Filter emitting heat?

[ZoeT94]

Is it likely that my internal filter is emitting heat?

If so, are there any suggestions for a filter which wouldn't emitt heat? It can't be expensive, as I don't have much money...

 

[Mandy6]

Internal filters can often heat up the water, just because the filter itself gets warm when running.

I' not sure on an exact type of filter but you would need some kind of external filter to be able to avoid the warmth altogether. I'm not sure on how much they cost either. I only have an internal filter and it doesn't see to be warming up the water much at the moment and I'll have a chiller by summer

 

[cml]

It's possible that the filter is emitting some heat, but its a very small engine in a submersive filter, which runs on low watts (~ 5-10W), making the effect very small, if noticable at all. Compare this with a aquarium heater which is typically over 100W and up to 300W. Even with a next to perfect heat transfer between the filter and the water it isnt that much with 5watts.

I tried removing my filter for 48hrs a while back (putting it in a bucket with aquarium water as to not kill of the bacteria in the filter media) and there was no difference whatsoever in temperature!

 

[Aaran]

Swap to a sponge filter powered by an airpump,

each filter is around £1.70 delivered from china, usually arrives in up to 9 days.

and any airpump will work,

Cleans your water there isnt anything that can break in the filter itself, and it just needs an airpump which many are readily available that come with spares and 3year guarantee.

I use this setup for my 3fter.

Aquarium Fish Tank Super Biochemical Bio Sponge Filter | eBay UK

X2

connected to Mangroves and More

the other good thing, it causes no heat at all, just air temperature from the room, I use 2 of these one at each side to create no dead spots in the water, you can also use a regulator / clamp to reduce the airflow to give the perfect conditions for your axies

 

[ZoeT94]

So... Basically, get one of them and a low cost air pump?!

hmm. I might do that. Does that keep the water clean and clear? And how often do i then need to do water changes?

Also, how do i change the filter over to that?

 

[Kaysie]

If your tank is not heavily stocked with critters, an air pump/sponge filter will be fine. I've got a 30 gallon tank with 1 axolotl, and don't have much of a problem (other than the brown algae, which is a constant battle).

You'll still need to do regular water changes, sometimes a bit more.

If you have a cycled tank, just take the old filter out and plunk the new filter in (after you wash it thoroughly to remove any shipping debris). The bacteria will seed the filter very quickly.

 

[ZoeT94]

okay

Currently, i'm attempting to work out some stuff, so i have more questions...

if anyone has this setup, can u post pictures of how you attach the sponge filter, to the pump?
Does it work with any pump? If not, can you tell me what to look for?

 

[Aaran]

Standard airline (20p a foot) just attaches to the pump, these keep my tanks clean aslong as you dont overstock as kaysie says, if you want to overstock then add more filters. The pump has a suction pad to stick it to the tank too. Its really easy to setup.

Airpump - airline - checkvalve(this is to stop any water getting inside your pump) - airline - regulator/clamp(so you can alter flow)- filter.

if you want more than one filter its like this

Airpump - airline - checkvalve - airline - T/Y connector - airline - regulator/clamp - airline - filter.

its that simple,

 

[Aaran]

any airpump will work, just try get one thats just right for your tank or too big

Try also getting one with spares

 

[ZoeT94]

Okay, thanks people!!!

I will try and get this setup soon!

and with pumps, are they all external?

 

[Aaran]

Yeah every airpump is external

 

[ZoeT94]

That is good to know!

 

[ZoeT94]

Sorry to double post, just thought I'd let you know that on ebay they sell pumps which include:
- the pump itself
- air-line
- air stone
- one way valve

All for about £16, came after 2 days and am still waiting for the filter thingy, which I ordered from someone who had it in the UK!

 

[Aaran]

My filters took like 7 - 9 days from china, and my pump arived the next day, you should now invest in a couple of clamps or a regulator valve, buy these from your local shop, the clamp should be about 20 - 30p, regulators can be like £1.50 so ... sup to you. and the clamp is WAY easier to install.

 

[ZoeT94]

I have ordered some suction cups holder thingies off ebay, like 10 for £1.70 ish...

I set up the bubble thingy and removed the filter as it was driving me mad! one day or so without it won't do any harm. Plus bubbles are cool!