Which Filter Is Better?

minnnt · Jul 25, 2011

Make sure you get a brand new TetraTec ex1200, the older models had a leak fault which was rectified with a double seal on the tap adapter. I have 2 of the 1200's and they are very very big. They make my 205 look like an internal. They hold an immense amount of media, everything from filter wool, bio balls, bio rings, plastic balls, foam pads and coarser sponges. TetraTec customer services are excellent and do anything they can to help you out with new parts etc. My Fluval 205 developed a problem with the impeller, and the customer service department were useless. For all the effort it would have took doing what they said it would be cheaper and quicker to just go and buy a new impeller for a tenner.

EX1200's are about £90 on ebay. LFS's are a rip off, rrp is around £140 so £200 is daylight robbery imo.

Mine fit in a Fluval Vicenza 180 cupboard with about 1cm to spare.

Oh, and they're silent also.

Tizer · Jul 25, 2011

I ordered mine from Warehouse Aquatics online, about £92

http

/www.warehouse-aquatics.co.uk/aquarium-filtration/external-filters/tetratec-external-filters/tetratec-ex1200-external-filter-p-3967.html

out of stock now, i nabbed the last two.

Charterhouse have one left in stock, i didnt order from them as i wanted 2. (oh, thats a lie, i just checked, thats gone too)

Should be the new model minnnt, else its going back!

minnnt · Jul 25, 2011

Yeah i'm sure it will be mate. They are brilliant imo. :good:

ATK!!! · Jul 25, 2011

Good good, I'll make sure to get the new one (is this it? Tetratec ex1200)

minnnt · Jul 25, 2011

Yes mate. Good price too!

ATK!!! · Jul 25, 2011

Thanks a bunch! I'll order it as soon as I can then, any extra media you would suggest or will it be ok as it is?

minnnt · Jul 25, 2011

I have never had any issues with the media supplied. I had to take a tub of bio rings and bio balls out of one of them as there was LOADS! Seriously, there is tonnes of media in the 1200's. You get two carbon bags which i suppose you could remove should you want to. You could replace this with some filter wool i guess?

Tizer · Jul 26, 2011

I ordered 2 extra packets of bio balls to replace the carbon but not entirely sure i'm going to need them. Handy as spares i guess, will see tonight!

Tizer · Jul 27, 2011

Thumbs up for the EX1200, set mine up last night and they are ace. Not much difference in the noise levels to the 305 but far far bigger canisters and loads of media are included. I subbed out the carbon for a tray with my old cermaic media and sponge on top and my old sponges on top of the tray with the bio balls.