The Puffer Forum

i have a magnum 300 on my 55g. it moves quite a bit of water. im not sure how much GPH it does since I rebuilt it with a faster moter...

Hello peeps
reviving this thread as yet again problems with my external, I am in a better financial situation now and so planning to get a really good brand new external for the 100g. I have read comments previously but now the monetary amount has shifted (slightly) what do you guys think?

Having a quick look around I have found thus far:

Eheim External Filter 3e 2078 + USB Interface - £199.95 delivered. Up to 700 litre

Fluval G6 - £349.00 - I actually liked the sound of the eheim above for less money and what I thought sounded like better quality. Alternatively FX5 for about £200 also (1500 litres) so much choice!

Tetratec EX Aquarium External Filter - EX 1200 for 200 - 500 Liter Aquariums £100 or EX 2400 for 400 - 1000 Liter Aquariums £170 (would prob go the later of these two)

I think my favourite just reading some quick reviews so far is the eheim though if there are different versions or models please do recommend. Im hoping to get this before christmas though may get just after (this time I really REALLY aint rushing into anything).

Currently got the XP3 filstar (ok it was second hand...) I do like that it is really easy to prime etc so could just go for a new one of these or even just a replacement filter head perhaps. The specs on this is for 175 us gallons.


Then again I have just seen XP4 for £115 which could be really good brand new. Could then just transfer over my current trays and also have back ups and spare equipment (xp4 - 1000 litres)

I have narrowed to 3 which would be best?

XP4 - £115 - 600/700 litres - I could easily transfer from the current XP3, no real special features.

FX5 - £169 - 1500 litres - easily and locally obtained, heard good and bad

Eheim External Filter 3e 2078 + USB Interface - £199.95 delivered. Up to 700 litre - less literage than FX5 but have always heard amazing things about eheims and never a bad thing..

Lastly MIGHT stretch to a EHEIM 2080 PROFESSIONAL 3 for about £260 ishhh though that would be stretching it...

After a few days really reviewing I guess the 3 to go for are:

Eheim 2078 (or perhaps 2075)

FX5

XP3 replacement or XP4

None of these are going to fit within the cabinet, but have checked with my partner and he is happy for it to sit to the side. Im wanting to aim to run one filter if at all possible. I just cant decide! The price does factor a little but to be honest this time I really cant decide what would be the best for the 100g. I know some have sworn by eheims, others fluval etc but any last comments would be great.

Ive managed to source (some locally) Eheim for £180, FX5 £135 and XP3/4 £110-115...

Have been re-reading the comments on the thread a fair few times but old knuckle headed blonde still needs input lol.

I've been using Eheims for >30 years & love them. No priming needed, as long as it's filled. i believe my stepdaughter has the Fluval & she had to suck on the end of the tube to start it every time.

Thanks for that Pufferpunk I like to know experience over anything. I think I will have a look about for eheims a bit more with that in mind x

I'll top PP by having used Eheims for well over 40 years, and have dozens of them. To date, I have never had an Eheim external canister fail. My son and niece plan to fight over them when I am gone...

Thanks as well RTR They are lucky to have you, I am the only fishkeeper in my family shockingly lol. I think I will go with a wonderful new 2078, just check the last fundings and then christmas early!!!

Members of my family could hardly escape exposure to a rather wide variety of tanks over the last 50-60 years. They may also get a slightly distorted view of fish-keeping after all of my labor-saving techniques - they get the impression that fish-keeping is really easy. I suppose that most of it really is - but the learning curve can be painful.

I have been giving myself Christmas presents which are tank-related for a very long time. This year's is the tank room re-do. Simplification and reduction of tank numbers are the themes (again),

The learning curve is a painful one (though think essential). I am loving your christmas present RTR , mine will be a filter, perhaps I can work up to a fish room lol. Thanks again x

eheiem 2080 if you got mony to spend , long lasting , quiet , versitile (FW<BK>SW), ... have one ...love it