Tetra external filter in the test: Today we are taking a closer look at other external aquarium filters for you. Next to the Manufacturers Eheim has also Tetra an interesting series in the program, which not only because of its cheap Price can shine. The series of Tetra aquarium external filters EX 400 Plus, which is available in the 600 Plus, 800 Plus and 1200 Plus, we will take a closer look below and compare them with each other. Customer Reviews and testing also flows into ours Conclusion a. We also want to compare them with the Eheim eXperience. Who has where its advantages?
For aquariums from just 10 liters up to 500 liters
There are four different models in the Tetra aquarium external filter EX series. Model 400, 600, 800, and 1200. The difference mainly in the application with appropriate size aquariums. We particularly liked the "mini" external filter 400. It can be used from 10 liters up to 80 liters. It is therefore also possible to equip small tanks with 40, 54 or 60 liters with an external filter. Usually only internal filters are used here. The advantage of an external filter, in addition to the larger space for the filter media, is that less space is required in the aquarium and the ornamental fish have more space to swim.
The Tetra aquarium external filter EX 600 Plus model can then already be used for aquariums between 60 liters and 120 liters. The 800 Plus series then has a capacity of 100 to 300 liters and the Tetra external filter is also an option for even larger aquariums. The 1200 Plus model can filter the aquarium water up to a capacity of 500 liters.
Unfortunately, Tetra is behaving badly power consumption the devices are quite covered. Data sheets are not found at first glance. You have to take a look at the user manual for this. We have summarized the most important data for you in the comparison table.
Technical data of the Tetra aquarium external filter EX 400/600/800/1200 Plus
Tetra advertises the devices as extremely economical in terms of power consumption and thus maintenance costs. You should also pay attention to this when buying, because such an external filter is known to run 24 hours a day, 365 days and there is enormous potential for saving electricity. The device of the 600 series requires 7,5 watts. Tetra differentiates here between a configured energy consumption. It says 5,5 watts. The 800 model has a power consumption of 10,5 watts and the large filter 19,5 watts. Unfortunately there are no operating instructions for the Tetra aquarium external filter EX 400 Plus on the Tetra website. This should definitely be improved.
Water flow of the Tetra aquarium external filter EX 400/600/800/1200 Plus
Let's take a look at the water flow, because this ultimately determines the volume of water that can be cleaned. Again, there is no information on the 400 Plus model. However, we are assuming around 200 – 300 liters per hour. The 600 Plus model then has 630 liters per H and the 800 EX Plus model 790 liters. The large filter can circulate up to 1300 liters of water per hour. Unfortunately, there is no information on the amount of funding, as is the case with devices from Eheim, for example.
When it comes to filtering, the rectangular shape and the different filter pots in the devices are also used here. These differ depending on the size. The smaller models can hold 3 filter bowls and the larger models even four filter bowls. The capacity of the filter media is also different. Here you can use 5,7 liters, 6,6 liters and 12 liters of filter material. This can of course be put together individually.
Suction aid and safety quick-locking system for Tetra aquarium external filters EX 400/600/800/1200 Plus
The suction aid was also thought of with the devices. Unnecessary manual suction during commissioning or after cleaning is therefore no longer necessary. Tetra even speaks of a filter start button. The safety quick-lock system is also impressive. The filter is quickly dismantled and can be cleaned without having to remove the piping and hoses. There is also the possibility of regulation at the inlet and outlet, so that the water flow can still be adjusted individually.
We recommend this one Advice on all aspects of filter technology in the aquarium.
Scope of delivery and guarantee of the Tetra aquarium external filter EX 400/600/800/1200 Plus
We liked the scope of delivery at Tetra, because everything you need for commissioning and installation is already included. The filter media includes Tetratec CR ceramic filter rings, Tetratec BF biological filter sponge, Tetratec BB bio filter balls, Tetratec CF carbon filter medium and filter floss. There is no information on this for the small 400 Plus model either. We found the composition quite good, although you have to ask yourself whether you should filter with charcoal right away. Connection hoses and the like are also included.
These models also come with a 3-year guarantee, so that a long service life can be assumed.
According to some customer opinions, the motor should also be quite quiet and you can easily accommodate this filter in the aquarium base cabinet. Even if it is in the living room.
conclusion and price
First we took a look at the test of the Tetra aquarium external filter EX 400/600/800/1200 Plus. As with Eheim, the devices are rated very well. Although not quite as well. On average there are around 4 stars. Nevertheless, there are always negative voices regarding the filter performance. Some customers also complain about the noise generated by the filters.
We also liked the scope of delivery and the possibility of the many filter options and media that you can buy later. In addition, the procurement of spare parts does not seem to be a problem.
We also found the missing technical data of the small device weak. Tetra should improve here
In any case, the price has to be mentioned quite positively, because it starts at 54,99 euros. The most expensive model, at 91,90 euros, can still stay below the 100 euro mark, which definitely has to be mentioned very positively. Finally, we have also linked the comparison table of the Eheim devices from the eXperinece series for you.
Finally, we also found a hands-on video that nicely shows the contents of the packaging.