Aqua Clear 70

[Radar]

I have running on my 55 gal a magnum 350 system and I had a old aqua tech that died.I found a aqua clear 70/300 at the lfs and since I never had one and it was a pretty good price I bought it to replace the aqua tech.It has the foam,carbon(the carbon I won't be using)& bio max.
I was under the impression that the bio max could be used as permanent filter media with just rinsing them in old tank water.
But the directions say the bio max should be changed every 3 months.Does anyone have this filter and how do you handle the media in it? Or is there something that you would replace the bio max with that is more permanent.

 

[Sploke]

It looks like the biomax is just standard ceramic rings? If so, I have some thats been in use in canisters for 5-6 years now. No real need to replace them, just keep them clean and keep using them until they break down and fall apart. Only reason to replace them would be if you feel like donating more money to the Hagen company.

 

[severum mama]

I agree with sploke about the Biomax. Some of mine has been in my filters for a few years. Actually, same goes for the foam block insert. You can rinse it in tank water when you do your water changes and use it until it falls apart. The aquaclear is far superior to the aquatech imho, and I think you'll like it. Plus, there are no more proprietary cartridges to deal with.

 

[Radar]

Thanks-I already like it a lot better than the aqua tech.I will just rinse and reuse.

 

[Marinemom]

Yes. Just rinse and re-use. Just make sure that when you rinse the media you do so in used tank water so you do not lose any benificial bacteria.

Marinemom

 

[Brian Bivens]

I second everyone's comments. I have the same filter media in my first filter I ever bought (well over a year old) and I haven't had an issue with it at all.

 

[BigAds]

I have had an AC70 for a few months now and it has been great.

I know about the foam and biomax being fine well beyond what aquaclear recommends, but what about the carbon insert? I do use it to help keep the water clear and clean... Aquaclear recommends replacing the carbon monthly, and I read elsewhere that having an old carbon insert in the tank may eventually leach phosphates back into the water, or have other undesirable issues.

For those of us that do use carbon, how often should it be replaced?
(My tank's not planted and is/will be a moderately stocked 36gallon with 5 cory, 4 otto, 7 het. rasbora, 1 GRB, and 1 angelfish.)

 

[Star_Rider]

I don't use carbon (activated) not because it 'could leach back' but economics..

if you do proper maintenance you really don't need to use it.

if you buy carbon..use it to remove meds or on occasion to help clear up water..

telling you that you need it is a great marketing ploy.

 

[BigAds]

I don't use carbon (activated) not because it 'could leach back' but economics..

if you do proper maintenance you really don't need to use it.

if you buy carbon..use it to remove meds or on occasion to help clear up water..

telling you that you need it is a great marketing ploy.

Yeah I've read a decent amount on the debate over carbon, and regardless of which side you're on it seems there's at least agreement that it shouldn't need to be changed as often as the manufacturers claim. I haven't used any medicine and hope I don't need to, but do like the thought that it does help to clear up the water... it does seem to help keep my driftwood from turning my water too yellow too.

 

[Hooked Newbie]

I don't use carbon (activated) not because it 'could leach back' but economics..

if you do proper maintenance you really don't need to use it.

if you buy carbon..use it to remove meds or on occasion to help clear up water..

telling you that you need it is a great marketing ploy.

:iagree:

Carbon recommendations are just another attempt to maximize returns for the manufacturers and LFSs. You're better off adding a finer sponge after the existing one(s).