filters inner v outer

aquarimum · 12-17-2011, 10:57 AM

I just saw a really cheap hardly used outer filter and was wondering if they are better than an inner filter. Apart from the obvious cosmetic difference how do they compare in running cost, effectiveness, maintainence etc. Also my tank is a 200 liter though after gravel, filter, slimline background there is just 140 liters in the tank. Is an outer filter too powerful for this size? The one ive seen for sale is suitable for tanks up to 300 liters but it doesnt say a minimum.

Gizmo · 12-17-2011, 01:48 PM

When you say outer filter, are you referring to a hang-on-back (HOB), or an external canister filter? I would assume a canister since it's rated for 300L, but either way I would get it and junk the in-tank filter. Much less obtrusive, and you can generally fit more media in the external filters. The HOB's usually run a little loud, so if it's in your bedroom or something I would advise against them, but if it's a canister I would definitely buy it. I run a canister on my 29 gallon and I love it to death.

aquarimum · 12-17-2011, 02:04 PM

Ok thanks Guy will have to call in the morning and pray its not sold. BTW its a canister outer filter brand AM-TOP 3336. We have the tank in the sitting room so noise isnt such a problem. Thanks again for the help.

Kehy · 12-17-2011, 07:55 PM

I personally like internal filters, because i don't have to worry about bacteria drying out when the pump's not going. I take the tank on fairly frequent 3 hour road trips, which apparently is not normal, lol. Other than that I like externals better.

aquarimum · 12-18-2011, 02:57 AM

Thanks Kehy. How do you take a tank on a three hour road trip?

Kehy · 12-18-2011, 04:20 AM

lol pretty easily really

lol that's all 3 of my tanks, and all the stuff i need for a month

aquarimum · 12-18-2011, 05:20 AM

Wow thats amazing how you can do that. Wonder if the fish appreciate a change of scenery

12-17-2011, 10:57 AM	#1 (permalink)
aquarimum Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 113 Name: Karen Location: South Sweden Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 13 Times Said "Thanks" 107 Times Was Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	filters inner v outer I just saw a really cheap hardly used outer filter and was wondering if they are better than an inner filter. Apart from the obvious cosmetic difference how do they compare in running cost, effectiveness, maintainence etc. Also my tank is a 200 liter though after gravel, filter, slimline background there is just 140 liters in the tank. Is an outer filter too powerful for this size? The one ive seen for sale is suitable for tanks up to 300 liters but it doesnt say a minimum. __________________ thanks Karen 200 liter tank, jbl canister filter, hydor external inline heater containing: 3 dalmation sailfin mollies 2 saffron balloon mollies 3 sunset platies 10 neon tetras 4 male guppies 3 panda corys 2 spotted corys 2 leopard plecos (rehoming soon) 2 mosaic gouramis 3 dwarf gourami 5 pink tetra 5 glass catfish 40 liter with 7 molly fry and a bumblebee shrimp :fish

12-17-2011, 01:48 PM	#2 (permalink)
Gizmo What do fish think about? Gizmo's Photo Gallery Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 2,350 Name: Guy Miller Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Feedback: 7 / 100% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 183 Times Said "Thanks" 451 Times Was Thanked 603 Times in 573 Posts	Re: filters inner v outer When you say outer filter, are you referring to a hang-on-back (HOB), or an external canister filter? I would assume a canister since it's rated for 300L, but either way I would get it and junk the in-tank filter. Much less obtrusive, and you can generally fit more media in the external filters. The HOB's usually run a little loud, so if it's in your bedroom or something I would advise against them, but if it's a canister I would definitely buy it. I run a canister on my 29 gallon and I love it to death. __________________ Officially fishless until after the move....tune in later for details!

12-17-2011, 02:04 PM	#3 (permalink)
aquarimum Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 113 Name: Karen Location: South Sweden Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 13 Times Said "Thanks" 107 Times Was Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	Re: filters inner v outer Ok thanks Guy will have to call in the morning and pray its not sold. BTW its a canister outer filter brand AM-TOP 3336. We have the tank in the sitting room so noise isnt such a problem. Thanks again for the help. __________________ thanks Karen 200 liter tank, jbl canister filter, hydor external inline heater containing: 3 dalmation sailfin mollies 2 saffron balloon mollies 3 sunset platies 10 neon tetras 4 male guppies 3 panda corys 2 spotted corys 2 leopard plecos (rehoming soon) 2 mosaic gouramis 3 dwarf gourami 5 pink tetra 5 glass catfish 40 liter with 7 molly fry and a bumblebee shrimp :fish

12-17-2011, 07:55 PM	#4 (permalink)
Kehy master of the mini-tank Kehy's Photo Gallery Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 1,196 Name: Kehy Location: Ellensburg, Washington Feedback: 4 / 100% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 374 Times Said "Thanks" 84 Times Was Thanked 334 Times in 324 Posts	Re: filters inner v outer I personally like internal filters, because i don't have to worry about bacteria drying out when the pump's not going. I take the tank on fairly frequent 3 hour road trips, which apparently is not normal, lol. Other than that I like externals better. __________________ Lead me not to temptation...I can make it there myself just fine, thank you

12-18-2011, 02:57 AM	#5 (permalink)
aquarimum Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 113 Name: Karen Location: South Sweden Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 13 Times Said "Thanks" 107 Times Was Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	Re: filters inner v outer Thanks Kehy. How do you take a tank on a three hour road trip? __________________ thanks Karen 200 liter tank, jbl canister filter, hydor external inline heater containing: 3 dalmation sailfin mollies 2 saffron balloon mollies 3 sunset platies 10 neon tetras 4 male guppies 3 panda corys 2 spotted corys 2 leopard plecos (rehoming soon) 2 mosaic gouramis 3 dwarf gourami 5 pink tetra 5 glass catfish 40 liter with 7 molly fry and a bumblebee shrimp :fish

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12-18-2011, 04:20 AM	#6 (permalink)
Kehy master of the mini-tank Kehy's Photo Gallery Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 1,196 Name: Kehy Location: Ellensburg, Washington Feedback: 4 / 100% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 374 Times Said "Thanks" 84 Times Was Thanked 334 Times in 324 Posts	Re: filters inner v outer lol pretty easily really lol that's all 3 of my tanks, and all the stuff i need for a month __________________ Lead me not to temptation...I can make it there myself just fine, thank you

12-18-2011, 05:20 AM	#7 (permalink)
aquarimum Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 113 Name: Karen Location: South Sweden Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 13 Times Said "Thanks" 107 Times Was Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	Re: filters inner v outer Wow thats amazing how you can do that. Wonder if the fish appreciate a change of scenery __________________ thanks Karen 200 liter tank, jbl canister filter, hydor external inline heater containing: 3 dalmation sailfin mollies 2 saffron balloon mollies 3 sunset platies 10 neon tetras 4 male guppies 3 panda corys 2 spotted corys 2 leopard plecos (rehoming soon) 2 mosaic gouramis 3 dwarf gourami 5 pink tetra 5 glass catfish 40 liter with 7 molly fry and a bumblebee shrimp :fish

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