Question: Juwel Rio180 internal filter good enough?

[Lianne]

Hello everyone,

I currently own a Rio125 with an internal Eheim aquaball filter, but today I'm going to pick up a secondhand Juwel Rio180. It's got a built-in filter and while I do not have my axies yet, I'm wondering if the standard Juwel filter could cope with the waste produced by two axolotls. I know external filters are always better, but can I make do with the internal one?

And if I can and after a few months or so I decide I want an external filter anyway, is it possible to remove the internal filter with all the water still in the tank? Or do I have to empty it completely/partially?

 

[Bengdogg]

I have a Jewel rio 180, mine came without the filter but I nearly got one with the filter in so I did read up on this.

Apparently the built in filter is very good for an internal but quite large, you can remove it by carefully cutting the silicone blobs that hold the filter in with a scalpel. I have done this one a nano tank I have and it is fairly easy but best done with the tank empty and the silicone takes a bit of patience to fully remove. Don't slip and cut your self or the tank sealant though

 

[Lianne]

Haha, I already removed the filter. As you said, it's huuuuge (really huge) and I managed to snag a cheap secondhand Tetra Ex700 from ebay Looks much nicer this way and it 'forced' me to put in an awesome new background, because there was now empty space where the filter used to be, so I'm quite happy!

 

[Bengdogg]

I have a Tetretec ex700 and have found it to be brilliant, runs quieter than my Eheims too

 

[Lianne]

Unfortunately the darn package got lost in the mail I hope they'll find it in the next couple of days or I'll have to ask for a refund..