Decline of reliability of AquaClear 500 / Fluval 110

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
A single grain of sand can stop an AC 110, or 500, in its tracks. I have had AC 500's jam up from sand so miniscule that I could barely see it when the motor was removed, and I also ran my units with pre-filters. Some minute particles of sand can and do get past pre-filters. Even course substrate will produce some fine dust like particles. The fact that you saw sand in the housing means that there is sand getting in. The 110 motor, impeller shaft, and impeller, are identical in the older units so that is not the issue. You either have sand issues (most logical), or got a bad run of manufacturer flaws. I suspect the former.
 
  • Like
Reactions: TheLastKon, deeda and tlindsey
I agree with Rd I had sand with a sponge blocking the intake ruined 2 in no time That's why I hate sand My 50 breeders 2 have an old 500 which is 15 years old and the other the fluval 110 they both run perfectly never get clogged since I use NLS never any flakes, also I use gravel in my tanks, I think aquaclear are great filters but not with sand just my 2 cents
 
Even so I would think doing a rebuild would fix the problem. I will shorten the intake see if it helps. My ac70 which I've had since before the 110 which is still running fine
 
Hard to say, but the AC 110's have been out now for several years, and I don't hear or read a lot of negative press.
 
RD. said:
Hard to say, but the AC 110's have been out now for several years, and I don't hear or read a lot of negative press.
Click to expand...
No issues for me, apart from slight bypass of media.

Noise I fixed with petroleum jelly easy peasy
 
  • Like
Reactions: #.$
#.$ said:
Maybe it's just my luck lol
Click to expand...
Could be? Mine is amazing

#.$ said:
Gonna have to try it
Click to expand...
Mine was rattling loud enough to wake me up, rubbed jelly on the impeller shaft and it was good to go. Always works

I use a very heavy sand which never ever stirs into the water so no issues there
 
  • Like
Reactions: #.$
I found (especially with sand) I had to clean mine almost every other day.
I normally rinse the sponge and shake out the media in some water change watr, at the same time, and simply rinse out the chamber where the impeller sits, occasionally use an old tooth brush to make sure there isn't anything still there.
Agree totally with the one grain of sand scenario, its amazing how finicky they can be.
 
  • Like
Reactions: #.$
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom