I recently have come across (just starting research on aquarium stuff) two different filters that I have kind of narrowed it down to for my next aquarium. One is the Marineland Bio-wheel Emperor filter types, I've been reading up on them and they seem to be very highly recommended. However, I've also seen a new Tetratec type filter that you can actually put the heater INTO and it claims to have a biological (don't they all) filtration method, but it doesn't say anything about a wet/dry system that I could see on the box. So that gets me semi-concerned. Is one superior to the other? I like the heater in the filter idea for sure. . .if it works and doesn't hurt my future fish. Anyone have experience with these filters? Thanks so much.
Opinions on the new Tetratec filters?
- Thread starter BCompDude
- Start date
Biowheels are good. The nitrifying bacteria also consume oxygen, so the point of the Biowheel (rotating contactor) is that the bacteria alternately contact the air and water, and ensures dense, healthy growth of the bacteria.
I have not seen a Tetratec in operation, but from the descriptions, I understand that the sump alternately fills and empties of water, effectively achieving the same end as the rotating contactor - exposing the bacteria to air to achieve a denser and healthier growth in the filter medium.
All power filters have some sort of biological filtration that I know of (well, even if you didn't intend it, it would be hard to prevent the bacteria from taking hold in the filter media.) The Tetratec is just claiming to have a more effective one.
I have not seen a Tetratec in operation, but from the descriptions, I understand that the sump alternately fills and empties of water, effectively achieving the same end as the rotating contactor - exposing the bacteria to air to achieve a denser and healthier growth in the filter medium.
All power filters have some sort of biological filtration that I know of (well, even if you didn't intend it, it would be hard to prevent the bacteria from taking hold in the filter media.) The Tetratec is just claiming to have a more effective one.
tricksterpup
It's SPRING!!! BUNNIE RABBITS
Hi, the tetratec filter also has a sponge in there that is similar to the Bio wheel. They are not bad, I am using both types of filters right now and I have few problems with my Tetratec filter.BCompDude said:
tricksterpup said:
So the heater in the filter would work ok? I guess that is a fairly large concern of mine. I will be getting two of the Tetratec filters for a 29 gallon aquarium just to make extra sure that the heat gets dispersed properly. I'm a bit anal about that kind of stuff.
I have the 150 model on my 29 gal. tank. The fact that the heater is located in the filter is my favorite part. I have never had a problem with it not heating up the whole tank. The thermometer in my tank is in the opposite side of where my filter is and it stays exactly at 78 degrees day and night. I've had this filter for 10 months now, and I am very happy with it. I took a quick pic of it to show you where the heater is located...
