Product Review: Aquaclear HOB filter

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Mgamer20o0

BobsTropicalPlants.com
Staff member
Jun 4, 2003
31,221
19
89
www.bobstropicalplants.com
[FONT=&quot]Company[/FONT][FONT=&quot]
Hagen
Model
Aquaclear
Link to product description
http://www.hagen.com/usa/aquatic/sub_category_psubtype.cfm?CAT=1&SUBCAT=107&PSUBCAT=10701
Price range
$27-90 Aquaclear 20-110
Pros
In my mind the best hob out there. The way it’s designed gives you limitless options for filter media. As long as you take care of the filter clean it monthly it never breaks down. It also runs silent. If you keep the water level up you will not even know its on.
Cons
I really can’t think of a con other than the price has shot up a lot but still good value. Sand, snails or other things can cause a gridding sound but if you take it apart and clean it out it will be fine.
Star rating (1-5 with 5 being the best)
*****
How long have you used the product?
9+ years
Build quality and value for your money.
I have yet to have one break down on me.
Other comments [/FONT]
I won’t use any other hob out there. Remember with any filter they over rate them. I tend to cut in half the recommended tank size they say. For example on a 20 gallon tank I use 2 aquaclear 20’s or a aquaclear 50.

hagenACfilter1_pg.jpg
 
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excuzzzeme

Stroke Survivor '05
AC Filters - good product and dependable.

Pros- Great water circulation; Can be adapted to a variety of needs and configurations; Not overly noisy- noise is comparable to other manufacturers of the same type; Media lasts longer and is more cost-effective than many other styles; parts readily available; good customer service.

Cons: Pricing on the AC70 and 500 is a bit of a turn-off.

Oldest AC in my "fleet" is 11 years old, replaced the impeller twice and the energizer o-ring once. I don't buy a filter based on manufacturer suggestion gallons but purchase according to the advertised flow-rate.
 

jpappy789

Plants need meat too
Feb 18, 2007
26,364
5
89
33
Gainesville, FL
Real Name
Josh
Company
Hagen
Model
Aquaclear
Link to product description
http://www.hagen.com/usa/aquatic/sub...&PSUBCAT=10701
Price range
$27-90 Aquaclear 20-110
Pros
I love the media options and adjustable flow rates. Not bulky either.
Cons
I've had initial problems with sand, but other than that price is the only thing that comes to mind...but you do get what you pay for.
Star rating (1-5 with 5 being the best)
*****
How long have you used the product?
3 years
Build quality and value for your money.
I agree with Mg, I have yet to have one break down on me.
Other comments

I place this HOB above all others I have tried. I think they are worth the price, to be honest.
 

sundragon

AC Members
Dec 8, 2010
178
0
0
50
Washington, DC
Company
Hagen
Model
Aquaclear 50
Link to product description
http://www.hagen.com/usa/aquatic/sub_category_psubtype.cfm?CAT=1&SUBCAT=107&PSUBCAT=10701
Price range
$44
Pros
Choose your own media (I use Purigen instead of carbon) and adjustable flow rate.
Cons
Sometimes buzzy but that usually subsides after a while. The recommended path that the water takes doesn't pass through the sponge, it passes over it - which means it doesn't polish water as well (IMHO). This can be adjusted easily by changing the location of the sponge.
Star rating (1-5 with 5 being the best)
*****
How long have you used the product?
9 months
Build quality and value for your money
Great for the price and flexibility.
Other comments
None
 
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