AquaClear Filters

[excuzzzeme]

(Not intending to start an opinion war, rather to state my observations)


I picked up a used 55 and found 2 Magnum HOT's and another I later identified as an AC 500. Also included was a Whisper2 and a Whisper3. Everything was well coated in scale and took me a while to clean everything up and see what worked and what didn't.

I was pretty amazed at the water flow from the AC filter and since it was missing some parts (media basket and lid) I did not use it. The only thing wrong with the Whispers were they needed new o-rings at the energizer and one needed a new impeller. For $6.00 in parts I gained 2 new filters. One HOT was bad so I scavenged it for parts for the other which turned out to be a very good filter.

Back to the AC500; Talk about water flow - Holy cow does that thing move water!

After seeing all the user comments and other write ups about the AC line of filters, I decided that I wanted to try it on one of my 55's. I bought an AC70. Fearing that water circulation in the tank wouldn't be sufficient I watched the tank like a hawk. Water circulation seems actually improved over the HOT with it's directed water outflow. If anything like the 70, I have no reserves about using the 500 on my 90 nor about the AC filter line. If anything, I am beginning to think them under-rated for quality of water cleaning. As far as reliance on durability, I won't have an opinion for that for quite a while.



I picked

[RichardA]

I personally think they are one of the very best on the market, have been for years.

[msjinkzd]

They are my choice for HOB filters.

[BoredAgain]

Next time I need another HOB, I may give them a try over the Penguins...maybe.

[tonytheboss1]

The A/C 500 (now the A/C 110) is an excellent power filter (HOB). I've had mine for several years & it still does a great job. It's a bit pricier now than my original purchase (before the # change) but still a good investment. 'T'

[LuxyBlue]

I have 2 500s and a 300 (I don't know the new numbers they have on them). They are running on a 100g (500 and 300) and on a 55g (500) and they have been running non-stop for the last 9 years when I first bought them. I just bought a 150 (30) for my 20g tank.

I am impressed by them every day they still "keep on going". I am dreading replacing any of them.

To be fair, my 10g has a penguin biowheel 100 on it and I like that one too.

[D.J.]

im not sure what brand i like........i have a AC500,emperor400,magnum350 and a wisper60...

i know i dont like the emeror400.......pain in the ... to get to prime....maybe something wrong with it??

the AC500 i love the water flow but dont like the filter media in it....gona try something new....

the magnum 350 is nice and quite......but i dont like the fact that it dont stir the water surface.....

[Bk718]

The AC line is probably the best due to one thing.. The space for the media. You will never find yourself limited on what you can put in it... I got an AC30 on my 10g and had AC50 on my 29g and wow did it clean the water and create nice water flow.

[Mgamer20o0]

not going to have to sell me on them......... its the only hob i use.

[excuzzzeme]

Thank you for confirming my opinion on AC Filters. This is not to say others are bad, just that AC has the edge over the others.

I too have a Penguin 100 on my 10G (fry tank) and it blows anything else away, I also have a 150 on my 20 (African).

I think I am going to put AC70 (300) on all my 55's.If I decide to go heavy or messy stocking I will go with the 110's. :)

[irishspy]

I have an AC 20 on a 10g and, since I conquered the noise problem (misplaced media), I've been very happy with it. :thm:

[sschind]

I've dropped all filters and now I only carry the Aqua Clear brand. I don't have a problem with the penguins I just don't think that after all the mergers and acquisitions that the company really gives a hoot about he small retailer any more so I won't support them.

D.J. something must be wrong with your emperor. I routinely take the water level down in one of my tanks so that the filter loses prime and it always starts back up. The do wear a bit as the get older however and the can become a bit noisy. If you want to email me I can give you a few pointers.

[$$ brooklyn boy $$]

i have 2 ac 110 on my 75 gallon with the amonia remover bags who i love these filters 0 ammonia at all times water specs are great ac 110 are a great product