TetraTec filters

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Comparing the TetraTec PF500 and the AC110 from experience:

Ease of Cleaning
+ TetraTec (remove top, replace two cartridges, replace top)
- AC110 (remove top, fill bucket with tank water, lift out bio-media and place in separate bucket, take out sponge and clean in bucket of water, replace sponge & bio-media, empty two buckets, refill bucket-add conditioner-refill tank, replace top)

Bio-Media
+ TetraTec has wet/dry sponge (living chamber) that has a higher concentration of BB than the AC110 submerged sponge. Sponge stays undisturbed during filter maintenance. Extra submerged bio-media can be used in place of back set of cartridges.
- AC110 only has submerged bio-media. Sponge looses some BB during filter maintenance

Water Circulation
+ TetraTec has three separate output tubes. Two have adjustable angles for maximum surface agitation and stronger rotational current. Center output tube fixed straight down to break up surface scum.
- AC110 output flow waterfalls is fixed and does not create as strong of a current. Some of the output water is sucked back up by the nearby input tube.

Cost to Operate
+ AC110 no regularly replaceable media.
- TetraTec needs the cartridges replaced periodically. Can buy bulk filter pads and reuse plastic holder frame.

Heater
+ TetraTec has in-line 200W heater.
- AC110 no capability

Capacity
+ TetraTec can easily filter a 75G
- AC110 would be inadequate to filter a 75G without the addition of a second filter or powerhead.
 
Not to derail the thread, do you know where I can buy replacement parts for a 500 through an on line vendor or do I need to go back to the manufacture?.. I recently came into possion of 2 used units however the foam padding is missing along with a few little parts.... any links would be helpful..:popcorn:
 
The only thing I can see happening on the Tetratec is that sponge in the front chamber getting clogged up over time and bringing down the flow rate. Then, when you have to rinse, you're basically in the same boat as with the 110...

I'm sure its a good filter, just doing the same thing differently. Might give it a try if my AC ever craps out.

One thing I don't like about the ACs is that when it needs cleaning, water flows over the side of the basket from the intake area and out the waterfall, going back into the tank unfiltered.
 
Since I have never had to replace any parts, I don't know where to get the replacement parts. These have been so reliable that I don't need to replace anything but the proII cartridges. I would call the company and ask them or if you have a Pet Supplies Plus near you, they will special order any parts needed. Just email Tetra saying that you need the manual to your tetratec filter and identify the parts that way. Basically the same parts as a typical filter except the sponge, siphon cap, and siphon flow control are needed so the lfc will work.

Daniel
 
www.tetra-fish.com is the manufacturer web site.

I have a PF300 running over a year and still have not had to clean the living-chamber sponge. I expect my PF500 sponge will go just as long.

I think the AC110 is way overrated. It may have been the best "GPH/buck" at one time, but it was not the best filter for the buck. What good is high GPH if you dump the filtered water in one direction (straight away towards the front of the tank). It's no wonder people needed to suppliment the AC110's limited water circulation with additional filters and/or powerheads. They then bragged about their high turnover rate.

The TetraTec is the same price, has the same 500GPH flow rate, and all the advantages mentioned earlier.
 
Tetratec is more durable than the AC filters. They are far worth the money that you pay for them. The cartridges are cheap compared to the Penguin and Emperor filters. A great thing with these filters is that when you remove the sponge, any particulates that are in it don't fall back into the filterbox only to clog the fresh sponge or freshly rinsed sponge. When you remove the sponge from the ac, the debris falls back into the filter. There is no purpose in cleaning a filter if you aren't really removing the debris. This will cause high nitrates. The Pro II cartridges are replaced easily every 2-6 weeks.

Daniel
 
Kilbane;1767486; said:
Have these been discontinued by Tetra?
Click to expand...


No. Only Model PF150 but it wasn't a great seller due to its size compared to the tank size. The size of the filter took up half the back of a 10 gallon tank.

Daniel
 
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