internal filters
- Thread starter suki_koko
- Start date
Just a theory, but I'd imagine internal filters are rated for smaller tanks with low bioloads, and most people here have larger tanks with high bioloads 
Do sponge filters count as internal filters? If so I think quite a few people use those still, especially breeders.
Do sponge filters count as internal filters? If so I think quite a few people use those still, especially breeders.
A number of things a lot of people, including myself, don't like about internal filters:
1) unsightly (canisters or sumps keep most of the mechanical bits out
2) they generate heat into the water
3) media volume is low
4) positioning is restricted to where you can fit a bit one
In short, most people are trying to get as many things outside of the tank as possible, so having an internal filter is contrary to that.
1) unsightly (canisters or sumps keep most of the mechanical bits out
2) they generate heat into the water
3) media volume is low
4) positioning is restricted to where you can fit a bit one
In short, most people are trying to get as many things outside of the tank as possible, so having an internal filter is contrary to that.
makes sense that its unsightly 
i realise that some of the fish people have here are huge and require alot of filtration. I thought that perhaps the internal filters didn't do the job, but like i said, from my own personal experience, i find them to be ok, but then again, i dont own any monster fish, the closest to a monster i got is a BGK.
i realise that some of the fish people have here are huge and require alot of filtration. I thought that perhaps the internal filters didn't do the job, but like i said, from my own personal experience, i find them to be ok, but then again, i dont own any monster fish, the closest to a monster i got is a BGK.
I use the internal Whisper filters for the frogs, but that's about it. Simple, yet effective for smaller loads.
I use Tetra Reptofilters in some of my smaller herp tanks, and in my lightly-stocked 65 gallon paludarium. They're not great filters, but they work in situations where the water level is too low for an external filter. One of these days I'll get around to making some more effective in-tank filters with a decent-sized media chamber.
I had used an internal box corner filter in a 5gal guppy tank. worked fine but in itself not strong enough just using the airline - still a lot of poop in the gravel. it catches left-over food good & fry!!
but come time to clean them - nope! rather go w/ nice HOB for the tank size - better water flow & easier cleaning. just my 2cents!!
but come time to clean them - nope! rather go w/ nice HOB for the tank size - better water flow & easier cleaning. just my 2cents!!