Tetratec 1200 ext filters

[andy]

Would you say the above filter was a bit overkill for a 200l heavily planted tank ?....I've not bought the filter yet so could go for a smaller model if needed.

Over to the experts

many thanks in advance

Andy

 

[JamesM]

Its not enough mate

Aim for around 10x turnover - the more the better.

 

[andy]

Really mate .....so look for 5,000lph filter ????. Maybe i should go for a pond pump !!!!

 

[JamesM]

Really mate .....so look for 5,000lph filter ????. Maybe i should go for a pond pump !!!!

No, 2000 lph

This will probably be around 40% less when filled with media and hoses are attached, etc.

Consider two EX1200's or an FX5.

[edit to add] Filtration will be fine with one EX1200, but flow will be an issue, so you could just use an additional powerhead somewhere

 

[andy]

thanks for your help mate...much appreciated. I'll be looking into it.

 

[howardish]

Hi,

im currently running a tetratec ex1200 on my 300l. I have the spraybar at one end which creates good circulation around the tank (you can see this if you watch small particles floating around). However, i also have a nano 600lph powerhead at the opposite end shooting towards the gravel to help circulation and you can definitely notice the improvement.

Obviously my experience is with a 50% bigger tank but tbh an extra pump is only £35 or so and would produce similar flow without the cost (and maintenance) of another filter.

However, it is entirely personal preference and people like to have an extra filter running in case something goes wrong.

Theres my ramble over with..Hope it helped

Howard

 

[Dave Spencer]

I have two Tetratec 1200s on a 240l.

Dave.

 

[Ray]

My first Tetratec 1200 leaked all over the floor while I was a work and the replacement (Tetra support is first class) was sold on Ebay. That said, flow from it was excellent if a little noisy.
But I do have a 200l tank. My Eheim 2028 turns over 800lph real flow (rated 1050). It is more than enough for filtration but not enough for flow. I've added a 400lph internal filter for 6x real turnover (but 8x rated turnover ) so although the Tetratec is noticeably more flow, if you plant heavily you will most likely find yourself adding a powerhead for extra circulation. JamesC also has a 200l tank and he uses a 2028 and a powerhead also.
When my plants get going more I will most likely switch the internal for a Koralia Nano for 800lph taking me to 8x real turnvover.
So my advice is plan to use a powerhead or a Koralia and get a filter around the 1000lph mark OR just aim for a filter around the 1600+ mark (Eheim 2076/8 or new JBL for example).