aquaclear 50 - $25.55 aquarium filter (expired)

catnapped

Apr 2, 2023 2:33 AM

8.1K Comments

Joined Nov 2004

catnappedApr 2, 2023 2:33 AM

8.1K Comments

If you have Amazon (locker) pickup available, you can knock another $10 off of it via the code (PICKUP10OFF)

2

NateN8140

Apr 2, 2023 11:33 AM

912 Comments

Joined Nov 2013

NateN8140Apr 2, 2023 11:33 AM

912 Comments

Just a word of warning as I have this filter. It tends to float up and dump water all over the floor. I think this is due to air bubbles getting trapped in the media and floating up. I found the only way to avoid it dumping water is you have to replace the media every month and definitely don't use the foam sponge.

Duxdad

Apr 2, 2023 2:26 PM

90 Comments

Joined Sep 2013

DuxdadApr 2, 2023 2:26 PM

90 Comments

[I am a big proponent of Aquaclear filters and currently have about 6 in use, love them because they are very effective at removing particulate matter and cleaning the water.. But they are not perfect. My main gripe is when you have a power loss they will likely not restart, You will have to reprime them. Second issue is as was mentioned, as the sponge in the bottom fills with mulm and such and the filter material above fills you will notice water flowing around the syphon tube and the filter material basket will start to rise. Clean the sponge and replace the filter material, routine maintenance. When I get one I throw away the charcoal, and only use poly fill above the filter. Poly fil cheap at Walmart or Amazon and VERY effective water polishing material.
Aquaclear is a GREAT filter requiring some routine maintenance.!

catnapped

Apr 2, 2023 2:37 PM

8.1K Comments

Joined Nov 2004

catnappedApr 2, 2023 2:37 PM

8.1K Comments

Quote from NateN8140

:

Just a word of warning as I have this filter. It tends to float up and dump water all over the floor. I think this is due to air bubbles getting trapped in the media and floating up. I found the only way to avoid it dumping water is you have to replace the media every month and definitely don't use the foam sponge.

As was said in the other thread, if it's doing that you need to clean it. Has nothing to do with air bubbles but rather the media is getting clogged up.

CardShark

Apr 2, 2023 6:00 PM

841 Comments

Joined Dec 2010

CardSharkApr 2, 2023 6:00 PM

841 Comments

Quote from NateN8140

:

Just a word of warning as I have this filter. It tends to float up and dump water all over the floor. I think this is due to air bubbles getting trapped in the media and floating up. I found the only way to avoid it dumping water is you have to replace the media every month and definitely don't use the foam sponge.

Both of your issues are user error.

It's floating up because your media is clogged. The media that comes with an AquaClear 50 (it's been awhile but I believe it's a sponge and bio rings) should definitely NOT be replaced monthly. Not only are you throwing money away, you are completely missing the point of having those things in your filter. The purpose of those items is to house beneficial bacteria that process ammonia and nitrites, which are very detrimental to your fish. By replacing that media, you are just shooting yourself in the foot. The sponge and bio rings should just be rinsed and then put back in. Google "nitrogen cycle aquarium" and get familiar with it.

The reason it is dumping water is because you don't have your filter level. There is a little thing that spins in the back and buts up against the back of your tank. Spin it till your filter is either level or slightly leaning towards the tank (that's how I set mine and it gives you a little more margin for error).

1

CardShark

Apr 2, 2023 6:16 PM

841 Comments

Joined Dec 2010

CardSharkApr 2, 2023 6:16 PM

841 Comments

Quote from Duxdad

:

[I am a big proponent of Aquaclear filters and currently have about 6 in use, love them because they are very effective at removing particulate matter and cleaning the water.. But they are not perfect. My main gripe is when you have a power loss they will likely not restart, You will have to reprime them. Second issue is as was mentioned, as the sponge in the bottom fills with mulm and such and the filter material above fills you will notice water flowing around the syphon tube and the filter material basket will start to rise. Clean the sponge and replace the filter material, routine maintenance. When I get one I throw away the charcoal, and only use poly fill above the filter. Poly fil cheap at Walmart or Amazon and VERY effective water polishing material.
Aquaclear is a GREAT filter requiring some routine maintenance.!

The first item you mentioned about it not self-priming is the only thing bad about these filters.

You can mitigate the second by using a sponge that is more coarse and also using a pre-filter on the intake tube so it takes longer to clog in the internal sponge.

I don't use those carbon packets either but that's because I have all planted tanks and carbon removes iron, calcium, and other minerals that plants need. I wouldn't throw them away though, save them since they are particularly useful to remove stuff like medication if you ever need to use it.

Duxdad

Apr 2, 2023 9:11 PM

90 Comments

Joined Sep 2013

DuxdadApr 2, 2023 9:11 PM

90 Comments

Agree with all, I use pre filters on the syphon tubes as well, the coarse ones from Aquarium Coop but they to fill up and need to be rinsed clean occasionally. I have had clogged pre filters alone bring water flow nearly to a halt in an Aquaclear

DrOSU

Apr 3, 2023 12:51 AM

25 Comments

Joined Jun 2010

DrOSUApr 3, 2023 12:51 AM

25 Comments

I have had this filter for over 15 years. It has never failed me but as some have noted it needs periodic maintenance. Once the sponge media gets clogged, it can overflow. One person mentioned rinsing, which is the correct thing to do but make sure you do it with a cup of water from the aquarium not from sink, in order to keep the bacteria levels correct. I have had aquariums for over 50 years ( not a typo) and simple maintenance will overcome most filter issues.

aquaclear 50 - $25.55 aquarium filter (expired)

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