as biological.

 

[Mgamer20o0]

well it will have more media so that will help. i would do 50% wc. you do have a lot of fish in that tank. clown loaches grow over a foot.

 

[michael.qian]

Yeah will be upgrading in the near future hopefully, they seem happy enough for now.

Currently selling my 5X leopard danios and planning to replace them with a 2 or 3 siamese algae eaters.

 

[Rbishop]

Mag 350 or "C" series 360