Eheim 2006020 Internal Filter Pickup 45

I bought this as a spare to use when I clean an aquarium and need to house fish somewhere else for a day or two whilst the new tank sets up. I thought it would be used if I did buy another small tank but at the price I paid I am happy with it always being spare and available for those rare occasions when I need it.The compartment for media is small. You could take out the media you get with the filter and add something else. It comes with a sponge which would act as mechanical filtration, although not especially fine filtration, but it is also suitable in shape and density for good bacteria to build up and act as biological filtration.With so many sellers offering sponge based media, including carbon, there's no reason why you couldn't use other media. You could even put a few ceramic blocks in there, although not many and you'd have to cut the existing sponge to make room. A very thin layer of floss at the back would help with finer particles.The throughput of water is remarkable considering its size. You could easily aerate a tank of 80-100 litres with the standard media but there isn't enough capacity for filter media to support the amount of fish a tank of that size would have. If you had a tank bigger than the recommended 40 litres but were only housing a pair of breeding fish in there, you could definitely use this filter as the sole filtration in that scenario.Being Eheim I expect it to last a long time. I've had external Eheim filters before and they were eventually retired, rather than broke down. I've also never managed to wear out a Fluval external filter before either.The outlet for the filter water can be moved so the water comes out in whichever direction you want and there is a simple slider on the top of the filter to adjust throughput.

I was looking for a low flow, small filter. This is perfect. I read in some reviews that it is big, but it actually isn't. The only big dimension is the outwards one (from the glass) this is a tad too much, but is compensated by the short height and width. I have installed in my 22 litre aquarium and I have practically hidden it behind the plants. The flow is not finely adjustable, but at the low setting is perfectly balanced between effective filtration and not disturbing the fish. My tetras and shrimps now swim in front of the outlet without problem - a marked change in behaviour. The medium surface is also decent for the size and it is very quiet. Highly recommended for nano tanks.

Am using this in a temporary koi fry container. The flow isnt very strong and the sponge gets blocked VERY quickly so will need constant maintenance. It's ok for a temporary solution but I'd hate to have to live with it on a permanent basis. When you pull the top off to clean the innards it all feels fragile. I don't expect it to last long. I will have to be very gentle with it.I bought this to replace a cheap Hidom one I bought from Amazon for £7. That died after a week but had a much better flow rate and a great little spray bar.With the Eheim I have had to add air pump and stones to oxygenate the waterEDit . Adding a star. The water must have been filthy but not anymore. The sponge does need regular cleaning but thats because its doing its job. As for the fragility I didnt read the manual properly - I thought the top pulled off but you must pull out most of the body. The top does detach (be gentle!) as it will need an occasional rinse. Its much easier than I first thought. This is a quality product.

Got this to replace a broken old filter we go with our second hand 60l tank.I was a little worried by a few other reviews that commented on the noise the pump makes but after an initial settling in period ours is running very very quietly.The filter comes with an adjustable nozzle that you can change the outflow pressure and direction. This has been brilliant for us as its allowed us to minimise dirt build up in the tank by changing which way the water circulates.However the most impressive thing is its filtration ability. When I've noticed the tank water starting to become a little murky I've taken the sponge filter out rinsed thoroughly under the tap and placed back in, within half a day the water is back to looking like fresh.Really really please with this purchase (and I think the fish is too!)

Great filter. Have two of them in 30litre and 40litre tanks. I cut the sponge into 3/4 of the size to allow bio media to be added in. Works really well and love the adjustable flow as we have fighter fish in each tank and the flow can be made light enough to suit the fish.

So far so good... delivered the next day - very impressed! I read lots of reviews about noise but not heard a thing so far it’s silent. Think you need to submerge it to avoid any buzzing. As I said it’s only been in the tank a week and it’s working well. Seems like a good product.

Only 3.5 watts power usage which is a boost as I'm a stickler for power usage at home, I use this in a 20 litre low heat (room temp) aquarium for guppies, the filter is a decent size and theres space for putting a little filter wool as well for finer filtration - highly recommend.I find all Eheim products to be of fantastic quality to be honest.

I’m sure this filter is very good - I have the 45 in another tank which is great but this is very big and was delivered to UK with 2 pin plug!!!!! so is being returned - why does no one check this before sending to UK ! Will buy from local shop in preference now too much hassle this way!