Quality of Aqua Clear?

[Will Hayward]

These filters are the best selling HOB filter worldwide. Their designed has not changed since the Aquaclear's original conception. Although they used to be transparent brown and are now transparent black, changes have been completely unnecessary. They are quiet, efficient and require no specific cartridge or brand of filter media to be run.

The amount of media sold with the aquaclear filters, is many times over what you receive when purchasing media for other HOB filters- Whispers for example, have one cartridge only with a couple dozen grains of carbon sandwiched between some foam. The very idea that you must replace the entire cartridge defeats a filters main use; Biological filtration. This is not so with the aquaclear where you can opt to replace only the carbon, or the spong, etc.

They are not flawless, but their simple design makes alterations easy, and also they can be converted into refugiums and scrubbers. There are also some people who have adapted them into wavemakers by altering the flowpath.

The downsides:
-They require priming before plugging in.
-During a long power outage they may not always restart on their own.
-They can vibrate causing some noise. (Placing a cloth, foam, or rubber between the tank glass and filter will stop this).
-they are only rated for up to 110 Gallons.

 

[Bderick67]

why don't you like HOB?

This comes from the same guy that thinks only beginners use gravel and plastic plants. Not to mention he feeds his fish dog food

 

[wow_it_esploded]

They are quiet, efficient and require no specific cartridge or brand of filter media to be run.

The amount of media sold with the aquaclear filters, is many times over what you receive when purchasing media for other HOB filters- Whispers for example, have one cartridge only with a couple dozen grains of carbon sandwiched between some foam. The very idea that you must replace the entire cartridge defeats a filters main use; Biological filtration. This is not so with the aquaclear where you can opt to replace only the carbon, or the spong, etc.

They are not flawless, but their simple design makes alterations easy, and also they can be converted into refugiums and scrubbers. There are also some people who have adapted them into wavemakers by altering the flowpath.

All of this including using whatever media you want, coverting to different things, etc can be done with almost all HOB filters.

 

[Will Hayward]

All of this including using whatever media you want, coverting to different things, etc can be done with almost all HOB filters.

The flowpath is what makes them efficient when using different types/brands of media. You can't simply put a media bag of carbon into a Whisper or Aqueon. Nor can you make them into a refugium.

 

[bigfishrcool1193]

Best filtration i've seen for a HOB.... im glad i have mine, only time i hear it is when the water level drops, i then hear the waterfall...

 

[redm18]

I have always liked them they work great and seem to last. Its nice that you don't have to replace the cartridges.

 

[waytoodeep03]

Is the carbon really necessary? Ive heard mixed opinions

 

[Itsadeepbluesea]

from what most people have said it really isn't necessary unless your trying to filter out something such a medication

 

[tcarswell]

This comes from the same guy that thinks only beginners use gravel and plastic plants. Not to mention he feeds his fish dog food

He is on my ignore list I would recommend doing the same.

 

[tcarswell]

Is the carbon really necessary? Ive heard mixed opinions

No its not at all necessary (unless removing medications which I prefer to take out with water changes anyways) yet I always run some(Possible chlorine contamination etc keeps water sparkling ) . Its good at least to have some on hand.