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Fenriswolf

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Arg! OK, I'm sure there's lots of information on this somewhere, and if the search function worked I could probably find 5 million posts like this :oops:

But it's driving me mad! Somehow I'm just completely overwhelmed by the selection (of filters).

So: I have a 200L tank (I was off on my guess, whoever teased me with the idea of a bigger tank :wink: , it's 640x850x370, which is somewhat smaller than I said! :roll: ), that I plan on keeping bala sharks, clown loaches, marbled hatchets, and a pleco (common, though the zebra pleco is so preeeeetty) in. I plan to have it planted, leaning towards sand for a substrate, gonna tie plants to driftwood, organising a heatpad :D

But what I want to know is: what kind of filter is best? Hang-on-back? When it's just an "external" filter, what does that mean? Are they generally pretty easy to set up? Do I need to worry about cords getting wet? What filter media is good? I've read about it until I'm blue in the face (terrible grammar, I know), and feel even more confused. And according to my fish profiles I want a mild current. Um, what? How does this effect my choice?! Or set up?

The more information I can get (as in, advice, pertinant questions, specific recommendations), the happier I'll be. Thank you in advance, wonderful people! :lol: :hail:

Thanks for reading my long post :roll:

:bounce: :bounce:

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Go for a canister filter

Fluval 305 would be sufficient. 405 would be better

Advantage would be that it is low maintenance.

you can control the flow if you desire as well.

Media:

Cereamic noodles

Sponge

Eheim Substrate material.

Simple to set up and once setup leave it alone until 6 months then give the material a quick rinse and you are up and running again for at least another 6 months.

I chose Fluvals because I use fluvals and I have not had any problems with them.

Others may disagree.

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Any filter that runs outside the tank is called an external filter. This includes canister and hang on the back filters. I would recommend an external canister filter like the Jebo 819, Fluvals and Eheim types. These usually come with media in them, special ceramic noodles which have a very large porous surface area excellent for growing the good bacteria.

We found the Jebo very easy to set up, runs silently, and rarely needs cleaning. Our Fluvals clog up regularly and are noisier, and our Eheim was a dud from the start (but that is just the wet'dry model - NEVER BUY ONE! I understand all other Eheims are excellent, although a lot more expensive than the rest. These canister filters have spray bars to return the water to the tank so spread the flow evenly along the surface. To lessen the flow you can turn the bars so the holes face towards the back of the tank so lessen the flow if required.

You do not need to worry about the cords getting wet unless they hang in such a way that water can run down them into the electrical socket.

200L doesn't sound big enough for all the fish you want though.

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