Aquariums “made in Germany”

"The range is complete" is how the long-established German company announced the addition of the new thermal filter to the "Eheim professional 3" series. The integral 210 watt heater is being hailed as an outstanding feature, along with the LCD temperature display, high throughflow rate and low energy consumption. Three model sizes are available: the "250T" for aquariums holding 120 to 250 litres, with a flow rate of 950 litres per hour; the medium "350T" model for tanks holding 180 to 350 litres and a flow rate of 1 050 litres per hour; and the biggest model, the "600T" for aquariums of up to 600 litres and a flow rate of 1 850 litres per hour. The latter is also fitted with an electronic flow regulator, while the other two models are adjusted manually.Improving on what already existed formed part of the specification when the pump head of the large external filter "Professionel 3 1200", launched back in 2005, was modified to reduce the operating noise level to below 40 dB. Following successful modification, the company calls its filter the "giant that's as quiet as a whisper". Another product, "Phosphate-out", is a phosphate remover that is specially formulated for the company's internal and external filters.Filtration on a small scaleEheim responded to the trend for small open-top aquariums by introducing the "Aquacompact" external filter. It comes in two sizes, a "40" model for 20- to 40-litre aquariums and the "60" model for aquariums of 30 to 60 litres. Its key features, according to Eheim, are the internal pump with telescopic inlet, easy flow and on-off adjustment via rotary knob and the quiet, efficient pump.Plug & playEheim wouldn't be Eheim, however, if it didn't once again unveil aquarium combinations under its Müller & Pfleger house brand. The new "Vivaline" series is offered fully equipped with high-grade Eheim technology, biological filter media and T5 lighting - a "plug & play aquarium that is instantly ready for use", as Eheim is keen to emphasise. The aquarium cabinet is also fitted with so-called "softclose" self-closing hinges for vibration-free closing of the cabinet doors."Vivaline" aquariums come in four sizes: including base cabinet, the 126-litre tank measures 81 x 36 x 124 cm and is illuminated by 2 x 24 watt lamps. The 180-litre tank measures 101 x 41 x 124 cm with cabinet and has two 39 watt tubes for illumination. The 240-litre tank (121 x 41 x 129 cm including base cabinet) features the same lighting configuration…