3.5.2015

If I could give this a million stars, I would.A little about me: this is my first attempt at fishkeeping; I gave myself a sizeable task by purchasing a huge tank (okay, 200 litres might not be a lot for some, but for a beginner like me, it's huge!), lots of plants, and plenty of fish. I started off with a filter that also had excellent reviews, but I had to give it away after a few days because I made a mistake.My mistake was that I put in the sand and substrate without rinsing it. Worst. Mistake. Ever. After futilely changing the water several times, I could actually see maybe about 2 cm into the tank - the rest was darker than Tywin Lannister's soul. The poor internal filter tried its damnedest,but I knew it wouldn't be able to handle the amount of filth I'd thrown into the tank.So I started looking around for a more powerful filter. After reading reviews, I decided to get an external filter. I had never encountered one of these before, but apparently they were the best (and the idea of only having to clean it every few weeks was highly attractive). I looked at Eheim, Fluval and Tetratec, before finally deciding to get this. Yes, it was rather pricey, but I was assured by the reviews that it would be worth it.The Tetratec arrived quickly - it is a huge thing, far bigger than I expect. This was a bit of a problem, because it wouldn't fit my cabinet, but I sorted this out by keeping it next to the fish tank, where it's hardly noticeable (be sure to check measurements - also, bear in mind that whilst the filter itself might fit the tank, once you fit in the valves, etc, because they stick out above the filter, it might not fit the cabinet: this is what happened to me).Anyway, I'd never set up a canister filter before, so I made sure to read the instructions manual thoroughly before touching the filter. Luckily, the instructions manual is fairly simple to follow (I read that this was something that was lacking in Eheim filters). This filter comes with all the media you will ever need, but I bought some additional filter wool becaue I read that it would help deal with the amount of dust and sand I had in the tank.The canister comes with a few baskets to help you organise the media - I found this really helpful. The way I arranged the media was to put all the sponge at the bottom, followed by the ceramic rings, bio balls, carbon and the filter wool at the top. After that, I set up the tubes, etc as per the instructions in the manual (again, it's really clear and simple to follow).Then came the "priming". I anticipated this to be a difficult task, having read so many complaints about priming canister filters. Imagine my surprise when it took me all of 30 seconds to get it done! Essentially, as the instruction manual explains, just press the big button repeatedly until you can see water entering the hose and you can hear the filter filling up with water. DO NOT SWITCH ON THE FILTER UNTIL AFTER YOU'VE PRIMED IT. I waited until the filter was almost full before switching it on, but I don't know if you ought to do this. In any case, after I switched it on, there were a couple of stutters as the filter tried to get rid of air bubbles - and then it just started working.That's it. It's just there, in a corner, quietly working away.Even as I'm typing this, I keep glancing up at my fish tank, and I'm actually amazed at how much clearer it's getting! I think, at this rate, my tank will be absolutely spotless in a matter of hours.Now, if you're like me, you're probably gonna be concerned about a few things. I've only had this filter for a few hours, but it's honestly the quietest thing ever - with the airpump I purchased (an Eheim), both of these devices combined are quieter than the bubbles produced by the airpump! As for flow, at the moment, it is pretty reasonable - if not fantastic. I think flow is something that's personal, but for me, it's just a matter of whether it can successfully aerate the tank without causing chaos (ie: uprooting plants, disrupting the sand and substrate, etc). The spray bar is fantastic for this - it reduces the flow substantially, but IMO, it strikes a good balance between being gentle and powerful (it sounds paradoxical, but I'm not good with describing it!). Obviously, this might change with time/as the filter gets dirtier, but I will update if that does happen.I don't usually write reviews, but this product definitely deserves one. I'm extremely happy with it. Sure, it's a little expensive, but it's so very worth it.

28.6.2014

There are plenty of options in the £50-100 bracket and some appear more powerful than others and so you may think the value is better. But it's not all about power. There are a number of aspects to consider when buying an external filter so I advise taking a step back and considering it as a long-term vital purchase.Yes, price is one aspect to take seriously and I have to admit I shopped around seriously for mine and paid just £70 delivered from a non-Amazon source. The current best price here today is about £75 and I'd have bagged that had it been around at the time, because I think Amazon offers outstanding support in the event of a (rare!) problem. But when I bought the best price here was £85.Power is another key variable but not all filters are rated in the same way and some suck power through the design and how they're packed with medium. Figure out what you need for your tank and stocking levels. I suggest you give some growth room in your calculations just in case you upgrade to a larger tank, and shop based on that.Whether you get 'extras' counts and potentially big time because some of the filter materials, etc needed don't come as cheap as you may think. This Tetratec comes with all you need and it's good quality stuff. I originally decided on a Fluval 306 filter only to discover I had to pay an extra £12 or so for the spray bar ... it was already £14 more than the Tetratec so I just didn't see where the bang for the extra bucks would come from. Fluval, you lost this race! Overall, based on shopping around the Tetratec worked out around £35 less than the Fluval and they do pretty much the same job.Another real biggy for me is ease of use. This model doesn't score as high as it could, but now I've sorted it all once in future it'll be easy as pie. The instructions really need to be read carefully as not 100% clear. Build quality is very good, maybe a tad short of outstanding as for me some of the plastics used seem a little cheap even if they may not be. Looks gives confidence and I'm not sure this model is as 'overbuilt' if you like as I'd personally prefer - after all, this filter keeps your fish alive and hopefully prevents accidents like draining all the water onto your carpet (and worse!!) You need to feel confident in it.So, finally, how does it work. I have to say that once I'd fitted everything together it needed a lot of pumping to get started. It then needed several shakes over the next day or so to finally get ris of the last remaining air trapped inside. But since then it's just done the job. It isn't silent but it is very quiet and once stored in the tank cabinet I imagine I won't hear it at all. I avoided putting the tank in my bedroom as I didn't want any faint background noise to keep me awake. I wish I had now as the tank will be pretty much 100% silent. The spray bar works great and both inlet and outlet give options of shorter or longer stickers to secure to the tank wall - a nice idea. I have the Fluval 125ltr and so the longer option works better.I give it a 5***** because at the £70 I paid there is no better buy right now. The cheaper models feel a little 'risky' and the more pricey options like the Fluval or an Ehiem just don't offer the same bang for your pound. I've owned both brands before and they are great - just not £30-100 better!

25.1.2020

I’m happy with this filter up to now. I don't like the spray bar though the noise it makes is too much. I never realised that adding a new filter would cause my tank to go through another cycle. At moment the water going in and out of the pipes into the tank is cloudy, despite still running two of my mature internal filters.I will remove them once the external filter finishes the nitrogen cycle as at minute I’m detecting nitrite and nitrates in the water again.Despite water in the outlet pipe looking cloudy the water in the tank is still quite clear. I’m hoping this external filter will cope with my fishes waste in a 300 litre tank as the internal hood filter I'm also using is too noisy and

6.9.2013

I bought this upfir use with a fluval Osaka 155. The fluval 205 went bust between a cleaning out and reset.... After a week of faffing (was setting it all up as a new tank) getting the thing pumping and then finding that it was leaking (about a litre every 10 minutes), I gave up.I needed a quality filter, capable of the volume I needed at a fair price as I'm only running this tank for about a year.It's perfect. The people who have said it is silent aren't kidding... Half the time I question if it's even running. But I can see the flow in the tank and rest assured. Even on 3/4 flora it is a very powerful filter. So powerfull in fact that that's my biggest gripe....

27.6.2013

This filter is top notch, the improvement in water clarity was striking and the fish are much happier with the additional aeration and the current produced by the spray bar, which I have placed an inch below the water level.My fish (Emperor Tetras and Platys) swim above and below then move deliberately into the current for a quick race across the tank. I switch the flow off for feeding to give the little guys a chance, but some of the fish do seem to quite enjoy chasing the food too!Set-up was easy, and maintenance is simple too, no water all over the place like other filters. Quality build and no leaks whatsoever.The only considerations are 1) Check you have space below to to the side of your tank for the canister,

2.6.2013

Been running the filter for a bit now and it is a great product. The quality is very good.Pros:Fits in my aquarium cabinet (Juwel vision 180)Very quiet, and I mean nearly silent!Plenty of kit comes with it including filter mediaHoses are long enoughPriming button, so no siphon shenanigansOnly uses a small amount of electricityGood water outputClears up water quickly and effectivelySo good, I'm buying a second one!Cons:There was a tiny leak where the hose meets the filter, it has disappeared but it was a bit worrying in the beginningThe priming button was a bit fiddly, took more presses than they say in the manualIf you get an air lock,

6.10.2013

I bought this filter when setting up my Rio 180 tank for Cichlids. Setting up is pretty simple, everything you need to get up and running is supplied in the box (filter media, hose pipe, plumbing fittings and spraybar). Only cons I would have are; the height of the spraybar cannot be adjusted much and the hose could be slightly longer.Once I got the plumbing set up I primed the filter (you need to press it firmly to get started) and switched it on and I was really impressed at how quiet this filter is. When I say this is silent I mean it is SILENT, the only noise I hear is from my internal pump in the tank.For the intake I didn't need to use the fittings as I am using the Rena Smart heater and

25.8.2015

I never normally leave reviews dew to not buying expensive items off here but thought i`d do one :).Bought this for my new 4ft Aqua One Tank, Water is very clear and no more green rubbish all over the bottom :). Word if warning though, the spray bar is a little tight the first time you pull it off the black bit to clean out ( well mine was) I actually cracked the end upto the 2nd hole on trying to pull it out to clean. This is when i emailed tetretec to make sure the spraybar was in amoung the warrenty and happy to say it was. I was told they would send out a new spraybar attachment that actually turned up this morning ( within a week from first email to them)

30.9.2012

I purchased an Interpet Fish Pod 120ltr which came with an Interpet PF3 internal filter, not bad but not great. After many hours of searching the web and looking at specs etc. I decided to buy the Tetra Tec Ex 700. What a brilliant filter. It was easy to set up and get going. The only issue I had was that I under estimated it's size and had to cut an access hole in the shelf of my cabinet, but that was worth it. I can't believe how quite this filter is. The fish seem to like it better as well, as there is no internal tank noise from the filter, just good old water flow.If you are after an external filter then really give this consideration, I think it's great.

18.1.2013

The performance and ease of use is first rate, however when using the single spray bar there is a tendency for the outlet pipe to squeal. Although not a major problem I feel as though it should be designed in such a way that the seals do a more effective job of silencing it.I have taken the end cap off so rather than an even spray it is a single flow which makes it silent. I think this will also aid durability as the squealing indicates a backlog of pressure. Unless a single spray bar is essential then this is a very good product. If you are limited on space and need a spray bar look elsewhere.

5.9.2015

Clean the impellor area or it could stop working as I found out. Tetra very helpful when it stopped working. great to have it working again the waters crystal again. Unfortunately not Silent as others have said, I can hear it - not sure what the word silent means to others but to man it means no sound and this sounds like a computer fan whirring away. Saying that it is still very quiet, very powerful and I am overall very impressed with it. Would recommend.

9.3.2014

I am very satisfied with the filter, works even without sound, I sometimes have to carefully see if it really works, it will take 10 minutes to connect to the aquarium. Definitely recommend to friends.I'm just disappointed with the driver, he left my parcel at the neighbors, and nobody reported to me. Neighbors brought my parcel after weeks and asking me why I do not take it, but that's only because I did not know that my parcel left with a neighbor.

19.4.2017

i've had one of these on my 350 litre tank for 5 years as i can't stand noise and these are silent. thought it was dead when a leak appeared from the join at the power head so ordered another but just needed a new o ring which i got from here and it fixed it so now i have 2 of these on my tank. water is crystal clear and fish is in heaven.

31.5.2013

This superb filter was bought as a replacement for my damaged EX700. The asking price was rha best by far, and delivery was days earlier than suggested. The filter is used in a marine reef system, the earlier EX700 had been in constant use for 6 years and was slightly different to this later model. Recommended.

26.5.2017

Working as charm, (for 4 years without any issue) but after all that time sealing in-between head and body started to leak, so I decided that is time for a change. Probably if I had tried hard enough, I could goad spare sealing but I wanted to buy a new filter anyway.

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