 |
All Pond Solutions 1000EF External Filter
by SpiderDreams
Following the purchase of our snazzy Bullet-shaped fish-tank (review already written) we wanted to set it up perfectly so spent a little more money and got an external filter.
As this was our third fish-tank (getting bigger each time) we were sick of seeing the ugly filters submerged within the tank and were always horrible to ... clean. This new tank had a large base with a space perfect for an external filter.
We chose the EF 1000 which is suitable for tanks up to 400 litres so could easily manage our 180 litre tank and would allow us to go bigger if we ever wanted.
Our tank is fresh water however this filter is also suitable for salt water aquariums.
[Appearance outside]
It is a large white unit with a removable lid. This locks into place with four (one on each side) lever locks that keep the unit watertight (so it doesn't leak if it falls over).
There are two long thick plastic tubes that are attached to the filter head and these tubes then thread through the end of our tank base and into the lid.
The dimensions of this unit are: 232 x 232 x 395 mm / 9.1" x 9.1" x 15.6"
[Inlet and Outlet]
The inlet tube is a long black vertical tube with a grate on the end and draws water in from the tank, down the second plastic tube and into the filter. The outlet tube is connected to a spray bar to return the clean, filtered water and increases aeration to the tank. (Ours is situated just above the water line so we get this lovely trickling/babbling brook water effect)
[Inside]
There is a multi-layer filter system in the unit, three gridded baskets stack on top of each other each filled with a different filter media material lined with cotton. By having this three layer system you get a thorough filtration using chemical, biological and mechanical.
The unit came with four types of filtration material - ceramic rings, bio balls, activated carbon and fine filter foam, allowing you multiple options for arranging the filtration as you want it.
There is also a 9W UV bulb included that sits inside the filter within a sealed quartz glass sleeve. All water pumped into the filter goes passed this bulb and the UV sterilises it. These bulbs can be replaced when their lumen-life ends. There is also an indicator light on the top of the unit to let you know when this bulb needs changing.
[Set up]
Setting this unit up was easy enough, take the three trays, put in the cotton liner and then pile up different filter media in each tray on top of the cotton. Stack each layer on top of each other, clicking them into place (making sure to line up the hole in each one where the UV bulb will sit. Fit the bulb and then click the lid back into place and then fix the two thick plastic tubes onto outlet and inlet fixtures and its all packed ready.
When the unit is filled and attached, it is just a case of priming it. This consists of a large push button on the lid that needs to be pumped in and out. By doing this the air is pushed out of both lines causing a vacuum affect that sucks the water into the filter. Once the circuit of water has been completed the system becomes self-sustaining.
[Use]
It took a little time getting the filter set up and working and then because we are paranoid we checked it every day, making sure the water was going around and nothing was leaking. However when we finally realised it was doing its job we left it alone.
We needed to clean our Internal filters almost once a week to once a fortnight, this external filter can go for months and it is truly noticeable how clean the water is. It has been over 5 months and the external filter still does not need cleaning. The water is crystal clear.
We have just over 20 fish and lots of live plants, gravel etc so there is waste and bacteria in the tank and yet we have had to do so little cleaning, just the usual water change and even then it has been able to go for longer before the water needed changing.
[Cleaning]
The ease of maintenance really takes the ache out of this chore. To clean the filter you need to first detach it from the inlet and outlet pipes, however this can be done with the release of a tap. There is a drip-free shut off tap that sits between the two pipes on the filter. This shuts the circulation of water off, and then the section where the two pipes connect is just lifted away.
You can then move the unit to where you want to clean it, remove the filter layers and change/rinse the filter material as required. Upon replacing all the pieces and reattaching the pipes, it just needs to be re-primed again to get the water circulating once more.
[Supplier]
This comes from AllPondSolutions.com, which is the same place we got our fish tank. The goods arrived swiftly and well packaged, everything was in perfect working order and I find this company to be very reputable.
They supply all the replacement parts such as hoses, filter media material and UV bulbs.
The unit is also given a 12 month warranty.
[Technical Spec]
Flow Rate: - 1000 Litres per Hour
Hose size: - 20mm / 0.8" Outside, 15mm / 0.6" Inside Diameter
Hose length: - 1.8 Metres
Water Volume: - 8 Litres (Approx)
Height Max: - 2 Metres
Voltage: - 220-240v
Power: - 18w
[Price]
The price at AllPondSolutions is £59.99 which is actually very good for an external filter, especially one that does such a great job
[Summary]
Our original filters always had carbon as other filter media never seemed to fit within the filters. However the problem we have with activated carbon is that it removes large molecules from the water and since our tank is heavily planted, the plant food we add would be filtered out.
So instead of using the carbon we use Superfish glafoam+ instead of the carbon and with the other filter media provided it keeps our water crystal clean. (another benefit of not having to use carbon, if our fish get sick and need medicating we don't have to faff removing the carbon which you would do if you used it, as it filters out the medicine).
We have had our tank set up for months now and barely need to give the filter a second look at the moment. The water quality is excellent, as we have glass mounted monitors and frequently test the water for pH, nitrate, nitrite and ammonia and they are always at the perfect levels.
All our fish and plants are happy and healthy and I would never go back to an internal filter now this handles our 180 litre tank, with its many fish and live plants excellently.
Read the complete review |
 |
Aqua Town Starter Tank
by teafan11
Aqua Town Starter Tank
Well after looking around for a small tank to use to hold my fish whilst giving my main tank a thorough clean I discovered this in Pets at Home it cost me £15 and is perfect. I have since been able to use it as a nursery tank and it is ideal for this too. However the tank itself is designed with ... kids in mind and I have been able to purchase another since for my oldest son as he has discovered a keen interest in fish. It is a very small 31.5cm x 18.5cm x 13cm and comes with everything a budding aquarium keeper will need to start. The set comes with gravel, filter, back scene and also a selection of stickers to allow you to decorate the front of the tank, not what I would choose to do but kids enjoy it and this is a great idea to make the whole thing more individual, perfect for my ten year old.
I was not sure my sons interest wouldn't wane after time so at the price who could argue. My son has one goldfish in the tank and to be honest I think considering the size of the tank this would be the maximum amount of fish if keeping them in there for any length of time. The tank has been in my son's room now for six months and we have no problems with it at all. There a good seal around all the edges making it perfectly water tight.
The product itself isn't of fantastic quality if you're an avid fish keeper but for children it's ideal. I would prefer a more secure lid as it is made of relatively thin plastic and it has hole for pump wires and feeding, it's adequate but a little unsubstantial. I personally would prefer a hood, because it's more secure, the filter is small but is perfect for a 12 litre tank.
I am on the lookout for a larger tank for my son as his enthusiasm has increased and he is disappointed he is unable to expand on tank and enhance it with lighting, which always brings out the beautiful colours of the fish, and also more elaborate fish, but as beginner children's tank it did him well and he enjoyed it. This will now become another tank for us to use for transporting and holding the fish.
I am very pleased with this product considering the remarkably low price, and the products included its great and when my youngest becomes a little older (he is only two), I will definitely be opting for one of these or something very similar. However I do reiterate that lid is a let-down but you can't complain at fifteen pound for a tank, filter, gravel and background. You have everything you need to start your little aquarium, all except the fish of course, but it's fun to select them for yourself. Oh and do remember water conditioner for making tap water safe for fish or you may lose your new little buddy. Although you may find other little items useful to add to your fish paraphernalia, like a glass cleaner and a net etc. but for an initial set up this is great. However I would stick to cold water fish as I think the size of the tank would be unable to accommodate a heater which is necessary for tropical fish which is what my son is adamant he wants now to do, also this tank is rather small for more than one fish in my opinion.
Read the complete review |
|
|
Nutrafin Aquaplus Tap Water Conditioner
by teafan11
Nutrafin Aqua plus water conditioner.
I've been keeping tropical fish now for about two years, and have a relatively large tank. It becomes surprisingly addictive and there are some beautiful fish available, and it's amazingly therapeutic watching and caring for a fish tank. However easy caring for tropical fish maybe, ... there are a few things you have to remember if you want to keep your little fishes alive. The obvious ones are the filter, heater and air pump, however many beginners actual fail to realize that fish require without chlorine or chloramine, both of which are present in our tap water. So that's why buying a water conditioner is a necessity, failure to use this could cause you to lose your fish.
There are quite few fish water conditioners available on the market but I opted for this one when I began keeping fish because of a friend's recommendation, and have continued using it and have found the product to be admirable. All my fish are still alive and kicking, they are very healthy and lively and my tank looks healthy. Obviously there are other things that need to done to keep a healthy tank, but this product has definitely aided me in achieving this.
The product itself comes with a small measuring cup which enables you to accurately dose the tank. The required dose is 10mls per 40L, and needs to be added at every water change, when adding new water, new tank set ups, transporting fish and also for treating cuts and abrasions. The product contains pure herbal extract which help reduce the stress in the fish and adds a protective coating to the scales and fin, which is obviously a great bonus. It can be used in both fresh and salt water so if you keep marine fish this could be useful to you. It also neutralizes heavy metals in the water which obvious helps with the health of your fish and tank.
I buy the 120ml size and it cost me £6.49 from my local aquatics store which may sound extortionate but it lasts me for between six months and a year, so in reality it's extremely reasonable. 120ml treats up to 480l so dependent on the size of your tank will determine the length of time it will last you. It is distributed by Hagen, and their website is www.hagen.com . Rolf C. Hagen (UK), Castleford, W.Yorkshire, WF10 5QH. The telephone number is 01977556622 and is made in Canada.
Overall I think this product is very good considering the performance, I have been very impressed and think it's a perfect addition to my fish tank paraphernalia.
Read the complete review |
