Ok so I've had this filter for a few weeks now and feel that it's time to offer a review.
First some background:
The Tetra EX filtration line is a new line of filter from Tetra. They are a multi-stage
HOB filter with the typical tetra filter cartridges. They come with a "Bio-scrubber" cartridge that is left in permanently while the filter cartridges are to be changed regularly when the Carbon needs to be replaced.
Features:
Some of the features unique to this filter include, a Timestrip, carbon filter carrier, new rounded design, SilentFilter Technology, and "Multi-Stage Filtration Engineered Water Flow".
- The Timestrip- a handy indicator on the front of the filter that easily lets you know when it's time to remove expired carbon from the filter.
- Carbon filter carrier- a plastic holder that allows you to change the media easily and without touching it (for the squeamish) and prevents drips.
- New design- claims to prevent drips and allow the quickest gravity draining possible.
- SilentFilter- Motor is in a new location inside the tank. No priming required and none of that nasty grinding noise.
- Engineered Water Flow- The water is forced though a layer of course floss, then carbon, then finer floss, and finally though the bio-scrubber cartridge then back into the tank
My experience:
Over all I think that this is a well designed filter. My favorite part of it by far is the SilentFilter feature. I have many HOB filters and this is the easiest and most pleasant to start. While it may not be "completely" silent it's the closest I've heard. No winceing or teeth clenching involved. I don't know if it's new design really is all that it claims but it looks very stylish and modern sitting there on the back of my tank. The timestrip is handy, however I'm still undecided if I will be using the carbon in the filter's (since it requires new filter purchases roughly every month).
What I dislike about this filter are a couple of things. I'm not a big fan of the cartridge holder. With the cartridge full of water it doesn't seem to "hold" all that well. It's really easy to grab the clamp and end up with a wet filter all over the floor. What i dislike about the filter is the same complaint I usually have about the tetra filters and that is the cartridges. I don't like having to replace my cartridges monthly and with the carbon stitched into the pouches there's not really a way to open them to change the carbon without tearing the entire front of the cartridge open. (You also only get the time strips if you get new cartridges. Clever clever Tetra.) I'm also skeptical about the bio scrubber since there doesn't appear to be a whole lot of surface area for the bacteria to colonize to make up for the bacteria removed when you change the cartridge.
In regards to price I can't really comment. When I purchased this filter at PetSmart they had both Aquaclear's and these on sale. So for the same size filter these were $5-$10 cheaper. In time it may turn out that I picked the more expensive filter if I need to keep purchasing cartridges.
Closing Comments:
A good solid filter that is dependable. If a way could be found to swap that carbon without the replacing the filter I would have much happier thoughts about it.
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