I was also unimpressed with the quality of the AC110. I had the same problem as a few others had in the sticky thread. The "U" intake tube is either cracked or not sealed correctly from the factory causing it to take in air. Some have been able to fix the problem by applying a coat of silicone to it but this has not worked for mine. Additionally, I had a crack at the top of the casing, where the water flows out. This could lead to a serious leak down the road. I called Dr.smithfost... and they are shipping me a replacement, which is nice. However, the fact that this filter has had similar results with other purchases is not reasuring with their quality and control of products.
ac110, i'm dissapointed
- Thread starter sick_lid
- Start date
WHile I like the AC110's, I'll agree with the noisy vibration when the top is in place, so I did the simple fix of .....get ready...... leaving the top off. Makes it much quiet and I don't see a downside to it. As far as your fear of it overflowing, make sure its adjusted with that weird little bottom tab so that the rear of the filter is higher than the front, that way it's impossible for it to overflow.
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I have a FX5 and 3 ac110's on my 225. I never have had a problem with them, They are quite as can be, and the trio keeps my water crystal. 
Good luck with figuring yours out. I'm sure its just defective.
Good luck with figuring yours out. I'm sure its just defective.
mine came with the leak at the top of the "U" intake tube, but i just ran to the garage and got some PVC cement and ran about 3 layers on it and its clear so you cant even tell i did it and ive never had another problem. It took all of 5 minutes to repair it.
i have had the same "clicking" noise from a few brand new ones i bought at petsmart, i swapped the impellers from a used one that i new worked good, and the problem followed the new impeller, i exchanged it back at the pet store, and the same problem, call the manuacturer and they are shipping me new impellers to fix the problem, if i turn the flow down its fine, but cranked all the way up a loud clicking, they may have made a bad batch or something
My AC 110 have always arrived with a cracked casing, always have to patch it up with aquarium sealant and superglue before I can use them. That's my thing against AC 110's. Plus, after 2 weeks of working fine, my first AC 110 suddenly decided to stop working, the pump isn't turning at all. Starting to think that the simple tetra power filters are more trustworthy myself. At least they don't arrive with a large crack down the side.
how about taking out the carbon and the sponge and replacing those with bio balls. i heard it works wonders. although the bio's are bit pricy. i think that might help it alittle bit with the issues.
If you take out the sponge, then there goes your mechanical filtration.christ4paul;2317100; said:
