Pros & cons of external filter vs internal filter

Pros and cons of external filter vs internal filter:

Fish tank filters collect impure substances from the aquarium water. In addition, they are used for removing toxic chemicals from the water that are released from fish waste, remaining food, & other solid impurities. Filters are classified into two broad categories: internal & external filters.

Pros and cons of external filter vs internal filter

Internal filters are located inside aquariums, & they are very basic & recommended for novice due to their simple setup.

External filters are usually heavy & they are located outside aquariums but they are easy to maintain, & efficient in filtration.

 

Pros of external filters over internal filters:

• External filters carry heaps of bio media for faster cleaning.
• They carry a wide range of bio media for keeping water clear.
• They are located outside aquariums somewhere inside cabinets so viewers cannot see them.
• They let fish have heaps of swimming space inside aquariums because they are located outside water.
• Enhances the aquarium water capacity as external filters can hold a few litres of water.
• External filters provide large surface area for beneficial bacteria for efficient filtration of water.
• They need simple maintenance because it is easy to clean them so filter media can be cleaned or replaced without dipping your hands in the water.
• External filters offer high flow rates so they can quickly draw water through an inlet pipe & send clean water back to the aquarium from an outlet pipe.

 

Cons of external filters over internal filters:

• External filters are costly.
• They are usually very large & need lots of space outside aquariums.
• It is usually difficult to setup external filters because they require setting up inflow & outflow connections.
• They are usually not recommended for small aquariums because they over filter small tanks.
• Their running costs are usually high due to higher GPH pumps.
• Replacing media / foams is costly.

 

Pros of internal filters over external filters:

• Internal filters are small & they are best for small aquariums.
• Internal filters have low running & maintenance costs.
• They are cheap.
• Aquarists usually setup 2 internal filters in one aquarium opposite to each other for better cleaning & circulating water as compared to a single filter.
• If aquarists keep 2 internal filters & one filter stops working, then they have one running filter before buying another filter.
• They need simple setup because they come pre-assembled, & they are loaded with bio media & sponges.

 

Cons of internal filters over external filters:

• Internal filters take space in the fish tank so they offer less swimming space for fish.
• Powerhead internal filters are usually dangerous if they are running above the water surface because they can heat up & break.
• Aquarists usually use internal filters as backup filters because they are not very effective in cleaning.
• Fast water waves from the internal filter can blow away your fish so make sure your filter has an adjustable flow rate otherwise; it will stress your fish.
• Internal filters do not look nice, especially sponge filters, & people usually hide them behind ornaments & plantation.