Tetratec Ex700 Or Ex1200 For 120L Jewel Tank

[timbeam]

Hi everyone,

I'm new here and have been reading lots of stuff over the past few days and finding it all very informative. But now I need some advice.

I have just bought a second hand 120l jewel tank (think it might be the rekord but not sure) and after reading lots of good things on here about the Tetratec ex filters have decided to invest in one.

The question I have is which would you go for - the 700 or 1200 for my size tank? I know the bigger the better but is there going to be much of a difference between the 2 to justify the extra £25?

I currently have 2 fantails (in a 30l biorb - last time I'll listen to a pet shop assistant again!) and would like to expand on that stock level for the new tank.

Also, would under gravel filtration help at all?

Thanks for your help!

 

[fm1978]

Hi there, welcome to the forum!
 
I'm a bit of a beginner myself, so hopefully someone with more experience than me can check my info, but, the EX700 sounds like it should be more than capable for your tank size of 120L. Perhaps, though, if you are planning to upgrade to bigger tanks quite quickly you could future proof yourself with the EX1200.
 
However, I think you should be mindful of the flow rate of the larger one in a tank that the filter is (arguably) too small for as some of your fish, depending on what you intend to stock, might prefer much slower moving water. High and powerful flow rates can cheese off fish who are much more comfortable in a less turbulent environment. 
 
Sorry, but I'm not sure about under-gravel filtration!

 

[Livewire88]

Hello and welcome to the forum, 
 
First off it is nice to see that you are upgrading your tank to house the 2 fantails, however a 125L tank is still to small for 2 fantails IMO, you want at least a 200L tank for them both. 
 
That being said if you are going to keep them in the 125L go for the EX1200, for the extra £25 its a no brainer. The flow will be fine if you use the full length of the provided spraybar and run it across the back of your tank. Also make sure you keep on top of your water changes to keep the water as clean as possible. 
 
ps; unlikely option but if you live in England I will have a 200L tank I need to get rid of in the next couple of weeks. 

 

[timbeam]

Ok guys, that gives me something to think about.

Would love and bigger tank but just don't have anymore room.

Thanks for your help!