27.11.2020

I've been keeping tropical fish for more than 30 years and owned numerous internal and external filters. I bought this one for my mother in law, who had a small tank (about 30 litres) and where the one that came with the tank was a bit too rubbish to use.The first thing I would say with internal filters of this size is that they are intended for pretty small tanks. For this filter I would say a 50 litre tank would be the absolute max. External filters are better but there aren't really any in the market for the smaller tanks, hence getting an internal is the way forward.Internal filters provide lots of water flow but don't always have very much filtration capacity. As with every internal and external filter,the media provided is very much optimised for ease of cleaning and replacing, rather than for filtration capability. As I say this is true of every brand I've ever used.The filter contains a small plastic compartment in which there is some ceramic media for biological filtration. The remaining space is filled with a sponge to perform mechanical filtration and a carbon infused sponge to provide chemical filtration. These are attached to a plastic holder which easily slides in and out of the filter for cleaning.If you are keeping a planted aquarium then I would dispense with the carbon sponge because activated carbon removes the minerals the plants use to grow. The carbon sponge only lasts a month or so and needs replacing around that time anyway.The few ceramic media in the filter is nowhere near enough to provide good breakdown of ammonia into nitrites and from nitrites to nitrates. It's also not a great quality media with not very much surface area for the aerobic bacteria that perform this job to grow. I replaced this media with Biohome media from UKfilterPro as this has a far greater surface area and contains beneficial minerals which are added in the production process.As for the mechanical filtration sponge, it does a decent job and some aerobic bacteria can grow on it, but I chose to replace the entire media with coarse, medium and fine pads and then added some more Biohome in the main body of the filter. For this I removed the plastic holder and cut the media to shape to fit in. Coarse at bottom, medium next, fine on top of that and then the biological media.The end result of these changes is that water quality is far better but doing this means having to buy new media. Generic filter sponges are very cheap but really good quality media for your aerobic bacteria is a bit more expensive. I bought the sponges for a couple of £s each and I'll do 3 or 4 filters for that. I bought £10 worth of Biohome and that will do about 4 filters of this size too. So not expensive and nothing I've put in needs throwing away and replacing, just cleaning.It's not really any harder to clean once you've cut the new sponges down to size either.For anyone experiencing noise from their filter, this is almost certainly going to be air trapped in the system. This means water is not flowing seamlessly from the inlet at the bottom to the impellor in the top of the filter head. This can mean your filter is blocked with large amounts of detritus, or the rubber inlet membrane in the bottom of the filter is blocked or even damaged. This membrane should be removed and cleaned every few months. It is breaks it can be replaced but running the filter without it will result in inconsistent flow and air pockets.Unless you have very, very good filtration, water changes are a necessity. It requires a good source of anaerobic bacteria to break down nitrates in the water and in a small internal filter this is never going to happen. There is too much oxygen for the growth of good bacteria that flourish in environments which lack oxygen. I would recommend 10% water change every 7 days but more if the tank is more populated.Nitrates are what causes algae, so if you are getting a lot of it, you will need to do slightly bigger water changes. It might also mean you are overfeeding the fish, there are too many fish in the tank and you are leaving the light on too long. Waste food and fish waste become nitrogen based waste and that will lead to high nitrates one way or another.I also own a PF4 in a 11o litre tank and that runs well, (with the same media changes). A tank of that size could use an external filter where there will be room for a lot more media.

1.6.2020

A great filter, make sure you pick the right size (read the description, each model is built for different sized aquariums)! I've put together a list of a few things you must consider when choosing fish as pets below as some of the pictures on these filter reviews are rather upsetting as it's clear not many owners are researching their fish needs:Please please do not put fish in small tanks like 10L. Every fish needs at least around 30L but most require more. Please RESEARCH FISH NEEDS, some people have stated that this filter could kill your fish which is bonkers unless you put it in a tiny tank and your water conditions are terrible. Look for the right size filter for your tank,for example the PF1 model which is what I have now is meant for tanks between 36-68 Litres (8-15 Gallons). Higher models are meant for larger tanks. The wrong size filter can either be too small and not powerful and not clear up the water enough or can be too large and powerful and can stress fish out with strong flow, suction and vibrations and noise.Stress leads to death with fish. Small tanks stress fish out. Bad water conditions stress fish out. Bad tank mates can make fish attack each other. Make sure if you have more than one breed in your tank that they are compatible, some don't like each other.Give fish a good tank, they deserve it. A nice big tank with suitable gravel or substrate depending on the type of fish you have (gravel can have larger sharp pieces that can scratch delicate fish fins like Betta fish so substrate is usually your best bet!) Goldfish also might try to swallow larger gravel pieces and choke so substrate is usually safest for every breed.Give them live plants and some large rocks or so, not only for decoration but for shelter! Fish love explore but also to hide and know they can be in a safe space. You want to try and recreate their natural habitat so live plants not only help with water conditions by adding oxygen to the water but they are much more suitable for your fish. Just watch out for snails hitching a ride on the plants, they can be pests but are easy to remove if you catch them early.Do water changes! Depending on the size of your tank you should be doing water changes every so often. Usually every 3 or 4 weeks is a good routine. Smaller tanks require changes more often because the fish pop and bad bacteria will build up faster. For water changes you generally remove 25% of the tank's water and replace it with new clean water, most likely tap water but remember tap water has chlorine in it therefore you must use a store bought solution to clean this water so it is suitable for fish immediately when you add it to the tank. These are fairly cheap and last a long time but you must use them with every water change or new tank setup. They are often called "Tap Safe" or "Aquamaker".Give them the correct food with little treats here and there, no one wants to eat the same food every day and fish are the same. A little treat will make them happier! Just do a quick Google and you can find what your breed likes to eat.So please research the breed you are buying, buy from a responsible source (don't get live fish posted in the mail, go to a good aquarium or pet shop). Give them the best sized tank you can get, if you can't afford a tank that is a good size for your fish then don't do it yet and save. Do not give them a home that will stress them out and kill them. Give them the correct food and some treats here or there. Do water changes.This is all just to try and help new or unaware fish owners, the better care you give them, the longer they will live, many fish can love for many years!

11.5.2012

I got this as a Amazon Warehouse Deal (I'm hooked on bargains) to filter an aquarium my mate gave me (28ltr/7gal) and it does work clearing up the water quite well. As I got this on a bargain, I can't knock it too much. But there are a few things to keep in mind...Replacement foams look to be rather expensive. Having said that, if you're daring and a cheapo like me you can use NEW & CLEAN & UNUSED green scouring pads cut down to size (yup, like I said cheap!) to use as the filter floss. That will save you a fortune in ongoing replacement filter pad costs. I am thinking on how to do the other side with the carbon - which I think you can do the same as the scourer/filter I tell you about abovebut obviously sandwiching the carbon between the sheets - this is not tested yet and I wonder if the water flow would be impeded too much. It will take some tinkering on my part to figure it out but will post pics or a video on my solution. Anywho - enough scrimping talk and now talk performance...I read that someone has had a noise problem with this filter. I haven't experienced that , though if the mains wire was touching something that could resonate and vibrate I would imagine that would happen. Also be aware that if you do use the venturi, you will get noise. I have it set on high for my tank with goldfish in it and there is good water flow, maybe a bit much for them but they seem quite happy. I am sure as the filter collects debris it will slow down a bit.I read that parts on this filter will need replacing eventually (in the instruction guide) and this indicates to me that they know the filter will fail at one point - which is fair enough - a few years use should be worth it, before I need to replace the unit. Regular maintenance should minimise the inevitable breakdown. My hacks above may not prolong the filters life either (keep that in mind).In the box you get the filter, a manual/instructions, the foams and then a 'water-polishing' demo foam. If you do what I did using your own substitute, you shouldn't have to worry much about these things. You also get a nozzle attachment to adjust the output direction.I think this filter will suit the tank just fine. Maybe on the iffy side for the official expensive foam replacement so that knocks a star off and then 1/2 a star for the promised future filter part failure as stated in the guide. It does have to be maintained or it will break.Also if you are upgrading or replacing your old filter with this one it would be wise to keep a bit of the foam from the old filter in your tank to seed the biological bed inside this filter. I think that will help any inevitable ammonia bloom which will happen during any filter replacement. If you can get this item cheap - go for it. I don't think it will do you any injustice, and definitely has good flow. If you do get noise check the power cable isn't touching something that can vibrate, or that the impeller is clean - the instructions tell you how to take it apart.

11.7.2017

Bought this for a 38L divided tank that came with a much too powerful 100L filter that was just vibrating the tank like crazy.This is completely submersible and runs quiet enough for the bedroom. My two guppys love to swim and play in its current, which whilst strong is easy to control. I like the fact this has a directional head and little add on to further direct the water. This enabled me to angle the flow to keep it flowing up to the surface providing good surface agitation for aeration and into the guppy half of the tank keeping the betta half nice and calm.I did find it became VERY noisy after an hour or so though this is purely due to air being trapped in the filter.

22.2.2021

Originally I had bought a more expensive small pump that was particularly quiet, but seeing as it only ran for just over a year and then died I was determined not to pay so much again and just go to Amazon. This pump is very neat for the money and seems to be reasonably easy to set up. Cleaning is easy and the bottom section slides down and off to access the filter material, I would say that this pump filter doesn't get quite as messy as previous small ones I have had which could be because of lower suction power, but does seem to keep the water nice and clean. The suction pads are like super glue so definitely not going to slip and slide out of position,

18.7.2019

I have been using this filter for just over a month and feel it’s for sure a good little filter. Few things I question about design though. Tough to explain without component knowledge but.The suction at the bottom has a small entrance but the casing has all these holes for suction. More than the actual entrance can support in my opinion. So visually it looks like a super filter with mass suction space but actually 1/5th of that space allows for suction. Though the flow is powerful this suggests it’s getting plenty water from that little space. Another thing is the flow. I’m sure on the internet mini I wouldn’t have as much flow though I can’t help but feel a few more options for water deflection attachments would be good.With all that being said.

7.3.2012

I bought this Interpet PF2 with a tank ages ago; it is very efficient with a sponge and a carbon (to avoid smelly tank;-) It was a 65 L ish tank, but this filter can deal with up t 80L,providing you have not over populated your aquarium.But the PF2 it must be said-CAN BE noisy if you place it as high as they say, and "full blast"Very easy to use and to care for.I was so happy with my PF2 that when it died, I bought the same one from the ARK STORES UK-Unfortunately, It stopped workinng after six months.I found it strange as Interpet is a great brand. That left me annoyed and in a bit of a panic as Tropical Fish (messy) cannot stay without a filter etc.I had to borrow one fro my local pets store ;-)!When I contacted the Ark Stores team,

16.11.2012

Ok so have got a larger tank and needed a larger filter and went for this one. I am pleased with how much they have packed into the filter with 3 different types of media and the flow control. They work really well keeping the dirt out and the water clear. #The previous filter I had was a Stingray, the Power Filter is so much better in design and how it is put together. You can remove the filter from its' suction holder without fuss meaning it goes back in exactly the same place. Cleaning the filter is easy sponge filters are secured in a plastic cage are going back without trouble. The ceramic media and impeller are housed in the upper section and it only takes a twist of the housing to remove them.The only issue I have had is with the air inlet which is located on the top of the filter.

26.12.2019

Bought this filter for my 29 litre aquarium as the one that came with my aquarium was far too powerful and blew my fish everywhere. Now this filter definitely has less power but still blew the fish a bit, my fish are 3 danios, one betta and a mollie so relatively small. In order to reduce the suction power I stuffed a small piece of sponge and tied it around the filter outlet nozzle with an elastic band, this definitely does the trick in reducing the water flow and my fish could finally swim around without being swept away - I'd definitely recommend doing this if you have an aquarium smaller than 29 litres (6 gallons)The filter is simple and easy to install with 3 suction cups to hold it in place,

3.8.2016

I have purchased the PF mini for my small 21 litre tank that hold my platy fry and found it to be about right in flow strength I have got the flow director on it so it is angled at the back of the tank. In my opinion for a tank smaller than 18 litres I would say this pump is to strong the fish would have problems with the water flow. I have also purchased the PF 1 filter for my 40 litre tank with the adult platy and corydorus catfish I found that I had to put the flow rate on the lowest setting as the flow rate is very strong. I did like the added feature of the rocker switch controlled venturi that adds aeration to the water this feature is not on the mini version so to get bubbles into the water I have had to put it just above the service which means you get a running water sound.

16.1.2019

I needed a cheap but decent filter quickly for my nursery tank as my guppy is about to burst.So i purchased the PF Mini, which its descriptions says "Compatible with 5 - 40 Litre Aquariums".My nursery tank is 10L but this little thing is quite powerful for its size.Even though this is a great filter, please do not buy this if you have a small tank as i noticed my guppy cant keep up with the current or chase the food quick enough.So im certain it will suck up all my baby fish.The filter comes with a little tube piece that you can put at the end of the filter, which you can then rotate pointing the stream at all directions (see picture), but even then its still quite strong.I recommend you use this filter for 20L and above aquariums.

30.6.2014

After running this filter in my 40 L tank for 2 months I have nothing bad to say against it. It has kept my water crystal clear and has required absolutely zero maintenance. The pump is very quiet when used correctly. If you are finding that is making excessive noise then there are a few very simple things to check before saying "this is s***!" and leaving a one star review:- Check how low the pump is riding in the water. If it is sitting too high with the venturi valve fully open air bubbles will form inside the impeller outlet and make a bit of a racket. If this happens move the filter down into the water and see if this stops the noise- Close the venturi valve (the O/I blue switch on the top of the filter),

7.7.2012

Wont muck about, read various reviews was not sure but took the plunge.Well happy great little filter, if you leave out one of the white foams and put in a folded or precut poly pad between the white foam and the carbon you have triple filter capacity, since i have done this, i have a mega clean and clear tank.Easy to clean, i do it once a fortnight along with a partial change, keeps the tank clean and clear, and happy fish.Also by not stuffin in the other white foam, the filter media can breathe better allowing for increase flow rate as its not compressed, i am looking to make a quad filter by adding a nitrate foam, ok remembering when to replace the filter media might be a bit tricky,

18.12.2019

Wow, I have a 24x8x8 tank which is about 20ltrs. I had a normal filter which worked but wasn’t doing enough. After feeding my 4 goldfish with gel food the water was murky within days even after a 50% water change. The water and algae was just so dirty so I purchased this and I’m not looking back. It doesn’t have a pump speed but you can change the water flow direction. My water is still clean after a week. If reviews say this is noisy that’s because they have the flow spout above the water, I leave mine under the water and there is hardly any noise. Another great thing is I think my fish love it, they’re constantly swimming against the flow current and then stop swimming and glide backwards almost as if they are playing.

16.1.2018

I am updating this review a couple of weeks in. The good news is that the pump has settled and is no longer noisy :) It isn't completely silent, but it certainly isn't an intrusive sound anymore, just a gentle hum which we can definitely live with! I am really pleased to be able to update this review, and would definitely recommend this now to anyone! Just expect it to be a bit noisy to be begin with (I assume while it settles?)I am also impressed at how clean the tank still is. With my old filter it wouldn't still be this clean!!!Old review: The reason I am giving this 2 stars is purely the noise. It's loud and intrusive in our living room.

Interpet 2200 PF Mini Interne Power-Filter - Reviews

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