Very cool filter

[wally]

Has anyone ever used a "Tetra Tec Powerfilter"? They are new. They are very different from any other powerfilter on the market. For one thing you can get a special heater that will fit right inside so its not in the tank, but the cool thing about them is the "bio chamber". It has a chamber inside that is filled with "bio-foam" This chamber is filled and then drained making it a very good wet-dry style filter for fish only tanks.
This chamber will also make it a very good thing for a reef tank IMO and here is why. The filters have two outlets on the front for water coming out of the filter. You can turn the outlets in any direction to get the water flow you need. The outlet on the left is just a steady stream of water like from a power head, BUT the outlet on the right is the one that comes from the "bio-chamber" this outlet turns itself off and on every few seconds as the chamber fills then drains the result is a "wave" every few seconds. So if you were to take out the filter carts, and the foam to avoid the nitrate factory you are left with a very good wavemaker for your tank. They come in three sizes up to 500gph. They are also not that expensive.
I saw one in action today at my LFS and wanted to share it with you all. It will be a part of my upcoming tank What do you think?

 

[twoods71]

Interesting. I'll have to pay a visit to a LFS and check one out.

 

[beecher]

I bought one and I hate it. TOO NOISY! It sounds like a coffee maker perculating all the time. You have to constantly adjust it so it does the wave action as you described. I think the tank water level has something to do with it. I do like the heater in the inlet though, it does keep the tank temp very even. I also have a problem with my turbo snails crawling up into the outlets. When they do, it effects the bio-chamber action by reducing flow.

 

[mike7111]

Your`e correct wally, it is an excellent filter. I use the 150 with maxi-jet 600 in my reef, it gives slightly needed bio. as well as the "on/off" movement.
If properly placed on the outside of the tank, it will funtion effortlessly, since my reef is in our bedroom, we close the wave chamber at night to prevent it from sounding like a toilet, then in the morning turn it back to wher it was.
When changing out the filter/carbon, always rotate as to maintain the bacteria we need, don`t change at the same time.
Yes, the temp. does stay very constant.
Go TITANS!

 

[toddius]

I have one on my reef tank and love it. It did take me about 20 minutes to get it set where I wanted it and the right amount of wave strength but I love it and mine is very quiet, as quiet qs any other box filter I have used. Very cool design. My only complaint is that it is a very wide filter and needs extra tank to wall clearance and interferes with my hoods perfect fit but still is a welcome edition.