View Full Version : AquaClear Mini
Andy16
12-30-2002, 10:36 PM
Is this a good filter? I have one for my 20 gallon tank with an undergravel filter.
TwoTankAmin
12-30-2002, 10:40 PM
I have 11 ACs running on various tanks including a few minis. They are one of my favorite bang for the buck filters. Since you have a ugf, you dont really need bio filtration from your AC. I would suggest you load it mostly with floss for mech filtration.
Richer
12-30-2002, 10:49 PM
I would personally go with an AC150 or even 200 for your tank. If you are worried about excess flow, you can adjust the flowrate. At the lowest setting, the flowrate is cut back to about 1/3 (according to Hagen's site). That would give you about 50gph on the 150, and 67gph on the 200 assuming there's no media in the filter.
If you are not having problems with biofiltration, then yup... fill that sucker with filter floss for mechanical filtration.
HTH
-Richer
Andy16
01-02-2003, 9:49 PM
I did think the current was a bit much. Will turning down the flow rate effect filtration?
NJ Devils Fan
01-03-2003, 9:36 AM
Agree with Richer, get the next size Aqual Clear.
Richer
01-03-2003, 10:10 AM
Turning down flowrate will probably affect mechanical filtration. Don't think it will affect biofiltration too much, as the water still goes through all of the media that you put in the filter.
HTH
-Richer
Andy16
01-03-2003, 4:32 PM
Thank you, i will get a bigger one once i have to money:)
fishbrain
01-04-2003, 7:06 PM
Agreed,aqua clears are great for the $.I have 4 of them and love them ,I use them strictly for mech. filtration using only sponges in them,just rinse out the sponges in tank water and they should last you quite a while.They are also one of the most quiet running hob filters out there,along with easy maint. they are a great filter.Check out bigals on line prices can't be beat.:D
brackishwannbe
01-04-2003, 7:14 PM
I also have several AC running and have not had any problems. Check out Ebay, the prices for brand new filters are way cheaper then a LFS. I got a brand new Penguin 400 for $41, one LFS wants $79 and another $99.
Andy16
01-07-2003, 9:18 PM
Great thank you for the info. The foam is the white block right? and the biological suff is in like a black bag? also the foam block goes on the bottom of the litte cage deal i take it right?
Yep, the sponge is the white block. The black bag contains activated carbon, which you don't really need unless you are removing meds from the water.