AquaClear Power Filter

[goldenpuon]

I was curious if anyone had any experience with an AquaClear power filter? The one I bought is for a 40-70 gallon. My tank is about 40 gallons.

I just bought one after my Tetra power filter broke and to make a long story short, I opened the battery compartment trying to fix it only to find out that part is supposed to be opened. So I rushed to Petsmart and got the AquaClear.

From my experience, it looks like it is made out of cheap plastic and I am a bit worried. They designed it so it is see-through but the tube and other parts seem to be made out of the same type of plastic my battery operated vaccum is made out of that cracks easily.

I will likely keep it either way as I have done pretty well with crummy filters in the past as long as they filter well enough for me and circulate the water (no offense to the people that know from research that filters like Tetra's are poor quality). Just want some input. Thanks.

[Carl]

I have used dozens (if not 100s) of Aqua Clear Filters over the years, including the many different evolutions of this filter.

My personal opinion as well as controlled tests have shown this to be a one of the better bio filters as it has more capacity than most others.
On the negative side, flow by resulting in poor mechanical filtration is a major negative (although for some this is not the reason for the filter and thus the Aqua Clear is not a bad choice if good mechanical filtration is not important or is taken care of by another filter.
The other issue is a poorly designed impeller and motor that breaks down much more readily than other HOB Filters

For further information, see the Section about HOB; Power Filters in this article:
Aquarium Filtration; HOB Filters

Carl

[goldenpuon]

Thanks for posting the article about filters. I briefly read the section on Aqua Clears and after reading, I am worried about leaking.

If it were to get clogged and leak, could it empty a lot of water out of my tank? Like if it somehow got clogged and water just kept flowing into it until the tank level was so far down that it couldn't suck up any more?

What is the probability of it leaking other than it leaks/is more likely to break down than other HOB filters?

[Carl]

The clogging and then back flowing is a real issue with Aqua Clear Filters. The best way to prevent this is keep it clean. The other preventative is to make sure all foam and carbon inserts are well seated into the filter, as I have seen these inserts float up and then cause a back flow.

As for leaks and back flows, the filter will stop once the water level is below the pick up of the intake.

Sorry if this review alarmed you, generally speaking with good care and a watchful eye on your Aqua Clear you likely should not have a problem, however I would be remiss to not point out based on my use and the many customers that have either provided me feedback or called me to their homes over the year that this is a problem that the Aqua Clear suffers with at definitely higher rate than other power filters.

Personally I feel the Aqua Clear VitaLife or Aqueon are a better choice.

Carl

[goldenpuon]

This is not good since I have situated the intake 1/2 way down to the bottom of the tank which is 2 feet deep.

However, when I put the filter together, I noticed that the water level in the filter wentdangerously close to the top. To fix this, I put the tube shaped like 1/2 a square, like this only shape "[" sort of that goes in the top backwards. The result is the water flow is slower and the water level does not go as high. It is about an inch from the top. I am closely monitoring it to make sure it doesn't get too low.

Does this adjustment sound like a good solution to preventing this problem or do you think since it is put together improperly (part is backwards), it is likely to cause problems?

Thanks again.

Renee

[Carl]

If this is lowering the water level in the filter, this is a good idea

Many Aqua Clear Filters can also adjust the intake flow by simply moving the intake tube to the side. These intake tubes fit into a slot that is designed (by Hagen) to allow this movement so as to slow the water flow.

Carl

[babygeige]

I have the same size AquaClear on my 30 gallon, Renee. I haven't had any issues with it clogging or anything. I used to clean it once a month, but since I have a sponge pre-filter on it, I only clean once every 2 months or so.

The only issue I have with it is that the lid rattles quite a bit. But I just smack it a bit and it's ok.

[goldenpuon]

Thanks guys. I admit I got pretty scared when I read that it can leak (and empty the tank partially which is my mom's worst nightmare and mine also maybe).

I'll keep an eye on it. Based on what you guys have said, it will probably be fine. Thanks for the helpful advice both of you.

[aquariumtech]

Really cant go wrong with the aquaclears ive had a few of them so far for over 15 years.

[babygeige]

Yeah, they do a good job. I just got tired of the lid buzzing so much, so I replaced it with a canister. I do still have it around as a backup just in case. I liked its versatility.

[goldenpuon]

I've actually found my AquaClear does a poor job at catching debris and it also seems to get dirty very easily. Yet again, mechanical filtration is not one of the filter's strong point so that explains why.

Not trying to say anyone is wrong who says otherwise. That has just been my experience since I got the filter which was actually a while ago now.

[Carl]

Oct 5, 2010 9:40:19 GMT -5 goldenpuon said:

I've actually found my AquaClear does a poor job at catching debris and it also seems to get dirty very easily. Yet again, mechanical filtration is not one of the filter's strong point so that explains why.

Not trying to say anyone is wrong who says otherwise. That has just been my experience since I got the filter which was actually a while ago now.

This is a good point, but then all the points explain my experience with literally 100s of Aqua Clears over the years.
The versatility & bio filtration is about the best among HOB filters as babygeige noted while mechanical filtration/"flow-by" along with noise and lifespan are the Aqua Clears weak areas

Carl