Tetra Whisper IQ Power Filter 20 Gallons Review
If you are looking for a quiet, efficient, and easy-to-use filter for your 20-gallon aquarium, you might want to consider the Tetra Whisper IQ Power Filter 20 Gallons. This filter is designed to provide mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration for your tank, using a patented Stay Clean Technology that helps maintain a healthy pH level and reduces algae growth. In this article, we will review the features, benefits, pros, and cons of this filter, as well as compare it with some similar products on the market. We will also share some customer reviews and give you a link to buy it online.
Features
The Tetra Whisper IQ Power Filter 20 Gallons has the following features:
– A flow rate of 130 gallons per hour (GPH), which can be adjusted using a dial on the filter.
– A sound shield that separates the motor from the filter chamber, reducing noise to less than 40 decibels (dB).
– A self-priming motor that starts up without any manual intervention.
– A large filter cartridge that contains activated carbon and dual-sided mesh to remove odors, discoloration, debris, and toxins from the water.
– A bio-scrubber that provides a surface for beneficial bacteria to grow and break down ammonia and nitrite.
– A LED indicator that flashes when the filter cartridge needs to be replaced.
Benefits
The Tetra Whisper IQ Power Filter 20 Gallons offers the following benefits:
– It is easy to install and maintain, as it comes with everything you need to set it up in minutes. The filter cartridge can be easily replaced by snapping it in and out of the filter chamber.
– It is energy-efficient, as it consumes only 4.5 watts of power.
– It is suitable for freshwater and saltwater aquariums, as well as planted tanks and turtle tanks.
– It is backed by a limited lifetime warranty from Tetra.
Pros and Cons
The Tetra Whisper IQ Power Filter 20 Gallons has the following pros and cons:
Pros:
– It is very quiet, as many customers have reported that they can barely hear it running.
– It is effective, as many customers have noticed improved water clarity and quality after using it.
– It is affordable, as it costs less than $20 on Amazon.
Cons:
– It may not be powerful enough for some tanks, as some customers have complained that it does not create enough water movement or oxygenation.
– It may leak or malfunction over time, as some customers have experienced issues with water spilling out of the filter or the motor stopping working.
Comparison
To help you decide if the Tetra Whisper IQ Power Filter 20 Gallons is the best choice for your tank, we have compared it with two other popular filters for 20-gallon aquariums: the AquaClear Power Filter and the Marineland Penguin Bio-Wheel Power Filter. Here is a table that summarizes their main features and differences:
| Feature | Tetra Whisper IQ Power Filter | AquaClear Power Filter | Marineland Penguin Bio-Wheel Power Filter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Internal canister | Hang-on-back (HOB) | Hang-on-back (HOB) |
| Flow rate | 130 GPH | 100 GPH | 100 GPH |
| Noise level | Less than 40 dB | Moderate | Moderate |
| Media type | Cartridge with carbon and mesh | Basket with foam, carbon, and biomax | Cartridge with carbon and bio-wheel |
| Media replacement | LED indicator | Visual inspection | Visual inspection |
| Flow control | Dial on filter | Lever on intake tube | Mid-level strainer |
| Self-priming | Yes | No | No |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime | Two years | Three years |
| Price | $18.99 on Amazon | $25.99 on Amazon | $14.99 on Amazon |
As you can see from the table, each filter has its own advantages and disadvantages. The Tetra Whisper IQ Power Filter is the quietest and most energy-efficient of the three, but it may not be strong enough for some tanks. The AquaClear Power Filter is the most customizable and versatile of the three, but it requires manual priming and more frequent media cleaning. The Marineland Penguin Bio-Wheel Power Filter is the cheapest and most durable of the three, but it may be noisy and bulky.
Customer Reviews
To give you a better idea of what other customers think of the Tetra Whisper IQ Power Filter 20 Gallons, we have selected some representative reviews from Amazon. Here are some positive reviews:
> “I love this filter! It’s super quiet and does a great job keeping my tank clean. I have a 20-gallon tank with live plants and fish, and this filter keeps the water clear and healthy. The LED indicator is very helpful to remind me when to change the cartridge. I highly recommend this filter for anyone looking for a quiet and efficient filter.” – J. Smith
> “This filter is amazing! It’s so easy to set up and use, and it’s very quiet. I have a 20-gallon tank with a turtle and some fish, and this filter keeps the water clean and fresh. The bio-scrubber is a nice feature that helps with the biological filtration. The flow control is also very handy to adjust the water movement. I’m very happy with this filter and would buy it again.” – K. Lee
Here are some negative reviews:
> “This filter is not powerful enough for my tank. I have a 20-gallon tank with a lot of fish and plants, and this filter does not create enough circulation or oxygenation. The water looks cloudy and stagnant, and the fish are gasping for air. I had to add an air pump and a powerhead to improve the water quality. I’m very disappointed with this filter and would not recommend it.” – R. Jones
> “This filter started leaking after a few months of use. The water was spilling out of the filter chamber and onto the floor. I tried to tighten the connections and check the seals, but nothing worked. The motor also stopped working and made a loud noise. I contacted Tetra for a replacement, but they never replied. I had to throw away this filter and buy a new one.” – M. Brown
Conclusion
The Tetra Whisper IQ Power Filter 20 Gallons is a quiet, efficient, and easy-to-use filter that can provide mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration for your 20-gallon aquarium. It has a sound shield that reduces noise, a self-priming motor that starts up without any manual intervention, a large filter cartridge that contains activated carbon and dual-sided mesh, a bio-scrubber that provides a surface for beneficial bacteria, and a LED indicator that flashes when the filter cartridge needs to be replaced. It is suitable for freshwater and saltwater aquariums, as well as planted tanks and turtle tanks. It is also backed by a limited lifetime warranty from Tetra.
However, this filter may not be powerful enough for some tanks that have a high bioload or require more water movement or oxygenation. It may also leak or malfunction over time, as some customers have experienced issues with water spilling out of the filter or the motor stopping working.
If you are looking for a quiet, efficient, and easy-to-use filter for your 20-gallon aquarium, you might want to give the Tetra Whisper IQ Power Filter 20 Gallons a try. You can buy it online from Amazon by clicking here. However, if you are looking for a more powerful, customizable, or durable filter, you might want to consider other options such as the AquaClear Power Filter or the Marineland Penguin Bio-Wheel Power Filter.
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