Internal Filters

vadriewyn · 21-06-2015, 02:43 AM

Hi bros,

Due to some constraints on my upcoming tank, I'm looking to employ internal filters for my custom 422 tank. There is not a lot of information on internal filters and hence I would like to ask for the opinion of everyone here on which options are most viable.

After some basic Googling and research on internal filters, I've seen a few brands being mentioned.

1. EHEIM Powerline XL
2. Fluval U4
3. OF Hydra 40

Now, the first 2 options are relatively smaller filters meant for around 200L and I'll probably need 2 of them. The hydra seems to be suitable for a 4ft tank but I could also buy 2 x hydra 30 instead if that's better.

So then, are there any better options out there for internal filters? Are internal filters going to be sufficient for a 422 stocked with some polypterus delhezi and maybe 1 xb? Any reviews on the aforementioned internal filters?

Thanks in advance!

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vadriewyn · 21-06-2015, 02:50 AM

I should probably explain that my tank will be sitting on a 40cm high cabinet and is unable to support a sump setup or even employ external canisters inside due to height limitations. Leaving the canister outside the cabinet is out of the question due to a 2-3 year old's inquisitive hands. As per my tank maker's suggestion, my original idea of an OHF is also not feasible due to height issues and they also look fairly ugly. Of course, there's also Ecosand setups, but that's going to be troublesome for bichirs (risk of impaction) and their sinking pellets.

Long story short, all that's left are internal filters it seems..

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snapplekid50 · 21-06-2015, 08:48 AM

Hi bro, why not try hang on back filters?

Check out the Fluval C4, if you don't use the carbon pad and replace that section with bio-media, its capacity should be alright.

422 tank, could use 2 x C4s

In addition, you could use sponge filters to supplement you bio-filtration.

Hope this helps.

vadriewyn · 21-06-2015, 12:00 PM

The placement of the tank is at a corner and doesn't support HOBs.

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vadriewyn · 22-06-2015, 10:09 AM

Does anyone know if the suction cups on internal filters are going to be strong enough to withstand knocks by bichirs and maybe an arowana?

Alternatively, are there canisters that will fit well within a low profile tank? So far I've only seen the Fluval G6 that's going to be sufficient to support a 400L tank and could possibly fit in my cabinet (not sure what the inner dimensions are yet)..

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**Dave57** · 22-06-2015, 11:02 AM

I would caution that specifications on equipment boxes are often collected under "best case scenerio". eg, highest possible flowrate with brand new, clean media and minimal head loss in an empty tank.

So, if you're planning for a tank, it would be good to be conservative and provide some redundancy in your specs. This also allows for easier management when unexpected incidents happen.

I would imagine your scenario to be too tight for a tank housing an arowana and a few bichirs. They would need more space to be growing well. eg, 422 is the minimum for one golden arowana. Adding bichirs as tankmates would increase your bioload. With only 2 internal filters, would require you to change water on a higher frequency.

vadriewyn · 22-06-2015, 11:40 AM

I fully understand the constraints. The final count of fauna in the tank would likely be 1 x xb and possibly 3 x delhezi.

With that said, I'm still very much open to possibilities, hence why I'm considering the much complained and overpriced Fluval G6.

Alternatively, would it be possible to use a powerful water pump like an Eheim Universal 2400 to push water through some prefilters acting as canisters? I wouldn't mind daisy chaining a few prefilters or canisters with their impeller removed as long as they fit in the cabinet and can be run using a strong pump.

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huashao · 23-06-2015, 12:28 AM

perhaps a picture would be easier for the experts to advise.
bro.. 40cm high cabinet ?? 1 long ruler plus only ?

hmm internal K1 media inside the tank can also be consider.

vadriewyn · 23-06-2015, 01:17 AM

Just ordered the tank a few days ago. Will post pictures when it arrives. But yes, a 40cm high cabinet.

I'm now toying with the idea of using a pump, like those for OHF, to push water into multiple small canisters and prefilters. Better yet, I've come to realise that Laguna Pressure Flo 2500 are about 33-35cm tall and might fit in there even if it's a pond filter. Overkill filtration.

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21-06-2015, 02:43 AM	#1
vadriewyn Arofanatic Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 193	Internal Filters Hi bros, Due to some constraints on my upcoming tank, I'm looking to employ internal filters for my custom 422 tank. There is not a lot of information on internal filters and hence I would like to ask for the opinion of everyone here on which options are most viable. After some basic Googling and research on internal filters, I've seen a few brands being mentioned. 1. EHEIM Powerline XL 2. Fluval U4 3. OF Hydra 40 Now, the first 2 options are relatively smaller filters meant for around 200L and I'll probably need 2 of them. The hydra seems to be suitable for a 4ft tank but I could also buy 2 x hydra 30 instead if that's better. So then, are there any better options out there for internal filters? Are internal filters going to be sufficient for a 422 stocked with some polypterus delhezi and maybe 1 xb? Any reviews on the aforementioned internal filters? Thanks in advance! Sent from my SM-G920I using Tapatalk

22-06-2015, 11:02 AM	#6
Dave57 Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 3,624	I would caution that specifications on equipment boxes are often collected under "best case scenerio". eg, highest possible flowrate with brand new, clean media and minimal head loss in an empty tank. So, if you're planning for a tank, it would be good to be conservative and provide some redundancy in your specs. This also allows for easier management when unexpected incidents happen. I would imagine your scenario to be too tight for a tank housing an arowana and a few bichirs. They would need more space to be growing well. eg, 422 is the minimum for one golden arowana. Adding bichirs as tankmates would increase your bioload. With only 2 internal filters, would require you to change water on a higher frequency. __________________ Last edited by Dave57; 22-06-2015 at 11:08 AM.

21-06-2015, 02:50 AM	#2
vadriewyn Arofanatic Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 193	I should probably explain that my tank will be sitting on a 40cm high cabinet and is unable to support a sump setup or even employ external canisters inside due to height limitations. Leaving the canister outside the cabinet is out of the question due to a 2-3 year old's inquisitive hands. As per my tank maker's suggestion, my original idea of an OHF is also not feasible due to height issues and they also look fairly ugly. Of course, there's also Ecosand setups, but that's going to be troublesome for bichirs (risk of impaction) and their sinking pellets. Long story short, all that's left are internal filters it seems.. Sent from my SM-G920I using Tapatalk

21-06-2015, 08:48 AM	#3
snapplekid50 Arofanatic Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 152	Hi bro, why not try hang on back filters? Check out the Fluval C4, if you don't use the carbon pad and replace that section with bio-media, its capacity should be alright. 422 tank, could use 2 x C4s In addition, you could use sponge filters to supplement you bio-filtration. Hope this helps.

21-06-2015, 12:00 PM	#4
vadriewyn Arofanatic Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 193	The placement of the tank is at a corner and doesn't support HOBs. Sent from my SM-G920I using Tapatalk

22-06-2015, 10:09 AM	#5
vadriewyn Arofanatic Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 193	Does anyone know if the suction cups on internal filters are going to be strong enough to withstand knocks by bichirs and maybe an arowana? Alternatively, are there canisters that will fit well within a low profile tank? So far I've only seen the Fluval G6 that's going to be sufficient to support a 400L tank and could possibly fit in my cabinet (not sure what the inner dimensions are yet).. Sent from my GT-I8190 using Tapatalk

22-06-2015, 11:40 AM	#7
vadriewyn Arofanatic Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 193	I fully understand the constraints. The final count of fauna in the tank would likely be 1 x xb and possibly 3 x delhezi. With that said, I'm still very much open to possibilities, hence why I'm considering the much complained and overpriced Fluval G6. Alternatively, would it be possible to use a powerful water pump like an Eheim Universal 2400 to push water through some prefilters acting as canisters? I wouldn't mind daisy chaining a few prefilters or canisters with their impeller removed as long as they fit in the cabinet and can be run using a strong pump. Sent from my GT-I8190 using Tapatalk

23-06-2015, 12:28 AM	#8
huashao Arofanatic Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 133	perhaps a picture would be easier for the experts to advise. bro.. 40cm high cabinet ?? 1 long ruler plus only ? hmm internal K1 media inside the tank can also be consider.

23-06-2015, 01:17 AM	#9
vadriewyn Arofanatic Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 193	Just ordered the tank a few days ago. Will post pictures when it arrives. But yes, a 40cm high cabinet. I'm now toying with the idea of using a pump, like those for OHF, to push water into multiple small canisters and prefilters. Better yet, I've come to realise that Laguna Pressure Flo 2500 are about 33-35cm tall and might fit in there even if it's a pond filter. Overkill filtration. Sent from my SM-G920I using Tapatalk

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