WHY do you love your Aqua Clear Filters
- Thread starter londonloco
- Start date
CWO4GUNNER
USN/USCG 1974-2004 Weps
I have an HOB on every one of my 6 tanks but only becasue I must as I use them as hydroponic plant nitrate filters, not mechanical filters, for which in my opinion they do the poorest job. Of those 6 HOB, 3 are AC's, 2 are Aqua-Tech 30-60, and 1 is a Penguin 350. Of all I like the Aqua Tech 30-60 the best as It is the narrowest fitting behind the tank, has the highest container walls preventing over-flow, the most affordable, and so far the most reliable .
The Penguin 350 is a close 2nd but hate that it looses prime so easily when the water level drops.
The AC are my least favorite becasue they are IMO an old obsolete design which I had to modify to get to work right.
If I diden't have the need for a nitrate liter the worst is yet to come
The Penguin 350 is a close 2nd but hate that it looses prime so easily when the water level drops.
The AC are my least favorite becasue they are IMO an old obsolete design which I had to modify to get to work right.
If I diden't have the need for a nitrate liter the worst is yet to come
I have an AC for my 5.5g. I thought I'd try something new and got an Emperor 280 bio filter for my 33g. I disliked it so much, I sold it and bought another AC. Streamlined and so darn easy to clean. Quiet. I use cheap poly fil instead of the sponge, then a Purigen bag topped with the ceramic bag. Great combo for clear water.
Went to my LFS today and found one that was slightly, and I mean SLIGHTLY used, the older model, Mini, for $5. Have to admit the media basket is pretty kewl. It's not as quiet as I like, but if you take the cover off of it, it's much quieter. Can anyone tell me about these "mods" written about? Think I might have to go buy 3 more for my 10 gallons I'm cycling right now.
My 55 came with an Aqua Tech 30-60, which I started up to get the tank going. I assumed it was going to be a POS and ordered a canister in the meantime, but I'm impressed with how well it's kept the tank clean since I've been putting in all kinds of gravel and construction debris. It's also super quiet.
They are super quiet, the 5-15g came with a 10 gallon set up I bought at Walmart. But, they have to be reprimed with every WC. After running only 2 months, I had problems starting it after a WC. It just stopped working for a couple of hours, but eventually did restart. It did keep the water clear. I've replaced it with a AC and will use it as a backup.
I like the fact that every single part of them are replaceable. Many HOB's have a poor design in that when the energizer goes you have to buy a complete new filter (designed obsolescence). This is not true with the AC's and the older Whispers. To me, it means I can buy the filter once and keep it for years.
CrimsonBlush
Attemping to post rather than lurk
They are wonderful 
I liked mine so much that I bought another for my new tank.
They are great for a few reasons:
1) Extremely quiet (I can't even hear mine)
2) You can choose your own filter media (no more having to buy only their products!)
3) You can choose your flow
4) They clean the tank efficiently
5) They blend in nicely with most backgrounds because they are a clear gray
I liked mine so much that I bought another for my new tank. They are great for a few reasons:
1) Extremely quiet (I can't even hear mine)
2) You can choose your own filter media (no more having to buy only their products!)
3) You can choose your flow
4) They clean the tank efficiently
5) They blend in nicely with most backgrounds because they are a clear gray
Not sure about the smaller models but I use a bunch of AC110 to filter my tanks because.
1. It provide a lot of space for media. I use the sponge and 2 bags of biomax
2. It was the best filter I could get for $35 (back when Dr. Foster had the sale).
The design is very basic and it functions well. There is nothing fancy about the filter. Just a workhorse.
1. It provide a lot of space for media. I use the sponge and 2 bags of biomax
2. It was the best filter I could get for $35 (back when Dr. Foster had the sale).
The design is very basic and it functions well. There is nothing fancy about the filter. Just a workhorse.
