Pimp My Filter #53 - Tetra EX1200 Plus Canister Filter

Tetra EX1200 Plus filter (Amazon):
geni.us/AVKG1
The EX1200 Plus is a well made filter at a decent price which easily holds 4.5kg (9.9 lbs) of Biohome Ultimate.
That makes the filter suitable for normally stocked tanks up to 450 litres (118 US gallons) or heavily stocked tanks up to 225 litres (59 US gallons).
(With more careful packing of the media you could even get up to 5kg in there allowing it to filter slightly bigger tanks).
Sorry, Google / KZbin see fit to send me almost no notifications for comments so you're best bet to reach me is to phone on 07772848730 or send an email to [e-mail] (Richard)
Biohome products and foams: www.filterpro.co.uk
FilterPro site has links to worldwide distributors.
Amazon Reviews: amzn.to/392EZ2g
INSTAGRAM: bit.ly/2KAk1fx
WHAT IS A FULL CYCLE?
If someone tells you the aquarium nitrogen cycle ends with the production of nitrate that is incorrect - please read on
A full cycle is completed by bacteria - the aerobic part of biological filtration which processes ammonia to nitrite and nitrite to nitrate followed by an anaerobic part which processes nitrate into soluble nitrogen which bubbles off to the atmosphere.
Therefore it requires a suitable amount of excellent quality filter media to be able to provide the environment for both aerobic AND anaerobic bacteria - that is what Biohome ultimate does perfectly but even with such good media there are limitations and we recommend the following amounts for different stocking scenarios:
(1 US gallon = 3.8 litres)
(1kg = 2.2 lbs)
Average community tropical aquarium = 1kg per 100 litres
Average coldwater aquarium = 1kg - 1.5kg per 100 litres
Predator aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres
Large cichlid aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres
Malawi / Tanganyikan aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres
Marine aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres
Average mixed fish pond = 1kg per 200 litres
Average koi pond = 1kg per 150 litres
Avoid using any products which claim to remove, detoxify or bind ammonia, nitrite and nitrate as they will have a noticeable starving effect on the bacteria which will manifest as an inability to achieve a full cycle due to a low population of bacteria on a starvation diet.
Let Nature do the work and as long as you have a suitable sized, well set up filter there is no reason why a full cycle won't be achieved.
You may be disagreeing with the above figures but remember that the recommendations are for a FULL CYCLE not half a job - achieving 0 ammonia and 0 nitrite is quite easy since aerobic bacteria grows freely on any surface but the anaerobic bacteria responsible for COMPLETING the cycle needs more a specialized habitat.
Size a filter properly, set it up sensibly and you will have perfect water - it's that simple....and your filter won't be the dreaded 'Nitrate factory'.
If you have a filter you'd like me to feature in a video then please contact me on:
[e-mail]
07772848730 (Richard)
The following videos will be useful to anyone interested in learning more about filtration, bacteria and making the conditions for your fish as good as possible:
Sizing a canister properly and filter set up: goo.gl/om19un
Looking INSIDE different filter media: goo.gl/hZWS6c
Bacteria and filter media: goo.gl/123gAF
How to clean an aquarium: goo.gl/bPMhvh
Aquarium tips / filtration playlist: goo.gl/pXgqVj
This channel is purely a hobby for me so I will never ask viewers to donate money for any of my projects or charge anyone for information - information should be shared freely and I certainly don't consider myself an 'expert' in anything I pursue as a hobby so please do your own research, never accept anything as 'fact', reject anyone claiming to be some sort of authority or 'expert' and make your own minds up about anything you wish to study.
We all are on a long path of learning.........
FILMING EQUIPMENT:
Panasonic HC-VX870 HD camcorder geni.us/3UwE
+Rode stereo microphone: geni.us/4OL
Zomei Z666 tripod: geni.us/1a1af3
Manfrotto MTPIXI-B PIXI mini tripod: geni.us/87f7
Feel free to share or link any of my videos on facebook, twitter, forums etc. for the benefit of others as I am not on any of those sites.
See you next time.
Pondguru

[@pondguru]

Tetra EX1200 Plus filter (Amazon): geni.us/AVKG1 The EX1200 Plus is a well made filter at a decent price which easily holds 4.5kg (9.9 lbs) of Biohome Ultimate. That makes the filter suitable for normally stocked tanks up to 450 litres (118 US gallons) or heavily stocked tanks up to 225 litres (59 US gallons). (With more careful packing of the media you could even get up to 5kg in there allowing it to filter slightly bigger tanks). Sorry, Google / KZbin see fit to send me almost no notifications for comments so you're best bet to reach me is to phone on 07772848730 or send an email to [e-mail] (Richard) Biohome products and foams: www.filterpro.co.uk FilterPro site has links to worldwide distributors. Amazon Reviews: amzn.to/392EZ2g INSTAGRAM: bit.ly/2KAk1fx WHAT IS A FULL CYCLE? *If someone tells you the aquarium nitrogen cycle ends with the production of nitrate that is incorrect - please read on* A full cycle is completed by bacteria - the aerobic part of biological filtration which processes ammonia to nitrite and nitrite to nitrate followed by an anaerobic part which processes nitrate into soluble nitrogen which bubbles off to the atmosphere. Therefore it requires a suitable amount of excellent quality filter media to be able to provide the environment for both aerobic AND anaerobic bacteria - that is what Biohome ultimate does perfectly but even with such good media there are limitations and we recommend the following amounts for different stocking scenarios: (1 US gallon = 3.8 litres) (1kg = 2.2 lbs) Average community tropical aquarium = 1kg per 100 litres Average coldwater aquarium = 1kg - 1.5kg per 100 litres Predator aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres Large cichlid aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres Malawi / Tanganyikan aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres Marine aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres Average mixed fish pond = 1kg per 200 litres Average koi pond = 1kg per 150 litres Avoid using any products which claim to remove, detoxify or bind ammonia, nitrite and nitrate as they will have a noticeable starving effect on the bacteria which will manifest as an inability to achieve a full cycle due to a low population of bacteria on a starvation diet. Let Nature do the work and as long as you have a suitable sized, well set up filter there is no reason why a full cycle won't be achieved. You may be disagreeing with the above figures but remember that the recommendations are for a FULL CYCLE not half a job - achieving 0 ammonia and 0 nitrite is quite easy since aerobic bacteria grows freely on any surface but the anaerobic bacteria responsible for COMPLETING the cycle needs more a specialized habitat. Size a filter properly, set it up sensibly and you will have perfect water - it's that simple....and your filter won't be the dreaded 'Nitrate factory'. If you have a filter you'd like me to feature in a video then please contact me on: [e-mail] 07772848730 (Richard) The following videos will be useful to anyone interested in learning more about filtration, bacteria and making the conditions for your fish as good as possible: Sizing a canister properly and filter set up: goo.gl/om19un Looking INSIDE different filter media: goo.gl/hZWS6c Bacteria and filter media: goo.gl/123gAF How to clean an aquarium: goo.gl/bPMhvh Aquarium tips / filtration playlist: goo.gl/pXgqVj This channel is purely a hobby for me so I will never ask viewers to donate money for any of my projects or charge anyone for information - information should be shared freely and I certainly don't consider myself an 'expert' in anything I pursue as a hobby so please do your own research, never accept anything as 'fact', reject anyone claiming to be some sort of authority or 'expert' and make your own minds up about anything you wish to study. We all are on a long path of learning......... FILMING EQUIPMENT: Panasonic HC-VX870 HD camcorder geni.us/3UwE +Rode stereo microphone: geni.us/4OL Zomei Z666 tripod: geni.us/1a1af3 Manfrotto MTPIXI-B PIXI mini tripod: geni.us/87f7 Feel free to share or link any of my videos on facebook, twitter, forums etc. for the benefit of others as I am not on any of those sites. See you next time. Pondguru

[@passenger3]

Rolling out the filter reviews Richard 🤪

[@troyjulius7697]

Pondguru

[@troyjulius7697]

I am looking to buy a new fish tank from customer Aquarium what do you think about the seamless sap system

[@pondguru]

@Tyler Neal Any material which is not suitable for bacteria to colonize can develop discoloration as bacteria needs to build up a layer of 'slime' to enable it to live there. If the material is very hostile for bacteria (e.g. plastic) that slime can be thick and black but it can be a whole range of colours depending on the surface and water conditions.

[@robhigham7519]

I’ve had my tetra tec ex 1200 set up on my fluval Roma 200 for a few years now. My filter was set up as per this video with biohome but last year I added a booster filter ( all pond solutions ) also featured in one of richards videos. That means all my mechanical is done in the booster and my tetra tec is now full of biohome in every tray. Water quality is brilliant and it’s heavily stocked. I’ve learnt so much through Richard passing on information. He’s helped me out massively over the years . Top man Richard , great videos and great advice

[@sblackdragon]

Hi i am just starting up and bought a 520l tank with a top filtration system but im not gonna use this. I have just ordered the tetra ex 1200 in the booster filter did you remove the filters and use ceramic, bio balls etc or leave the filters it came with also did you buy the 1.2 litre booster or the 2.2 litre booster? thanks

[@robhigham7519]

I have the booster filter just housing my foams. The 3 foams supplied with the booster ( course medium fine ) I sometimes add floss also but not often. It then goes into my canister which is entirely filled with biohome media. Since the original comment on this video my tetra 1200 started leaking so I’ve since bought an aquael external canister. The only reason I use the booster is so I have more room in the canister for media. It also prevents me from having to open up the canister for maintenance every week. All I do now on water change days is take out the booster and clean the sponges I then maybe clean the canister every few month

[@shaunwarriner2950]

I think Richard is the best thing on KZbin he is a breath of fresh air been watching him for time

[@Iron-cesc]

hi Richard. I congratulate you, today you presented a great filter!. Unfairly considered "second division", for not being an Eheim, Fluval Oase or JBL. However, it is a filter made with materials of excellent quality, robust, beautiful, with a good capacity to accommodate Biological material, easy to configure, it is an extremely silent filter, and best of all, it is possibly the most economical of all German filters. Congratulations for this video. Greetings and a hug from Germany

[@ZeljkoKolevski]

Tetra and JBL cant compere quality wise to Oase and Fluval.. Details, sealing rings, pump inside, plastic used.. Plus every second Tetra canister leaks 😐 JBL dropped with quality a lot lately.. Fluval and Oase are way ahead.

[@karldean1510]

Thanks to you I've learnt some true ways in how to care for my fish properly the information you provide is the best out there thank you

[@frachiascio5027]

Finaly! Love the ex series, super silent filter, and realy good

[@simplifygardening]

Good to see they have updated this canister its about time Richard

[@alanpitkeathly3055]

This the one I have mate glad you’ve done this video on it I have it set up the way you’ve just done it 👍

[@fockewulf9518]

nice to have you back pondgurur

[@alexg1]

Great info as per usual

[@davidbridge3118]

enjoyed the presentation matey

[@Agnus78]

Excellent filter. I'm using it for years now. And with PondGuru (thx!) i redesigned its baskets with media used.

[@koenpolstra6060]

I own one. And I love it !

[@christodd3224]

Well, you have obviously taught me well with these videos. I thought you should have used the plastic in the bottom as well when you put the ceramic in. Was glad you swapped it.

[@hifisch1132]

Best Filter 👍

[@Andrew-fr3bp]

Thanks for another video Richard. I've got the US verison, the Marineland Magniflow 360. It's identical. I suggest to reconsider using the ceramic rings at the bottom of the canister over using the bio-balls. Last year I tried the same thing as you showed and the bio-balls try to float up the space where the entering water travels downward. I figured out a couple floated up and got stuck in the middle at some point when I unplug it during a WC or feeding flake food. Water entering the canister and traveling down the chute would hit the stuck bio-balls and some water by-passed and flowed out through where the baskets join together. I found the top 2 baskets had a lot of muck in them compared to most cleanings. Some of the water was getting redirected through those baskets and depositing the muck in the media. Now I drop just drop the ceramic rings into thre bottom, still works at settling out some heavier muck at the bottom. Otherwise, it's a side canister that holds a lot of media.

[@eues803]

You are the best!!!

[@marblo4031]

I'm using this one in my Fluval Roma 200 tank. It's just a working horse. Does what it says, no-nonsense!!!

[@daveconroy6859]

Good filter this one. Had one a few years back. Just replaced a new noisy Fluval 107 with the EX600 Plus Tetra and whisper quiet with bigger capacity. Works great on my new Betta tank. Cheaper too haha.

[@stephenfalkner4213]

Pleased to see this video as I've been looking at the Tetra 800 Plus for a 150 litre tank. I had heard some less favourable reviews of the Tetra filters but this brand looks good.

[@gingaboybuda]

Another great video, love these, i bought a jebao CBF 15000 pressure filter in 2019, as money was tight it was under my budget (regret), it claimed to come with 2 different sponges, but it was just a huge tube like very course sponge, so i fixed that with the help of your videos, (thanks) the problem was that the UV light casing had completely been eaten all around itself exposing it to sponges and had started eating them away, I've sent emails and complained to jebao but no reply, Ive learned my mistake, don't cheap out haha but such a shame things aren't made to last any more

[@Jonasastrophotos]

i have the EX800. Im so happy u finally do this one. Its honestly such a quiet filter. The things that comes with it is not that good, however the filter is so cheap that i dont think its matter. The trays are also nice and big.

[@oliverskinner8962]

I'm glad your happy with the ex800 and thank g*d it's quiet because I have one but haven't got round to installing it yet. I can almost fit 2 1100g boxes of Fluval biomax in the top three trays and a thick fine pond foam (oase biotech I believe) cut to size in the bottom. How did you pimp yours ?

[@sailorjbn]

Agree - the EX800+ is super quiet and I have no complains with it.

[@piasmith4868]

Hoorah! You finally did my filter! I have two of these on a 4ft 260lt goldfish tank. 3 trays of biohome in each but have never achieved a full cycle in 3 years :(

[@davidrobbins1936]

The problem with those plastic balls going in the bottom of the filter is they float. SO... as soon as you shut off the filter for maintenance, they float up the intake tube, and are just a PAIN IN THE AZZ when taking out trays. I had to give them up and go back to rings. Just my 2 cents :) Great videos!!!

[@RS.Outdoors]

Just looking at getting back into fish keeping again after a good few years away. However I still have two of these filters in my loft which I had used on my old 500 litre tank with 6 very large Oscars. Each filter also had an Hydor Inline Heater. Set it up with suction in either rear back corner and then each filter went to a spray bar covering half of each along back side of the tank. This way return spray bar was more or less covering full length of back of tank. Run silent and never had an issue with water quality and only done a water change once a month. Looking at the likes of OASE 600 and compared to this, I still feel even now it would be a great setup with an inline heater and still cheaper. Maybe a better offering than a lot of the new current canisters. Think when I do put my new setup I will add a Pond Pre-filter to allow for quick and easy weekly cleaning and Biohome media. When I had my old setup it worked very well and that was with factory supplied media, many years ago when this filter was first on market. Note that I had also used this twin filter setup on a Jewel Reo 250 tank and had a filter in each of the cupboards underneath. Like idea of redundancy as well with dual setups, 2 of everything. The water was always crystal clear and silent as it was next to our couch in the living room. Have a great Xmas folks :)

[@oceansky9220]

Welcome back Richard, can we get a glimpse of your pond and your giant pond filter?

[@timothyobrien2368]

I am from the USA and I have been using a Marineland Magniflow 360 canister filter and the design of these two filters are identical to each other.... I like the filter the only thing different I do is that I put pre filter sponges on the intake and change it once a week... I use my filter on a 39 gal. aquarium that has mostly tetra fish in it.

[@valeccylinder8703]

I just did the pimp of my new tetra ex 1200 plus with one change, I used the ceramic cylinders in the bottom, not the plastic balls, because they flouted through the in water tunnel up from bellow the bottom one by one. It could cause some issues...

[@ianferguson4728]

Leaking at the head gasket is a problem here in South Africa on all EX plus canisters.

[@SuperBaloa]

Another awesome pimp! Would be nice too see you pimp the Eheim 1500XL! Hope someone can send you this in the future.

[@timbo2clark823]

Great vid but could we have a pond filter update please thanks

[@614Davis]

Any update on the your huge pond filter. I would like to see that.

[@ethanstephenson2161]

Looking like a pretty similar setup to the allpondsolutions filters

[@jeffkoons1538]

How bout a run down of what’s on your table there👍👍✌️

[@tymurabdelhamid471]

This filter is pretty impressive, it’s a shame the flow rates aren’t high. Please do a video about the sunsun hw 5000

[@Kakaroti]

Flowrate is overrated, the total volume of the filter is more important. That is why sumps are the best filter setup possible, massive volume for the bacteria to do their thing and you don't need to blast 5000 liters per hour.

[@j.p.kuipers7226]

Hallo Richard, This is a simpel but very good made filter , I have this filter a few years and it is still running very well , I had Also the smaller model the 800 ex plus in use and this also did very well for a smaller aquarium..Here in holland these filters are known for their good price .I hope you will test the italian brand Sicce filters ,they have two series ,the eko plus 100, 200, 300 and the white or black series whale 120, 250,350 and 500. These look very interesting. Always good to her your opinion about aquarium filters.greetings from holland.

[@lshrock7789]

Biohome is 100%. When it's fully cycled. I ran it in a sunsun for years on my 40 gallon. Water was perfect. Added a pre filter and had nothing but media in my canister. Could go weeks without doing water changes.

[@grahammanning5226]

One feature I would really like to have seen is the ability to adjust flow by reducing pump power not by having to install a restriction valve. I always use large volume filters with slow flow rates to remove Nitrates (with the right media) and then run UV more efficiently from the outlet. Good price and filter though.

[@keverton123]

thx for the advise, set mine up today. only thing id change is the balls in the bottom as they are stupidly exactly the same size as the flow hole so they tend to get lodged. i put ceramic in bottom and balls in top

[@hanken]

Balls on top of what?

[@keverton123]

@@hanken top tray

[@TheMalibuman77]

Looks like a Marineland Magniflow

[@josephkool8411]

looks like a sun sun inside

[@williamcash1739]

Could you do an update on the mega pond filter?

[@rahimkhakee7750]

Hi there mate, I know this is off topic, but hopefully you’ll indulge. I have an older Eheim Professional 2 2028, that works great, however the hoses need cleaning, every time I do a water change, some debris come out of the outlet as soon as I unplug it. Can you advise me the best way to clean them? I actually was hoping not to have to detach them from the fitting that connects to the unit. Thanks in advance, and love your vids! You totally helped me with the correct placement of sponge and media placement in the Eheim.

[@calla0070]

Great video again, any chance you could look at the juwel bioflow super and bioflow one, they are different on the inside than the ecoflow. thanks 👍

[@piasmith4868]

I want to add the powered prefilter to my EX1200's, could you do a vid on how to do that please and show it working?

[@bruceleggard5734]

Love your commentary of "Pimping your Filter". Did as you instructed on a Oase 600, as of yet still waiting for a full nitrogen cycle (1 month). A question does arise concerning the use of Biohome Ultimate. The price in the States is extremely high, What do you think about Seachem Matrix as a replacement? Or as a compliment media. Thanking you in advance

[@bobbysauer7826]

woah actually very impressed fot a terta product, looks like one of the best no?

[@DanneVolvo]

Could you make a video of a filter that is actually good from the factory, with media that is? If there is such a filter

[@TheMalibuman77]

Have you ever done a video on the EHEIM Classic 1500XL ?

[@timothymartin675]

looks exactly like the Marineland C360 or C530

[@umarhussain3870]

I just bought one today lol.. but water flow not yo strong but ill try and improve the media.

[@noodles74]

We all know the drill by now...course, medium, then fine.

[@KamilTomp211]

Which such setup when there is a need to clean the filter, I mean the mechanical part and how long does the white pad last ?

[@oliverskinner8962]

I have the ex800plus I think it might be more suitable for bio gravel but biohome ultimate has more internal structure so I'm unsure what to replace my Fluval biomax with. It would be nice to know how much of each you can get into the little trays of the ex800plus or one biogravel and two biohome ultimate ?

[@nat-xs2fs]

To clarify what's a heavily stocked goldfish tank like 4 or 5? 👍

[@koenpolstra6060]

How do you think about. Lava rock as biomedia ?

[@empirestatebullies]

Have you seen Sicce Whale 500 yet and your opinion what’s the best canister you’ve seen so far ? Thank you 🙏🏼

[@sascha8992]

Afther what time do you change the filterpads ? I have this filter ( tetra 1200 ex plus) setup just like your video for about 2 months tnx for the video's 👌👌

[@dandyer8351]

Hi, how much biohome media would you say to fill this ex1200 thanks.

[@sascha8992]

Afther what time do you need to change the biohome media?

[@willemvantoor3721]

Hello, i like your videos 👍 But can you do one for my aquarium, i have a waterbox cube20 with a all in one filtration. Maybe you can tell me and others what the best method is. Thank you. Willem from Holland

[@deerefan6920]

my Eheim Pro 5e 600T have 6KG biohome :)

[@aquamanaquatics6393]

Hey Richard, Fancy pimping an oase biomaster thermo 850?

[@garrymobey912]

Hi buddy what size tank would you say the EX800 would suit

[@brianp6180]

Strange. That exact filter is sold in the USA as a Marineland C-360. Is Tetra owned by Marineland or visa versa ? It is a very good filter. I have used for years. I currently run 4 of them. I trashed the foam it’s so course it stops very little.

[@joebussurfcastfishing]

not to sufre if you have done the penn plax cascade 1200 but wonder what you thoughts on that canister is. i currently have one and have a decent amount of bio home ultimate and the bypass in it is insane .

[@grootboot]

I have the cascade 1000 and unfortunately I haven’t been able to buy the bio home yet but that stupid filter has a huge amount of bypass as well, I just generally think the cascade filters aren’t very good

[@ArsenicShooter]

Hi Richard, i hope you’re doing well!i have a question for you: I just got the tetra ex 1000 for another tank and was wondering if you would know what to choose between biohome ultimate or the smaller version? And how much would fit in the trays? I am currently using the Eheim SubstratPro and am not a big fan of these (for the anaerobic side of things). Would you have any information by chance? If you find the time to, a video about the newer models would be amazing (Tetra Ex 1000 or 1500), they are great for their price/value 😊

[@pondguru]

I'm not familiar with the 1000 but the online sellers of foams are offering compatible foams for the 700 / 800 / 1000 so I'm assuming all those filters have the same sized trays and the 1200 has bigger trays. Therefore since the 1200 easily holds 1.5kg Biohome Ultimate per tray you should easily get over 1kg into each tray of the 1000 (probably around 1.2kg - 1.2kg per tray). Best of luck with the tank.

[@ArsenicShooter]

@@pondguru great, thanks for your reply. I’ll try to find them in Switzerland, it’s not easy to find a local dealer here. But I saw a German company selling them. I’ll have a look with them.

[@AquaPeet]

I have used the 800 version of this exact canister filter. It lasted for 6 months until the pump head started to get water inside and it seeped through the crack between the top and bottom halves of it. I took it apart many many times and tried to figure out how to fix it, I suspected the rubber mat between the priming button fixture and the bottom of the pump head wasn't sealing anymore.

[@oliverskinner8962]

I think they might have sorted the problem out now mine came with the new box packaging was yours a plus version ?

[@hanken]

Great video! Can I use Seachem instead of Biohome?

[@pondguru]

Yes, you can use pumice if you want to no worries - all media will support bacteria to one degree or another so pack it out with whatever you have. You may be interested in this video where I take a microscopic view of media as I covered all sorts of media including a good grade of pumice which has a more open structure than the poor quality pumice sold as 'matrix': kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4XXcoiPh5tqe8k

[@bluemoonstuart]

Hey 👋 Is there anyway to pimp out a Tetra EasyCrystal Filter Box 600? The replacement pads are really hard to get due to COVID and I have not changed mine since February this year. My tank is still clean and I am having to clean the filter I have constantly. Please help if you can. Thanks

[@aravalimarbles7495]

Sir plz let me know any powerful gravel vacume cleaner, i need the electric gravel cleaner for my 150 gal, i used eheim but disappointed a lot, any other plz plz respond TIA

[@Stefan-wp3pk]

Hi? This filter has a tendency to start leaking, I have just changed the rubber gasket, but it does not help. Are you aware of this problem with these filters? .... do you have a good idea to fix it? Grateful for help

[@piasmith4868]

I think the original EX1200 did but that problem has been address in the Plus series (I have the Plus x2)

[@emmaenpapahenry7733]

Why didn't you use the carbon bags?

[@ThousandYardStare]

(my other channel) You don't need carbon unless you need carbon and if you have staining from bogwood or some residual treatments to soak up then add carbon at that point no problem.

[@thomasedwards9101]

🤔This is just a Marineland filter which is just a SunSun filter. The design is a great design. Hopefully the quality is better than the SunSun filters.

[@mediscusnut7994]

Has Anyone any experience of the new Tetra ex 1500 plus .I'm looking to upgrade .just wondered are they as quite as the 1200 .Tetra upgraded to larger tubing etc .but I can't find any local reviews. Cheers

[@sblackdragon]

Hello richard I am starting a new fishtank and have purchased a 520litre one 5ftx2ftx2ft (w,d,h). I have purchased a tetra ex1200 plus and a all pond solutions booster filter as i dont want to use the filtration that comes with the tank. As i am going to need 5kg of biohome ultimate should i fill the tetra ex1200 full of biohome alone i would like some carbon in there somewhere but dont want to compromise on healthy water for the fish could you advise please. I was thinking what if i purchased another booster filter and used it on the outlet of the ex1200 and put the carbon in there good idea or not?

[@ThousandYardStare]

(my other channel) Yes, adding another booster for the chemical media or extra biological media on the outlet side is something many people do to great effect as it allows for the separation of mechanical (booster on the inlet side), biological (main canister) and chemical (booster on the outlet side) and allows for less disruptive maintenance. If you're filling the whole canister with media you should easily get 6kg in there so if you're only wanting to use 5kg of media for the 520 litre tank (assuming it is a normal stock of mixed tropicals) you'll have the best part of a whole tray spare for anything else. Unless you've got a problem with staining from bogwood or need to soak up residual treatments you'll not need carbon so I'd advise running it with a booster for foams on the inlet side and 5kg (ideally 6kg) of media in the main filter and seeing how it goes before deciding whether you need another booster for the outlet. Regards, Richard

[@sblackdragon]

@@ThousandYardStare thank you so much for the advice ill use 6kg of media. Wasn’t sure if another canister on the outlet would put a strain on the motor but as many people do it i guess it will be fine. Thanks once again and ill be sure to subscribe to your other channel.

[@ThousandYardStare]

@@sblackdragon No worries and the filter will be fine. The main thing which constricts the flow is the fine pad as when that gets clogged it causes resistance and a visible drop in output - at that point it should be replaced.

[@Luciano-js4on]

Hello I wanted to ask you something, I'm Italian could you tell me what it costs me in euros, 3 kg of biohome ultimate ??? thank you in advance. 😉

[@manuelmarcosdelpozo1573]

Con todos mis respetos porque lo dais en España si los que no sabemos inglés no lo entendemos. Y es que me parece tan interesante y bueno estos vídeos que no podemos entenderlos quien no sabemos inglés. Podían poner alguien que nos lo traducca ya que pienso que son buenísimos y aprendes sobre filtracion lo que no te dice el fabricante que parece que no tienen ni idea de como colocar las masas filtrantes de sus productos.porfabor traductor ya que es buenisimo.

[@ThousandYardStare]

KZbin traducirá algunos videos automáticamente y también subtítulos, pero desafortunadamente mis videos no tienen esa característica.

[@cdave2006]

I just filled my Tetra ex 1200 following your method. Including some biohome. Actually exactly like you did. And I have a lot of noise. I found that the bottom is making the noise with the plastic ball bouncing all around against the plastic walls. Even though I placed as much as I could the balls stills bounce U_u ... I should remove everything and put the ceramic instead ....

[@pondguru]

If it is the balls making the noise, yes - remove them and either run with nothing in there or replace with ceramic rings which are much heavier than the plastic balls. The rings definitely won't rattle about in the water flow.

[@cdave2006]

@@pondguru ok thanks! I went with the juwel 450 with internal filter built in and the tetra ex 1200 plus. With a total of 9kg of biohome ultimate in order to go with discus. I think I will wait 6 months for the full cycle, or add 30 neon tetra and 10 corydoras first with in 3 weeks then around 10 discus after 6 months...

[@pondguru]

@@cdave2006 You won't need to wait until 6 months to add the discus, start adding them when the tank settles down after adding the smaller fish.

[@cdave2006]

@@pondguru ok will see how my water parameters are after adding the small ones. Thanks for the biohome product, I know it's business but it is actually not that expensive compered to the best Sera ceramic rings which are sold 16€ for less than 200 grams in my local stores... Got a nice price at biohome Nederland's and I ma happy with the porosity so far, will see in the long run about the anaerobic bacteria thing. Can it results in a absolute free nitrate aquarium after 6 month or even a year? They recommend weekly water changes for stendker discus, I want to see if I can push it to 2 weeks or even a month with these 9kg of biohome. But I still have to clean the gravels anyway...

[@ThousandYardStare]

@@cdave2006 (my other account) Yes, you will still need to do partial water changes to freshen up the water and remineralise it but with enough media you can achieve a full cycle with extremely low or zero nitrate. Basically if you provide enough suitable environment for anaerobic bacteria to live it will populate the media and consume the nitrate. Normally a full cycle will complete within 6 months unless there is something starving the bacteria (e.g. Prime or similar conditioner which locks up the bacteria 'food')

[@mohamedsami9132]

A bit silly question! I just found an FX 1200 for sale, is there any major differences between the "EX1200" and the "EX1200 Plus" since all reviews are talking about that "plus" version?

[@pondguru]

I'd assume that the 1200 plus was just a newer version and I remember Tetra filters being relatively crap when they first came out so if you have a choice of the 1200 or the 1200 Plus (as featured in this video) I'd say go for the 1200 Plus since the 1200 is probably many years old and I thought the 1200 Plus was reasonably well made.

[@mohamedsami9132]

Unfortunately, they only have that old one for a reasonable price. So I don't have much choices. Should i go for it or you advise me not?@@pondguru

[@pondguru]

@@mohamedsami9132 Without knowing how much that particular filter is selling for I have no idea so that critical information would be much appreciated - there may be better options.

[@mohamedsami9132]

@@pondguru We don't have many options in Egypt! it costs around 600 dollars, otherwise only a few chinese options remain and they won't be much cheaper

[@pondguru]

@@mohamedsami9132 If that is all you have available then I'd say go for the Tetra filter. Fish keeping must be a very expensive hobby in Egypt.

[@jezzza69]

If I have 2 of these with 3kg of biohome ultimate in each filter will it be ok my tank will be 240 litres

[@pondguru]

Even if it is heavily stocked that will be no worries as a heavily stocked recommendation would be 2kg per 100 litres and your plan will be over that.

[@jezzza69]

@@pondguru thanks.... Ow by the way did your son win the reward?

[@ThousandYardStare]

@@jezzza69 (my other channel) The competition runs until 10th April so I don't know yet but I'm voting every day. To be brutally honest I think Kai Evans will win as he plays for Wrexham and that's a club which has Hollywood backing (Ryan Reynolds) so he has been promoted all over their social channels. He's a great player but to be fair they all are. I hope to see all of these lads in the Premier League but the way things are with recruiting and all the money laundering which goes on in football the lads who would have made the big time are often ignored in favor of someone from a foreign land unfortunately. Just look at Mudryk to Chelsea - a mediocre player from the most corrupt country on earth yet they have Lewis Hall (different position) who hardly ever gets a game but does great every time he plays. No wonder Frank Lampard has been employed to make sure Chelsea don't into Europe - they need a major clear out this Summer or they will be a clear example of money laundering and violation of FFP rules. There's a nation of great footballers from the UK who are ignored in favor of big 'stars' and it's a cut-throat industry to say the least.

[@sondercichlidaquariums4951]

So how do you expect to get a full cycles on a 450 litre tank when the water is passing through the media 1.5 times an hour? 🤔 i use this filter myself, and the flow is terrible, it pumps out less than my 306 fluval, its pointless filling it up with expensive media as its not capable due to the low flow rate, with the exception of if you had it on something like a small 125 litre marine tank, which most people dont need that volume of media with marine as most of the bio is sorted by the live rock, unless its a first stop bare tank for newly bought fish.

[@oliverskinner8962]

You need a slow flow rate for a full cycle in a 450L tank you should be using power heads to move the flow around but yes I would want a bit more flow on a 450.

[@liamwalters5029]

@@oliverskinner8962 can you please explain to me why you need a slow flow rate to get a full cycle 😂

[@oliverskinner8962]

@@liamwalters5029 with a fast flow there's too much oxygen for the anaerobic bacteria.

[@liamwalters5029]

@@oliverskinner8962 but surely that would be massive massive turn over , which no canister on the market offers ( well at least not full of media) I think the point the guy is making the turn over simple isn’t enough for a tank that size

[@oliverskinner8962]

@@liamwalters5029 I would use a sump or two of these on a 450L as these can be had for £115 very good filter for the money and guarantee full cycle

[@HyeonsikLi]

Are you born in Germany?

[@adalwolf8328]

Wow, the bioballs are useless. They say each ball has 62cm^2 of surface area. Say there's about 40 balls in the tray, that's 2480 cm^2 of surface area total. The tray holds about 800 ml, so 1l of the balls would account to 3100 cm^2 or a pathetic 0.31 m^2. In comparison, Eheim Substrat Pro has 450m^2/l, so the difference is 145161,29% in surface area. LOL at Bioballs.