When choosing a filter for your aquarium, any person involuntarily asks the question, which filter is better? The modern market for aquarium products offers us a huge selection of filters. On the one hand, this is good, but on the other, the abundance of assortment confuses the consumer!
In connection with the above, it should be noted that all aquariums are individual. Each aquarium has its own specifics and features, which, in turn, influence the choice of one or another filtration system.
For example, for large aquariums with cichlids, powerful and high-quality filtration is required; for small or spawning aquariums, on the contrary, filtration should be moderate; for aquariums of herbalists, filtration should be powerful, but such that the current does not carry away the planted plants.
Thus, we can conclude that the best filter for your aquarium will be the filter that is selected not only in terms of power (volume of water pumping - liter/hour), but also that will meet exactly your requirements and the specifics of your aquarium.
In this article, we will review the entire line of aquarium filters from Tetra, which is undoubtedly the leader in this segment. Tetra filters are popular, widely available, and their range will satisfy the requirements of any aquarist. That is why the Tetra filter line deserves special attention. We hope that the information we have collected will be useful to the reader and help him make the right choice. For our part, we promise to be impartial and objective in presenting information.
So, let's start the review with the most popular series of Tetra filters - Tetra Ex Plus external filters. The series is represented by four Tetra Ex 400, 600, 800, 1200 Plus filters, which differ from each other in pump power and water pumping volume.
The company's official website provides us with the following information about this series:
Tetra EasyCrystal filter
Information from the company's official website: Tetra EasyCrystal is an internal filter that takes care of clear and healthy water through mechanical, biological and chemical purification!
Tetra EasyCrystal is:
— Mechanical cleaning: double-sided filter sponge for reliable removal of the smallest dirt particles. White side for pre-filtration, green side for thorough fine filtration.
— Biological filtration: filter sponge and bio-balls with a particularly large surface area that promotes the colonization of beneficial bacteria.
— Chemical filtration: special activated carbon fights water pollution and unpleasant odors.
— The EasyCrystal filter is very easy to clean; you just need to replace the cartridge every 4 weeks. There is no need to rinse the filter sponge, which means your hands will remain dry!
— improves water circulation using a powerful magnetic turbine.
— compact design allows you to save space in the aquarium.
- for aquariums from 15 to 40 liters.
- free placement in the aquarium using suction cups.
— TÜV/GS quality control certificates.
Let's take a look at the complete instructions for Tetra EasyCrystal 250.
Aquariums Biodesign
External filter for Tetra EX aquarium. Short description:
New and improved Tetra EX external aquarium filter. The best aquarium filter! It is designed specifically to provide the most efficient filtration of aquarium water. To simplify start-up and maintenance, the Tetra EX external aquarium filter is equipped with an automatic start-up system. Designed to the highest quality standards, this very powerful filter has extremely low noise levels and will last for many years.
External filter for Tetra EX aquarium. Detailed description:
- comfort during installation and maintenance;
- integrated automatic start system eliminates the need for water suction during installation or after cleaning the filter;
- ideal filtration of aquarium water;
- powerful and quiet;
- The delivery set includes 5 filter media: Tetratec CR ceramic rings, Tetratec BF bio-sponge and Tetratec BB bio-balls for effective filtration of large and medium-sized dirt particles, Tetratec CF carbon media for removing harmful organic substances and Tetratec FF fiber pad for reliable removal the smallest particles;
- during cleaning, the water supply is turned off using a convenient tap;
- for convenience during cleaning, each tray for filter media is equipped with a handle;
- TÜV/GS quality control certificates, CE quality certificate.
Accessories for external filter for Tetra EX aquarium:
- Hose adapter with 2 holders
- Cover with motor (with O-ring)
- Protective plate for filter media
- Tetra FF filter mat
- Tetra CF carbon filter media (2 pieces for EX 1200)
- Bio-filter sponge Tetra BF
- Container for filter media
- Tetra BB bio-filter beads
- Tetra CR ceramic filter rings
- Filter housing
- U-shaped tube for water intake (with ring)
- Suction cups with short clamp (7 pieces)
- Intake extension tube
- Strainer
- U-shaped tube for return water supply (with ring)
- Long clamp (7 pieces)
- L-connector
- Drainage tubes (2 pieces)
- Cork
- Valves (2 pieces)
- Hose length approx. 1.5 m (2 pieces)
External filters for Tetra EX aquarium: instructions
Installation and assembly of the external filter for the Tetra EX aquarium:
1. Remove the motor cover from the Tetra EX filter housing. To unlock the lid, lift up the protective holders, which are marked with the Tetra logo. When the protective holders are opened, the cover with the motor will lift slightly above the filter housing.
2. Remove the motor cover by opening one of the protective holders and at the same time holding the filter housing.
Remove the filter media guard plate and remove the filter media containers from the filter housing.
3. Rinse all filter media. Remove all litter from containers and rinse with water. Remove fillers from plastic bags before use. After rinsing, return the fillers to the containers in the original order. (The order is shown below).
Filling with filter media:
For EX 400/600 model:
Bottom tray: Tetra CR ceramic rings and Tetra BF bio-filtering sponge on top
Second tray: Tetra BB bio-filter beads (except EX 400)
Third tray: Tetra BF bio-filter sponge, then Tetra CF carbon filter media, then Tetra FF fiber pad
For EX 700/1200 model:
Bottom tray: Tetra CR ceramic rings and Tetra BF bio-filtering sponge on top
Second tray: Tetra BB bio-filter beads
Third tray: Tetra BF biofilter media (2 pieces)
Fourth tray: Tetra BF bio-filter sponge, then Tetra CF carbon filter media (2 pieces for EX1200), then Tetra FF fiber pad
Attention: Install the filter media containers and the filter media safety plate so that the o on the handle of the containers coincides with the o on the filter body.
Installing the motor cover onto the filter housing
Be careful when collecting parts!
Make sure there is no dirt or foreign matter in the filter housing and the O-ring on the engine cover. To facilitate installation, if necessary, lubricate the O-ring with commercially available lubricants such as Vaseline. Place the motor cover onto the filter housing. Make sure that the water intake nozzle on the cover with the motor matches the connecting tube of the filler containers.
Installing the hose adapter on the engine cover
Install the valve block onto the engine cover.
6. Rotate the holder
7. Lower the holder
8. Close the holder cover
Connecting hoses
Install the valves to the hose adapter. Screw the valves to the hose adapter.
Connect the hoses to the valves.
Attention: use only the hoses included with the filter!
Installing the filter in working position
Once the hoses are properly installed, ensure that the bottom of the filter is located within 40 - 150 cm from the water surface for EX 400, 50 - 150 cm for EX 600, 60 - 150 cm for EX 700, 80 — 150 cm for model EX 1200.
Installing a water intake tube
Connect the water intake tube to the strainer and, after fixing the suction cups with the clamps, use them to secure the block to the inner wall of the tank. The filter is supplied with suction cups with short and long clamps. The choice of clamp length depends on the shape/size of the top of the tank wall.
Installation of drainage tubes
Using suction cups with clamps, attach the assembled U-shaped overflow tube and drain tube with plug to the tank wall. Align the length of the drain tube to match the width of the tank. For relatively narrow tanks, use only one drain tube stage. To reduce the water pressure in the drain pipe, remove the plug.
Please note: additional suction cups with both types of clamps are included. Use them according to the characteristics of your tank.
Connecting hoses
Connect the water intake hose to the hose adapter marked “IN”. Connect the hose to the U-shaped water intake pipe and, to avoid leakage, screw it tightly with nuts. Connect the water return hose to the hose adapter marked “OUT”. Connect the hose to the U-shaped water return pipe and screw it tightly with nuts.
Attention: To prevent kinking or kinking of the hose, cut it to the minimum permissible length.
Startup procedure
Open the valves on the hose adapter. To do this, turn the valves to a position parallel to the adapter. Using the palm of your hand, quickly press the start button located on the motor cover several times so that the Tetra EX filter begins to pump water. Water will be pumped through the water intake hose and directed into the filter housing. Water pumping will stop when the water in the drain hose reaches the surface level of the water in the tank.
Plug the Tetra EX filter into a power outlet. When the electricity is connected, water will be released through the drain pipe.
Attention: at this moment it is necessary to check whether there are any leaks in the unit. After 30 - 60 minutes of operation of the Tetra EX filter, check that the filter is working properly and recheck if it is leaking.
If the water pressure passing through the drainage tube is insufficient, unplug the filter from the outlet and check whether the hose is kinked. Gently shaking will help release air trapped inside the filter.
Adjusting the water pressure
Close the drain hose tap (marked OUT). If necessary, the water pressure can be adjusted, for example, when feeding fish. To reduce the water pressure, turn the tap on the adapter marked “OUT” 45 degrees counterclockwise. Turning the faucet 90 degrees counterclockwise will completely shut off the water supply.
Replacement periods and functions of filter media
Use only genuine replacement filter media for the Tetra EX filter. It is recommended to change the filter media at certain intervals.
Cleaning hoses
Dirt and algae deposited inside the hose can reduce the water flow. Rinse the hose of dirt and algae using high pressure tap water.
Cleaning the Impeller Housing
Rotate the impeller body counterclockwise in the direction of the “OPEN” mark and remove the cover. Remove the impeller and shaft from the housing and rinse thoroughly with warm tap water. After washing, reassemble all parts in reverse order, installing the drive magnet and then the impeller cover. To securely lock, turn the cover clockwise in the direction of the “CLOSE” mark.
Trouble-shooting:
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Tetra EasyCrystal FilterBox 300 and 600
These internal filters are very similar in essence to the previous EasyCrystal 250 filter. But they have a number of distinctive features!
Tetra EasyCrystal FilterBox is an aquarium internal filter with a compartment for a thermostat . The EasyCrystal FilterBox is a compact, space-saving aquarium kit for optimal filtration of aquarium water. An additional compartment allows you to integrate a thermostat into the EasyCrystal FilterBox filter (the thermostat is not included in the delivery, we recommend the Tetra HT 50 thermostat).
Tetra EasyCrystal FilterBox 300 - for aquariums from 40 to 60 liters.
Tetra EasyCrystal FilterBox 600 - suitable for aquariums from 50 to 150 liters.
Tetra EasyCrystal FilterBox 600 instructions in PDF format.
Let's watch a video about the above filters
Tetra EasyCrystal and Tetra EasyCrystal FilterBox
So, we looked at another series of Tetra filters. Popularly, such filters are called backpacks; they are hung on the aquarium and create the effect of a waterfall. From Internet practice, let’s say that our “traditional craftsmen” use these filters in different ways. Some people use them for “biology”, i.e. These backpacks are completely filled with ceramic rings and thereby create good biological filtration, while others, on the contrary, focus on “mechanics”, that is, they fill the filter with sponges. Some even upgrade their backpacks to fit phytofilters , i.e. hydrophilic plants are planted in backpacks. All this tells us that the EasyCrystal filter series is convenient, multifunctional, and spacious!
Tetra IN plus internal filter
IN 300 / IN 400 / IN 600 / IN 800 / IN 1000
A powerful and convenient internal filter for mechanical, biological and chemical purification of water in an aquarium.
— the filter has 2 cleaning chambers.
— the loss of beneficial bacteria can be reduced by cleaning only one filter chamber; one filter sponge always remains in the chamber.
— when cleaning the filter, the device itself remains in the aquarium.
— the new design of the device allows you to remove filter media without touching the filter sponge with your hands.
— water circulation is adjusted individually for each aquarium.
— output nozzles rotating 180 degrees.
— additional air intake using an adjustable Venturi system.
— beautiful and compact design, does not take up much space.
- stable suction cups allowing the filter to be firmly attached to the surface.
– biological sponge and activated carbon are available as spare parts
– TÜV/GS quality control certificates, CE quality certificate
Tetra IN plus instructions for download.
Let us draw the reader's attention to the fact that this series of filters has weak aeration (the Venturi system is weak), in fact, this is a convenient mechanical filter without aeration as such. It’s great to put coal, zeolite and other fillers in it.
A visual overview of the Tetra IN plus filter
Tetra EX 600 Plus - external filter for aquariums from 60 to 120 liters
To keep fish and plants healthy, aquarium water must be constantly passed through a filtration system. Tetra EX Plus filter technology reliably and safely removes excess nutrients from water, maintaining high quality water.
- Provides crystal clear and safe water for your fish, making your aquarium an unforgettable hobby - Quick and easy to clean filter media - Incredibly powerful and quiet filter - Kit includes everything you need for a quick and easy installation, including all filter media - Includes inflator system water to start the filter and valves for precise pressure control - System for quickly and safely isolating the filter from the water circulation - Adjustable connections for easy connection of hoses - Equipped with a pre-filtration function to reduce the need for maintenance - Suitable for aquariums from 60 to 120 liters - Quality, confirmed by TÜV/GS certificates and 3-year warranty
External aquarium filter Tetra EX 600 Plus
provides effective water filtration in any aquarium with a volume of 60 to 120 liters.
Cleaning the filter and replacing fillers is made easier by the presence of convenient handles on each of the filter baskets. The drain tube and hose can be easily adjusted to suit any size of aquarium. Valves installed at the water inlet and outlet allow the water flow to be precisely adjusted to suit specific requirements.
To clean, simply close the valves completely, then disconnect the adapter from the filter itself. In this case, the water remains in the hoses, which makes it possible not to re-pump it the next time the filter is connected.
Depending on the level of contamination and wear, filter media must be changed approximately every 6–12 months.
From us you can purchase a Tetra EX 600 Plus filter with delivery anywhere in Russia
Read the instructions
The filter is equipped with filter materials and is ready for use; pay attention to the consumables that you will need to service the filter in the future:
Tetra FF S - fine cleaning sponges (sintepon mats), which should be replaced every time the filter is cleaned. Cannot be washed or reused
Tetra BF S is a coarse sponge. These sponges are washed and reused many times. They must be replaced as they wear out, when the sponge begins to fit poorly to the edges of the filter basket. It should be replaced with a new one every 1-2 years.
Tetra CF - activated carbon in bags. Coal does not always need to be used all the time. It is usually used if there is something in the aquarium that changes the color of the water (for example, new driftwood), to remove drug residues, and also in aquariums without live plants. In aquariums with live plants, carbon will take microelements from the water that the plants need, so it is usually not used, only when necessary. If used, activated carbon must be replaced once every 1-1.5 months. Tetra BB - plastic balls for colonization of beneficial bacteria. There is no point in replacing this filler, like Tetra CR ceramic rings. If only for more effective (and expensive) absorbents, resins, etc., you can choose a filler here
Also, over time, you will have to replace the pre-filter sponge, which prevents large dirt from getting inside the filter, thus postponing the need to completely clean the filter. You can wash it as often as you like. It’s best to do it once a week, during a water change.
Airlift filter Tetra Brillant Filter
And now, finally, we have reached what can be called the “youngest” of the Tetra filter family. Small, but daring! Tetra Brillant Filter - called airlift, you can find out more about the principle of its operation on our forum, here . These filters are perfect for aquariums with small fish, small shrimp or spawning aquariums. Such filters minimize the risks of suction and injury to aquatic organisms.
Description of Tetra Brillant Filter:
Internal filter with filter sponge and air suction tube.
- an ideal process for mechanical and biological water purification.
— the filter sponge is made of high-quality non-toxic and dense material.
— the structure of the sponge is a porous labyrinth that facilitates the colonization of beneficial bacteria involved in important biological processes.
— the structure of the sponge does not change after long use.
— provides additional oxygen supply and thereby improved water circulation.
- easy to move and easy to use.
- easy to clean.
- ideal combination with the Tetra APS 100 air compressor.
- for aquariums up to 100 liters.
