We have two Tetra Whisper fish filters. These assemble-yourself filter cartridges or "bags" are, after assembly, the same as the ones you can buy ready to use but much, much cheaper. It is extremely easy to assemble them and everything you need is included, very nice and I think a "no brainer".
NOTE: I recommend not following their assembly instructions in one respect. ("Assembly" means turning off the filter unit, removing the old, dirty cartridge to work on it, changing out the filter bag and charcoal [ditch the old, put in the new], and re-installing.) The instructions say to put the re-useable frame inside the bag first, then pour in the charcoal. I find that no matter how careful I am, some of the little charcoal particles spill out of the narrow opening or bounce off the frame as you pour and they wind up, (a.) not in the filter so less service life, and, (b.) on the floor or counter to be cleaned up. Instead, I recommend pouring the charcoal into the bag first with the bag "mouth" wide open and unobstructed, much easier and less mess and waste, then insert the frame into the bag. The only caveat is that with the charcoal in a pile at the bottom of the bag, the frame may not go down in all the way, so have to shake or flick the bag a bit then settle the frame in deeper once or twice, much as you might flick a single-serve paper bag of sugar to move sugar out of the way before tearing off the top.
I haven't "autopsied" a factory-assembled bag vs one of these to confirm that they aren't cheating by putting in less charcoal, the price difference is so great that it's surprising, but they seem to work for as long as the factor-assembled ones. The box says "Made in U.S.A." so I hope we're not putting someone out of work by taking away their factory assembly job, but I'm sure the factory-assemble versions remain a major part of the market. We keep a few factory-assembled ones around for when we are away and the pet sitter may have to change cartridges, not they couldn't use these (not rocket science!) but we try to make it easier for them. For us, we use only these unassembled ones.
The Whisper filters seem effective and are quiet. They do build up some crud over time and should be rinsed out once in a while, including taking off the bottom section (intake screen and pump), but other than that they seem good. Of course, the local pet store fish experts, who do seem to know their stuff, say that sometimes cleaning is good and eliminates crud that otherwise makes the water cloudy and the fish prone to infection, while other times cleaning removes "good" slime and organic material that are necessary to support or are part of the "good" bacteria that should be present in an aquarium to digest and remove ammonia and nitrates (i.e., piss-eating bacteria), since not having them results in impurity build-up in the water than can irritate, hurt, or ultimately kills the fish. But no one has been able to tell me how to tell good slime or crud from bad slime and crud beyond saying that if the tank water looks clear, don't sweat the slime, but if cloudy, that's bad. They also say to add "biological" treatments or additives when appropriate to establish or restore lost good bacteria, but then add that the "good" bacteria under some conditions can also make water cloudy and bad. Confused yet? So am I. At this point, I should say that I like hamsters and cats and dogs myself, but we have the fish for the kids (sigh) and we do the best we can. So if you have fish and this type of water filter, I would recommend these unassembled ones, they are sooo much less expensive than factory assembled, easy and very little trouble to assemble yourself, so you can save money and/or change filters cartridges more often. It's all good.
Tetra Whisper Bio-Bag Filter Cartridges For Aquariums - Unassembled Medium (Pack of 12)
4.6 | 11,860 ratings
Price: 6.49
Last update: 12-22-2024
About this item
UNASSEMBLED REPLACEMENT CARBON FILTER: Keeps aquarium water crystal clear – removes odors and discoloration.
CATCHES DEBRIS: Dense, dual-sided mesh filters debris and fish waste.
FITS TETRA WHISPER WATER FILTERS: Color coded to make it simple to remember which replacement cartridge size to purchase.
CONVENIENT: Easy to assemble and easy to replace.
USAGE: Change monthly or sooner if needed.
CATCHES DEBRIS: Dense, dual-sided mesh filters debris and fish waste.
FITS TETRA WHISPER WATER FILTERS: Color coded to make it simple to remember which replacement cartridge size to purchase.
CONVENIENT: Easy to assemble and easy to replace.
USAGE: Change monthly or sooner if needed.
Product information
| Item Weight | 6.4 ounces |
|---|---|
| Department | Unisex-Adult |
| Manufacturer | Tetra |
| ASIN | B0002DHZKS |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| Item model number | 26160 |
| Batteries | Product Specific batteries required. |
| Customer Reviews |
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars
6,417 ratings
4.7 out of 5 stars |
| Date First Available | July 23, 2008 |
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 8.66 x 6.05 x 3.73 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 3.5 x 8.5 x 6.75 inches |
| Item Weight | 0.4 Pounds |
| Brand Name | Tetra |
| Target Audience Keyword | ( reptiles | amphibians ) |
| Directions | 1. Detach clip from Aerobic Frame and slide the filter bag over the frame. 2. Add one packet of Ultra-Activated Carbon. 3. Press the Aerobic Frame flaps down over the top of the filter bag and press the clip down over the flaps. 4. Rinse filter cartridge under cool tap water to remove carbon dust. 5. Insert new filter cartridge into filter. 6. Replace monthly or more often if there is reduced water flow. |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Model Name | Bio-Bag Filter Cartridge |
| Size | 12 Count - Original |
| Material | Plastic |
| Age Range Description | No Age Range |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Manufacturer | Tetra |
| Style | Medium |
| Included Components | Whisper Unassembled Bio-Bag Cartridge Medium (12 pack) |
| Specific Uses for Product | Indoor |
Top reviews from the United States
Snoosh
For very small extra effort you save a lot of money, a great value
Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2013
Kindle Customer
Fit my filter
Reviewed in the United States on June 24, 2024Eva
Great product
Reviewed in the United States on July 6, 2024S. P. E.
A great value pack for keeping your fish happy
Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2024Samantha Norton
Fish filter
Reviewed in the United States on June 23, 2024P
works perfect
Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2024Beas
Easy to use
Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2024G. King
Soooo much cheaper. And easy enough to assemble.
Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2023