AquaClear changes all filter lines

So I guess that the new numbers aren't meant to signify the max tank size for the filter. The old Mini was rated to 20 gallon tanks. Oh well.

I think it's a German/European thing. I've noticed that both AquaClear (Hagen) and Eheim seem to rate their filters for tanks much larger than we Americans/Canadians seem comfortable with.

I think it's because Europeans traditionally stock their tanks much more sparingly than we do. They go for the "Dutch tank" which contains primarilly plants with just a few fish. Consequently, they can get away with using a 200 gph filter on a 50-gallon tank.

In addition to AquaClear renumbering their filters, I've also noticed that they've started to included some Biomax and a mesh bag as a "third stage" of filtration, i.e., sponge, carbon pack, topped office with BioMax.

So they've gone from one set of seemingly arbitrary model numbers to another? Now, THAT'S marketing!

I think Eheim (and maybe other canister makers) rate their filters for larger tanks is as much because of the higher efficiency of canister (vs. HOB) filters. There's not much comparison between the path of water thru an Eheim 2028 and an Aquaclear 500...

I suppose we should be happy that Hagen didn't change the size of the filters such that the new 'AC 70' foams would be too small for our existing AC 300s.



Jim

As everyone here likely knows, I work at a Pet Store....and I'm 'in charge' of all the fish products.

First, smaller model numbers are easier for customers to remember. Otherwise, they run through the aisle opening up every filter cartridge, looking for the right one because they can't remember what filter they have. But the primary reason, as has been said before, is the tank recomendations. You would be surprise how little most people picking out their first filter know. I know I didn't remember how little I knew as a newbie. Most don't even know what a heater is, so if no one is around to help them figure out filters, then those model numbers make much more sense. Furthermore, Whisper has done the same thing...a few years ago.

Hagen overall is undergoing a lot of changes in all their animal departments, trying to update their packaging and products to keep up with companies like - actually, only - Tetra and MarineLand, the former of which still only using GPH on their heaters.

I was gonna mention that Rocketman. The largest majority of people in this hobby really have no Idea, I was that way once, and did very well for years without much knowledge. For me it's important to know the flow, but most people just want to know what fits the tank they are buying, and they are more than happy to rely on the manufacturer to decide for them. I'm sure AC has lost some sales for that reason alone.

I think it's a German/European thing. I've noticed that both AquaClear (Hagen) and Eheim seem to rate their filters for tanks much larger than we Americans/Canadians seem comfortable with.

Click to expand...

Informed responsible hobbyists tend to filter more than others. In all honesty, many of us could get away with less filtration, but chose the easier better systems. My brother has run many tanks for years with very few real problems, and doesn't own a single test kit, doesn't know a thing about cycling, and uses whatever the manufacturer says will work. It is very hard to convince someone who has had success that they aren't doing things as well as they could. He loses an occasional fish, but for the most part he is happy with the results. I do things differently (and do my best to teach him without putting him on the defensive) He runs an AC 200 on a 40 with 2 common plecos, 10 mollies, 20 guppies and 3 cories and 12 cardinal tetra's. It scares me to death but he is content. he has kept african cichlids, puffers, gourami's and angelfish in the past as well. He currently has a 39 with two convicts and a GT and seems to think there is room.

I think that the HOB folks are more concerned w/GPH than canister folks- GPH is such a bogus measure in any case, whether HOB or canister - I do hope that no one here actually thinks that a 150GPH HOB actually filters 150 gallons per hour.

And, yes, I also massively overfilter. But I am a very concervative hobbyist.