More FIlytration Information: Aquaclear 20: th-cam.com/video/NXthq20WsIk/w-d-xo.htmlsi=jFHmZcECC2EKeKhx Seachem Tidal 55: th-cam.com/video/NVdFJHp9zLg/w-d-xo.htmlsi=Uwfr7i-IoWMwDrwS Seachem Tidal 35: th-cam.com/video/GtUBt_3ETAU/w-d-xo.htmlsi=YVvHvkdqnsCL0Yre Beginners Guide to Aquarium Filtration: th-cam.com/video/6za44GX_Z5Y/w-d-xo.htmlsi=zCWJCxLTmcYoNWym The Nitrogen Cycle: th-cam.com/video/dFpN4wXgmfI/w-d-xo.htmlsi=Apx12MzHcW3Qh02G Here is the Amazon Affiliate Link: amzn.to/3WOWNqM Do you want a subscription to the best fish magazine in the world? Check this out - a special offer for Prime Time Aquatics viewers! www.amazonasmagazine.com/primetime Our new shirts can be found at: www.primetimeaquatics.com/merch Want to become a Prime Timer and see behind the scenes fish room videos? Consider becoming a member: th-cam.com/channels/YVN7EN0ALL6CE4U7NpMUTA.htmljoin For the latest short form content check us out on: Instagram: primetime_aquatics Facebook: primetimeaquatics1 Tictok: primetime_aquatics If you want to see all the cool stuff Joanna does with other types of scapes check out her channel! th-cam.com/channels/PEZk1MpOTGiBVh6BtWjlRg.html
Jason, I recently put one of these on a 20l and it's great. My only complaint is they have too many compartments. I prefer just a large basket where you can layer media. Great video as always! ❤
I have a 15 year old aqua clear 110. The thing won’t die! Pretty noisy but not terrible. I use it as a back up now. I just had a canister die. I popped the old girl in the tank. Plunged in. Still a beast! Works great.
I’ve used aquaclear filters since about 2006 so almost 20 years never had one go bad or fail and have kept my tanks in pristine condition water clarity anyone who has trouble with them doesn’t know how to use them even with my big water changes all you do is grab a big cup scoop it full of tank water and pour into the container basket area until it fills up and plug in no big deal at all back to working 100 percent for those who complain it doesn’t start back up keep your water level up and you won’t have a problem I really like the new blue sponges and new media compartment areas
I have two aqua clear HOB filters on my 16 gallon and 10 gallon and they work great! They have been running for 3 years with no problems or noise, this new aqua clear is hardly any different than the old ones so I would not bother to change mine out for a new one until they make the pump internal like other filters, other than that I love my aqua clear filters!
Reliability is my number one requirement and Aquaclear is a workhorse. A filter MUST be reliable. I'm having terrible luck with Seachem. The impeller on the Tidal 55 refuses to work inside the tank and taking it completely apart to fiddle with it put it back together, put it in the tank and only get a few minutes of operation is a nightmare. I haven't had much better luck with Fluval filters either outside of the Aquaclear line.
great review and explanation, Jason, been using Aquaclear for decades, they are great and can get parts if needed. You addressed all the issues with the older ones I've experienced those too and seems like Fluval fixed that. I had a tank with sand and the cichlids would spit sand into the intake and the sand would grind down the impeller shaft and brush magnet, just have to be aware in some tanks, easy fix.
I think they work great. My only issue is I live in an area where we lose power fairly regularly so if I’m not home having a self priming filter is a must.
I’m gonna re-do my 40 breeder tank soon and change everything all the way down to the substrate. I currently have a 307 canister filter and I’ve been considering going to just 1 sponge filter and an aqua clear. This video was helpful.
This has always been my tried and true hang on back filter for 20+ years it's never let me down and simple.....so basically they added a mistake filter little notches in basket and a higher end or atleast more quiet pump
Nice review...quieter motor seems nice. I'm not sure if I like the new basket or old one better. Sometimes I like to just stack two of the AC sponges in the basket and call it a day, and that seems like it might be more difficult with the new side-by-side layout of the top two compartments? I also wish they put more thought into the flow control...other filters still do it better. I'm probably in the minority, but I actually prefer the external motors. Just a sleeker profile inside the tank that makes the intake easier to hide or blend into the background. People say the external-motor filters won't self-prime after a power outage, but, in my personal experience, *Aquaclear* filters sometimes struggle with that. On some of my tanks, I have a few of the cheapo Top Fins that come in the PetSmart kits, they have external motors, and they've always restarted for me...if we're talking about the power going out for a few hours and coming back on. The downsides to those Top Fins, though, are that the compartments aren't as customize-friendly as the Aquaclears, and the Top Fins certainly run quite a bit louder!
I love Aquaclears, they are my go-to. That filter intake sponge is a great idea. I don't like the change they made on the basket because it limits the way you can load your filter media. I am assuming we could use the old baskets with the new filters though.
It looks much nicer in the background to see bigger tanks decorated nicely with a calm chill vibe rather than an overload of a million tanks bubbling etc. I approve, for what it’s worth. Lol
I have the Ac30 on a 15g nano reef along a Tidal filter and I’m loving the intake sponge. I also like the redesign of the media basket. It also is super quite I’m going to also buy the Ac70 for my 40g reef tank when I get that up and running…
Thanks for the review. I have the aqua clear 20 prior version, I do like the new improvements BUT I am going to move to a canaster OASE Indoor Aquatics Biomaster Thermo 250,Black next.
I've given up on aqua clears cause every one I've had eventually burns up without being self priming. Power outages are the bane of Aqua clear's existence lol. I'll stick with Seachem. Thanks for doing the review though. I do love that they include the intake sponge with the filter though.
I bought a whisper 30 for $16 at Amazon last week for a replacement/ backup and just to have cause it was so cheap. The 50 was $28. I spend more on lottery scratchers. Anyway, the whisper motor is submerged in the aquarium and burn out is almost unlikely. The fluval looks great and is more money, a filter does one thing and that is polishing the water. I also run two canisters filters below. I have not done a water change in about two years now as I only service the otb filter. I add two or three gallons fresh water from tap once a month without water conditioners as well because my city water doesn’t contain little to none adverse metals. I’ve been keeping fish for over thirty years now and have worked in a family pet store when I was younger. I’m not worried so much about pipes in the tank disturbing the visual appearance, rather the health of the pets trumps all other aspects of fish keeping.
Shouldn't burn up unless you letting it run without adding water again. But there's a video out there by fluval that as long as the water level doesn't drop that it would start back up.
@brianmizway9324 cool beans. I've lost each of the three I've had from power outages when I'm at work and such. If they have reduced that or fixed it then they would totally be worth a try
Thanks for the review Jason. I love my old Aquaclears, but...one thing I wish they did a bit different. The separation wall between the intake/propeller and basket compartment has a bit of a flaw in my opinion. It allows the water to flow not just through the sponge on the bottom but even through the top portion. But I'm like you, sponge on the bottom and Poly-fill on top. I only rely on filters for polishing the water and not nitrification process. Been that way since the sixties.
Cool shirt by the way. Another good review. Looking forward to trying this one out. Will wait for your long term review before replacing my other filters.
They said they fixed the issue with it not priming after a power outage. If they did, it would help make up for the fact that they didn't jump on the internal motor wagon. I'm surprised you didn't try testing that. A good introductory review anyway.
There is a fluval video out there showing how they turned the pump off and 12 minutes later when they turned it back on it started again. Good for power outage but the water level stayed the same. Now if you do a water change you might have to add water again to help prime as the tidal is only one to truly start over on its own. But as long as water levels remain the same during a power outage the aquaclear should start right back up.
Another thing I don't like about aqua clear is usually the spillway dumps the water down into the tank I like the way the seachem has a horizontal spillway to create a nice River across the top which really oxygenates the tank for my aqua color 50 I took a little clear plastic trim piece that goes with glass lids and put it on my aqua clear to get that horizontal they should make a clip on piece that does that you could have your choice of water dumping straight in or across
If I have one complaint about the AquaClear, it's that the sponge becomes too buoyant and lifts the whole basket out of the filter. If they fixed that, it's golden!
AquaClear is great. Only HOB filter to have if your aquariums include shrimp and baby fish. The Tidal series with the pump in the tank sucks in Shrimp and Baby fish, no way to stop it, I’ve tried. Don’t know why none of the on line reviews can catch this problem.
My 1 week old Seachem 50 was not great - loud and even at the highest water level. Tried putting Vaseline on it and nothing changed. I can't wait to swap it out for the new Fluval AC50
🤔🤔🤔 Fluval would do well to come out with a H.O.B that has an external motor similar to the new Marineland filters. That way it will be self primed and have much more room for media. 🤔🤔🤔 if fluval got rid of the media and just used three different sponges and raised the anti- sponge lift bar then this filter would be much more effective and be a excellent mechanical filter.
You sold me I was going to replace all of my ac 50s with the tidal ones but I think I’ll go with these the guys at aquashella told me that they will restart after a power outage as long as you have good water levels
So to add some details here i did some research and also found them in my store already. Fluval does have a video out there proving that when they shut the power off and waited around 12 minutes they turned the power back on and it started right back up on its own as long as the water level remained the same. Not the same swlf priming that the tidal can do but should give us confidence that it will restart after a simple power outage. After doing a water change you probably would have to add water again but not a big deal. Also they make an extra part you can buy if you do want to add a skimmer option as well. To clarify the media they offer with the filter its not the generic bio rings this time. Now they offer premium bio fx rings which i like. I love that the sponge is blue instead of white and yes all size filters did get the 30ppi sponge upgrade but for some reason the 110 still only has 20ppi sponge which makes no sense. I wish that would have upgraded to 30ppi as well. I think they worry about clogging but its not a big deal as i use 40ppi and dont have any problems. I have been wanting to try an aquaclear but haven't yet. So im glad for these upgrades and am excited to try it next to my tidal 110 and my marineland emperor 400 and see how it does with them.
ALL NEW aquaclear ! but... exactly the same except for this tiny bit of plastic holder and the prefilter-sponge lol hopefully it will at least be useful in lowering the price of the previous model ?
Can't say I like the direction they're going. I don't like the changes they made, and I think they overlooked some important issues that should have been addressed. Especially with the 110s. Guess I'll switch up and try the tidal line instead. Been using ac filters for 20 years. This is a miss for me. Thanks for posting.
Hard to do with only two hands…….looks like a decent filter. I have too many power blips to trust it at the moment. I will wait for a longer term review regarding restarting.
I use multi layers of course medium between double sided thin layers and top with the large sponge that comes with that system. That sponge rises up pushing the cover off and rising the whole filter cage up with it usually one side. Not seeing anything but the putting that sponge in the lower trap to change it. I never use any rock filtration mass at all. Found that the removal motor is leaking, after seeing that, put a bag over the filter to catch it. Probably going to put gasket in the motor input and see if it continues. Always put a large filter on the intake to start with.
I don’t like the horizontal tabs holding the sponge down. I feel they restrict flow through the sponge. However, I believe they may be part of the redirecting flow for recirculation.
This could not have come out at a better time...I just purchased this exact model. I have not used an Aqua Clear in a long time and wanted to see if the few adjustments they made will make differences that are worthwhile.
I haven't used a fluval filter yet or ever but I like the reputation and how you can customize the media very easily. I have 1 seachem tidal and the others are Marineland but the Marinelands suck for adding custom media. In my opinion anyways.
@@GoldfishTherapy not self priming. The impeller housing is now in the tank. Not outside like before. Sorry. I didn’t think about self priming. I’ve used whispers and the old design /caused a couple of leaks. Now the outside filter is all one piece. And the housing for impeller is in the tank…. Sorry.
I recently purchased the same filter. I'm looking for ways to clear up the water in my tank and I'm interested in adding floss. Would you add floss behind/in front of the activated carbon and biomax? or would you just add floss on top of both?
lol! I have days where everything ends up on the floor too! it's usually when my back is killing me! 😂. you should have a table/desk in your new gallery to help with product display/reviews, and maybe a brighter light? I turned my brightness up all the way and it was still pretty dark. sorry.😢
This looks like a great update on a classic HOB filter. Question on using carbon with this filter. I have live plants in my tank. I use plant fertilizers so should I not use the carbon?
As a long time Fluval fan I recently got a Tidal 110 and Tidal 75 and don't think I'll ever go back to Fluval atleast for HOB still love my 2 307s but the Tidal and prime it self if the power goes out and I don't have to worry about the motor burning up.
i have 3 of the smaller ones on my guppy tanks and even tho the pump is on the outside they fire right up after water changes/ so i imagine if the power went off for a while they would still fire back up
Jason Love the channel but would never use any filter but tidal With sicce engine. Aqua clear got One chance in my home 🏠 and Almost caused a fire 🔥 no thank you fluval
I busted out laughing when you talked about the lid being loud on the older models. I have found out through the years that if your using the older aqua clear models like i do use the filter to set your fish food containers on they are super quit then😂😂😂😂. I love fluval filters but I went with a ebay Vevor 100gal canister filter for my new 75 gal it's been a month now and all is well with it even my acara bred in there a few days ago.
Marina slim is my HOB of choice, pump is in the tank transforming filter box from a hulking monster to a much less intrusive looking hunk of plastic. And it SELF PRIMES
I’ve found the adjustability is much better after the intake sponge is just slightly clogged. The change in pressure causes the recirculation inside the filter to be much higher. One thing I couldn’t see on this new version, did they change the exit angle of the water coming out of the filter?
Used Aquaclears back in the 1980s 😂 like them for ease of cleaning,used them for raising fry in a couple tanks with sponge filter over the intake pipe. How many redesigns does it take too design the same thing 🤔
Not a fan of Fluval. I had two where the plastic casing was so brittle, it cracked. It doesn't seem like this new one is self-priming. I'll take Seachem Tidal any day. I work away from home a lot, and have someone who helps out feeding my fish. If the power goes out for a while, I can rest assured the Seachem filter will re-start without an issue. It's happened before! Thankfully, my helper keeps an eye on the situation, too. I put an intake filter sponge on the Seachem and use my own filtration media as well. I'll take Seachem any day! I'm sure the new Fluval is great for someone who never goes anywhere or who has a fish-sitter who knows how to handle the situation. Even though this product isn't for me........Thank you as always for your great work for the hobbiest!
Considering this filter for a 33 long, open to other filtration suggestions as well. The tank will have sponge filters as well and will house nano species.
Even with the improvements I still will prefer and continue to use Seachem Tidal over Aquaclear. The Aquaclear without the pump in the tank still and the flow control suck on the Aquaclear. I had trouble plenty of times when I needed to clean the filter when I had Aquaclears that if the tube wasn’t on perfect you couldn’t get flow at all so the flow control using the tube is not a good way to flow control in my opinion. Seachem Tidals knock those two issues out of the park which are more of a headache than cleaning the filter every few days for a couple minutes due to the bypass that is my biggest headache with the Seachem Tidals
With the old aquaclear, the water moves up in one direction. Seachem Tidal's skimmer is bad for breeding fish, and water comes in random directions and doesn't filter as well
Aquaclears have been my go to for many many years still have a few running but moving forward I will be going to the tidal series because of the internal pump I think Aquaclear really missed the boat on this
Now can one use the original AC intake tubes on this new unit to increase the lift for taller tanks? Fluval needed to move the motor to the tidal idea where after a power outage the filter will be self priming and flow correctly. Never had a buzzing lid on the ones I run but I've heard the newer ones do for some reason, easy fix regardless. Might have to grab one of these to play around with but overall it's a disappointment. 3 of 10. Let's see how it holds up after a few months of usage.
@@PrimeTimeAquatics from what I saw on the Fluval website is that. If the water level is lower then where the pump is then it will not self prime. But if the water level is equal or above then it will not lose siphon. Now it just has to get test and see if Fluval is correct.
Question, do I need to buy a new blue filter sponge after a while? This goes for the other media in the filter as well. I’m sure everything has a lifespan and if or when they do expire/need to be replaced what would be good alternatives for the bio media, etc? (Obviously filter floss as said in the video ^)
Sir i have had nothing good to say about the new C type filters. I even expressed this to Fluval . Full disclosure, I did buy it from Amazon and when the first one failed Amazon exchanged one but whenever the second one failed..i received no refund. I have been using the original Aquaclears for years. I contacted Fluval customer service and received no response. I have moved on to Seachem TIDALS and have had no issues.
I have issues with their sponge filter getting full too quickly. Am going to try using coarse sponge. Issue might be because I have a lot of green algae which I'm trying to get rid of. Otherwise I love these filters
I have a 3 1/2 gallon tank and I'm having trouble finding a hang on back filter. I found two, so far, but both Aqueon and Tetra filter contain a chemical that's known to cause cancer! Can you recommend a safe one? Thanks!
Was there even a mention of the new U-tube design to solve the self prime problem? I know I heard the knock on the self priming issue in the old version.
Whaat. No internal motor and they didn’t change that flow rate controller that always stops working after a while. Why wouldn’t go all out with the redesign if they are just going to go halfway?
More FIlytration Information:
Aquaclear 20: th-cam.com/video/NXthq20WsIk/w-d-xo.htmlsi=jFHmZcECC2EKeKhx
Seachem Tidal 55: th-cam.com/video/NVdFJHp9zLg/w-d-xo.htmlsi=Uwfr7i-IoWMwDrwS
Seachem Tidal 35: th-cam.com/video/GtUBt_3ETAU/w-d-xo.htmlsi=YVvHvkdqnsCL0Yre
Beginners Guide to Aquarium Filtration: th-cam.com/video/6za44GX_Z5Y/w-d-xo.htmlsi=zCWJCxLTmcYoNWym
The Nitrogen Cycle: th-cam.com/video/dFpN4wXgmfI/w-d-xo.htmlsi=Apx12MzHcW3Qh02G
Here is the Amazon Affiliate Link: amzn.to/3WOWNqM
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I bought this filter 2 weeks ago - and it’s super quiet! Really like the new design and it’s really heavy duty!
Good to hear!
Jason, I recently put one of these on a 20l and it's great. My only complaint is they have too many compartments. I prefer just a large basket where you can layer media.
Great video as always! ❤
I have an Aquaclear Mini purchased over 4 decades ago that still works...
I love these filters. I've had the older models for years. They do last forever.
I have a 15 year old aqua clear 110. The thing won’t die! Pretty noisy but not terrible. I use it as a back up now. I just had a canister die. I popped the old girl in the tank. Plunged in. Still a beast! Works great.
I’ve used aquaclear filters since about 2006 so almost 20 years never had one go bad or fail and have kept my tanks in pristine condition water clarity anyone who has trouble with them doesn’t know how to use them even with my big water changes all you do is grab a big cup scoop it full of tank water and pour into the container basket area until it fills up and plug in no big deal at all back to working 100 percent for those who complain it doesn’t start back up keep your water level up and you won’t have a problem I really like the new blue sponges and new media compartment areas
Nice thorough review
I have two aqua clear HOB filters on my 16 gallon and 10 gallon and they work great! They have been running for 3 years with no problems or noise, this new aqua clear is hardly any different than the old ones so I would not bother to change mine out for a new one until they make the pump internal like other filters, other than that I love my aqua clear filters!
🔥❤️🔥 I wish y'all made more and longer content. I know it's hard, I just love you guys. This channel and The Small Scape. ❤️🔥🔥
Reliability is my number one requirement and Aquaclear is a workhorse. A filter MUST be reliable. I'm having terrible luck with Seachem. The impeller on the Tidal 55 refuses to work inside the tank and taking it completely apart to fiddle with it put it back together, put it in the tank and only get a few minutes of operation is a nightmare. I haven't had much better luck with Fluval filters either outside of the Aquaclear line.
great review and explanation, Jason, been using Aquaclear for decades, they are great and can get parts if needed. You addressed all the issues with the older ones I've experienced those too and seems like Fluval fixed that. I had a tank with sand and the cichlids would spit sand into the intake and the sand would grind down the impeller shaft and brush magnet, just have to be aware in some tanks, easy fix.
I think they work great. My only issue is I live in an area where we lose power fairly regularly so if I’m not home having a self priming filter is a must.
I love the Aqua Clear filters, it's all I run. Can't wait to get my hands on some new ones> Thanks for sharing!
Always fun trying something new!
I didn't think I'd be looking to replace a couple of old/new aquaclears but the whole low-flow recirculation piece. Very cool!
It seems like a solid idea!
Ended up at Aquarium Adventure in Hoffman Estates today and got a free AC50 from the fluval rep there. Excited to try it out!
I’m gonna re-do my 40 breeder tank soon and change everything all the way down to the substrate. I currently have a 307 canister filter and I’ve been considering going to just 1 sponge filter and an aqua clear. This video was helpful.
Excellent review as always.
Thank you!
Just got an Aquaclear filter and it 's great !!!!
This has always been my tried and true hang on back filter for 20+ years it's never let me down and simple.....so basically they added a mistake filter little notches in basket and a higher end or atleast more quiet pump
Nice review...quieter motor seems nice. I'm not sure if I like the new basket or old one better. Sometimes I like to just stack two of the AC sponges in the basket and call it a day, and that seems like it might be more difficult with the new side-by-side layout of the top two compartments? I also wish they put more thought into the flow control...other filters still do it better.
I'm probably in the minority, but I actually prefer the external motors. Just a sleeker profile inside the tank that makes the intake easier to hide or blend into the background. People say the external-motor filters won't self-prime after a power outage, but, in my personal experience, *Aquaclear* filters sometimes struggle with that. On some of my tanks, I have a few of the cheapo Top Fins that come in the PetSmart kits, they have external motors, and they've always restarted for me...if we're talking about the power going out for a few hours and coming back on. The downsides to those Top Fins, though, are that the compartments aren't as customize-friendly as the Aquaclears, and the Top Fins certainly run quite a bit louder!
I love Aquaclears, they are my go-to. That filter intake sponge is a great idea. I don't like the change they made on the basket because it limits the way you can load your filter media. I am assuming we could use the old baskets with the new filters though.
It looks much nicer in the background to see bigger tanks decorated nicely with a calm chill vibe rather than an overload of a million tanks bubbling etc. I approve, for what it’s worth. Lol
Thank you 😀
I have the Ac30 on a 15g nano reef along a Tidal filter and I’m loving the intake sponge. I also like the redesign of the media basket. It also is super quite I’m going to also buy the Ac70 for my 40g reef tank when I get that up and running…
Thanks for the review. I have the aqua clear 20 prior version, I do like the new improvements BUT I am going to move to a canaster OASE Indoor Aquatics Biomaster Thermo 250,Black next.
I've given up on aqua clears cause every one I've had eventually burns up without being self priming. Power outages are the bane of Aqua clear's existence lol. I'll stick with Seachem. Thanks for doing the review though. I do love that they include the intake sponge with the filter though.
Have you watched the reviews? Seems to be fixed
I bought a whisper 30 for $16 at Amazon last week for a replacement/ backup and just to have cause it was so cheap. The 50 was $28. I spend more on lottery scratchers. Anyway, the whisper motor is submerged in the aquarium and burn out is almost unlikely. The fluval looks great and is more money, a filter does one thing and that is polishing the water. I also run two canisters filters below. I have not done a water change in about two years now as I only service the otb filter. I add two or three gallons fresh water from tap once a month without water conditioners as well because my city water doesn’t contain little to none adverse metals. I’ve been keeping fish for over thirty years now and have worked in a family pet store when I was younger. I’m not worried so much about pipes in the tank disturbing the visual appearance, rather the health of the pets trumps all other aspects of fish keeping.
Shouldn't burn up unless you letting it run without adding water again. But there's a video out there by fluval that as long as the water level doesn't drop that it would start back up.
@brianmizway9324 cool beans. I've lost each of the three I've had from power outages when I'm at work and such. If they have reduced that or fixed it then they would totally be worth a try
Thanks for the review Jason. I love my old Aquaclears, but...one thing I wish they did a bit different. The separation wall between the intake/propeller and basket compartment has a bit of a flaw in my opinion. It allows the water to flow not just through the sponge on the bottom but even through the top portion. But I'm like you, sponge on the bottom and Poly-fill on top. I only rely on filters for polishing the water and not nitrification process. Been that way since the sixties.
Excellent video I think they are more efficient than a sponge filter.
Great looking filter.
Thanks you as always for testing these guys Jason, looking for the review when you get there.
Cool shirt by the way. Another good review. Looking forward to trying this one out. Will wait for your long term review before replacing my other filters.
They said they fixed the issue with it not priming after a power outage. If they did, it would help make up for the fact that they didn't jump on the internal motor wagon. I'm surprised you didn't try testing that. A good introductory review anyway.
Fathom Aquatics tested this out
There is a fluval video out there showing how they turned the pump off and 12 minutes later when they turned it back on it started again. Good for power outage but the water level stayed the same. Now if you do a water change you might have to add water again to help prime as the tidal is only one to truly start over on its own. But as long as water levels remain the same during a power outage the aquaclear should start right back up.
Another thing I don't like about aqua clear is usually the spillway dumps the water down into the tank I like the way the seachem has a horizontal spillway to create a nice River across the top which really oxygenates the tank for my aqua color 50 I took a little clear plastic trim piece that goes with glass lids and put it on my aqua clear to get that horizontal they should make a clip on piece that does that you could have your choice of water dumping straight in or across
Nice review, looking forward to long term thoughts. Bravo on the jerseys!
If I have one complaint about the AquaClear, it's that the sponge becomes too buoyant and lifts the whole basket out of the filter. If they fixed that, it's golden!
Agreed!
Now, I've been itching at people finally getting their hands on these new filters, been also itching for a microctenopoma video too......
got the new ac 50 myself, I love it :D
AquaClear is great. Only HOB filter to have if your aquariums include shrimp and baby fish. The Tidal series with the pump in the tank sucks in Shrimp and Baby fish, no way to stop it, I’ve tried. Don’t know why none of the on line reviews can catch this problem.
No complaints with my old Aquaclear, but I prefer the Seachem Tidal’s .
Yes but the surface skimmer is annoying
@@marct138 I only have the noise issues with the skimmer when the water level is too low
@@BamaHama914 i have no problems with the noise. It clogs up if you have floating plants and also shrimps/ microfauna gets sucked in and die.
My 1 week old Seachem 50 was not great - loud and even at the highest water level. Tried putting Vaseline on it and nothing changed. I can't wait to swap it out for the new Fluval AC50
I dumped both of my Tidal 110s for a Fluval 407 and never looked back. Canister filters were a game-changer in my fish house🫡.
I like that the impeller is visible from the side to allow a visual inspection for gunk while it is operating.
🤔🤔🤔 Fluval would do well to come out with a H.O.B that has an external motor similar to the new Marineland filters. That way it will be self primed and have much more room for media.
🤔🤔🤔 if fluval got rid of the media and just used three different sponges and raised the anti- sponge lift bar then this filter would be much more effective and be a excellent mechanical filter.
Nice precise review of this filter.
You sold me I was going to replace all of my ac 50s with the tidal ones but I think I’ll go with these the guys at aquashella told me that they will restart after a power outage as long as you have good water levels
So to add some details here i did some research and also found them in my store already. Fluval does have a video out there proving that when they shut the power off and waited around 12 minutes they turned the power back on and it started right back up on its own as long as the water level remained the same. Not the same swlf priming that the tidal can do but should give us confidence that it will restart after a simple power outage. After doing a water change you probably would have to add water again but not a big deal. Also they make an extra part you can buy if you do want to add a skimmer option as well. To clarify the media they offer with the filter its not the generic bio rings this time. Now they offer premium bio fx rings which i like. I love that the sponge is blue instead of white and yes all size filters did get the 30ppi sponge upgrade but for some reason the 110 still only has 20ppi sponge which makes no sense. I wish that would have upgraded to 30ppi as well. I think they worry about clogging but its not a big deal as i use 40ppi and dont have any problems. I have been wanting to try an aquaclear but haven't yet. So im glad for these upgrades and am excited to try it next to my tidal 110 and my marineland emperor 400 and see how it does with them.
This filter good slowing the flow for Bettas and shrimp
Shrimp dont want low flow.
The flow would be too high for a betta.
ALL NEW aquaclear ! but... exactly the same except for this tiny bit of plastic holder and the prefilter-sponge lol hopefully it will at least be useful in lowering the price of the previous model ?
Great review.. but would be awesome if you had a review bench with better lighting 😂
Can't say I like the direction they're going. I don't like the changes they made, and I think they overlooked some important issues that should have been addressed. Especially with the 110s. Guess I'll switch up and try the tidal line instead. Been using ac filters for 20 years. This is a miss for me. Thanks for posting.
I just wish they made a tidal 25 for smaller aquariums.
Hard to do with only two hands…….looks like a decent filter. I have too many power blips to trust it at the moment. I will wait for a longer term review regarding restarting.
I use multi layers of course medium between double sided thin layers and top with the large sponge that comes with that system. That sponge rises up pushing the cover off and rising the whole filter cage up with it usually one side. Not seeing anything but the putting that sponge in the lower trap to change it. I never use any rock filtration mass at all. Found that the removal motor is leaking, after seeing that, put a bag over the filter to catch it. Probably going to put gasket in the motor input and see if it continues. Always put a large filter on the intake to start with.
Sure hope its quieter than the originals. I prefer the Aquaclear 70 personally.
I don’t like the horizontal tabs holding the sponge down. I feel they restrict flow through the sponge. However, I believe they may be part of the redirecting flow for recirculation.
This could not have come out at a better time...I just purchased this exact model. I have not used an Aqua Clear in a long time and wanted to see if the few adjustments they made will make differences that are worthwhile.
I haven't used a fluval filter yet or ever but I like the reputation and how you can customize the media very easily. I have 1 seachem tidal and the others are Marineland but the Marinelands suck for adding custom media. In my opinion anyways.
No power loss test? Fluval is saying this filter is supposed to restart after a power failure due to a redesigned intake tube.
Fathom Aquatics did this test already
Thank you! I have used aquaclear 110 and the 70 model for years.Looking to replace the aquaclear 70's with this new one.
Awesome beard, and filter!
I can't believe they went through and redesigned it. And didn't put the pump inside the tank😢
Exactly!
Whisper did. Why I use them. No leaks.
@@eddiefniii which model Whisper are you talking about that is self priming?
@@GoldfishTherapy not self priming. The impeller housing is now in the tank. Not outside like before. Sorry. I didn’t think about self priming. I’ve used whispers and the old design /caused a couple of leaks. Now the outside filter is all one piece. And the housing for impeller is in the tank…. Sorry.
@@eddiefniii oh! Okay, I see. I was excited about another brand making self priming filters 😂. Thanks for the clarification!
An intake sponge included with the filter is already a big plus in my book.
Just picked up the new blue bio foam. Hoping it fits in my old Acua clear 50
I recently purchased the same filter. I'm looking for ways to clear up the water in my tank and I'm interested in adding floss. Would you add floss behind/in front of the activated carbon and biomax? or would you just add floss on top of both?
Great question. I’d add it to the middle of front and back (under the carbon and bio media but over the sponge.
I’ve got a couple of the older ones and they are great except the priming hassle
lol! I have days where everything ends up on the floor too! it's usually when my back is killing me! 😂. you should have a table/desk in your new gallery to help with product display/reviews, and maybe a brighter light? I turned my brightness up all the way and it was still pretty dark. sorry.😢
This looks like a great update on a classic HOB filter.
Question on using carbon with this filter. I have live plants in my tank. I use plant fertilizers so should I not use the carbon?
The carbon generally doesn't remove the plant nutrients.
@@PrimeTimeAquatics thanks for the reply!
As a long time Fluval fan I recently got a Tidal 110 and Tidal 75 and don't think I'll ever go back to Fluval atleast for HOB still love my 2 307s but the Tidal and prime it self if the power goes out and I don't have to worry about the motor burning up.
This new AC series will restart everytime. A new video has been done proven that.
First thing I now look for in a HOB is the submerged pump. Fluval is sleeping.
and very deeply.
Do you really like the new media basket? I prefer stacking bottom to top and being able to cut my mechanical pads to the size of the sponge.
I do because those plastic extensions will keep the sponge in place!
@@PrimeTimeAquatics I didn’t really have an issue with the sponge raising. Poly-fill would if it was over packed. Still kinda prefer the old one.
i have 3 of the smaller ones on my guppy tanks and even tho the pump is on the outside they fire right up after water changes/ so i imagine if the power went off for a while they would still fire back up
Jason
Love the channel but would never use any filter but tidal
With sicce engine. Aqua clear got
One chance in my home 🏠 and
Almost caused a fire 🔥 no thank you fluval
Thanks for the review. I heard this one does self-prime if the power goes out. Can you confirm?
I will test it
My aqua clear always had that issue with the sponge and the media going up over time
I love my Aquaclear AC 20
Fluval Aquaclears are King in my humble opinion. I also have a tidal 55 and is nice but not good in all situations as it can suck up small fish/fry.
Looks like the same old brittle plastic to me. I'll stick with my old model Marineland bio wheels. Thanks for the demo though.
I busted out laughing when you talked about the lid being loud on the older models. I have found out through the years that if your using the older aqua clear models like i do use the filter to set your fish food containers on they are super quit then😂😂😂😂. I love fluval filters but I went with a ebay Vevor 100gal canister filter for my new 75 gal it's been a month now and all is well with it even my acara bred in there a few days ago.
I would just take the lids off sometimes 😀
Marina slim is my HOB of choice, pump is in the tank transforming filter box from a hulking monster to a much less intrusive looking hunk of plastic. And it SELF PRIMES
I’ve found the adjustability is much better after the intake sponge is just slightly clogged. The change in pressure causes the recirculation inside the filter to be much higher. One thing I couldn’t see on this new version, did they change the exit angle of the water coming out of the filter?
It does seem a little less extreme?
Used Aquaclears back in the 1980s 😂 like them for ease of cleaning,used them for raising fry in a couple tanks with sponge filter over the intake pipe.
How many redesigns does it take too design the same thing 🤔
Kudos on the beard.
His beard deserves its own channel.
Not a fan of Fluval. I had two where the plastic casing was so brittle, it cracked. It doesn't seem like this new one is self-priming. I'll take Seachem Tidal any day. I work away from home a lot, and have someone who helps out feeding my fish. If the power goes out for a while, I can rest assured the Seachem filter will re-start without an issue. It's happened before! Thankfully, my helper keeps an eye on the situation, too.
I put an intake filter sponge on the Seachem and use my own filtration media as well.
I'll take Seachem any day!
I'm sure the new Fluval is great for someone who never goes anywhere or who has a fish-sitter who knows how to handle the situation.
Even though this product isn't for me........Thank you as always for your great work for the hobbiest!
Great info😊😊
Considering this filter for a 33 long, open to other filtration suggestions as well. The tank will have sponge filters as well and will house nano species.
I might just use two of these and then you don’t need the sponge filters.
"Patent pending recirculation system" wow that's hilarious. Oh fluval.
Even with the improvements I still will prefer and continue to use Seachem Tidal over Aquaclear. The Aquaclear without the pump in the tank still and the flow control suck on the Aquaclear. I had trouble plenty of times when I needed to clean the filter when I had Aquaclears that if the tube wasn’t on perfect you couldn’t get flow at all so the flow control using the tube is not a good way to flow control in my opinion. Seachem Tidals knock those two issues out of the park which are more of a headache than cleaning the filter every few days for a couple minutes due to the bypass that is my biggest headache with the Seachem Tidals
With the old aquaclear, the water moves up in one direction. Seachem Tidal's skimmer is bad for breeding fish, and water comes in random directions and doesn't filter as well
Aquaclears have been my go to for many many years still have a few running but moving forward I will be going to the tidal series because of the internal pump I think Aquaclear really missed the boat on this
Those filters are really good but I stopped using them because they don't self prime. Which is especially important when there's a power cut.
I solved by having my tanks hooked up to a ups.
It will work after power cut. You just need to have water level above motor. Just syphon principle.😊
@@nourson54 It's a hit and miss. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.
Now can one use the original AC intake tubes on this new unit to increase the lift for taller tanks? Fluval needed to move the motor to the tidal idea where after a power outage the filter will be self priming and flow correctly. Never had a buzzing lid on the ones I run but I've heard the newer ones do for some reason, easy fix regardless. Might have to grab one of these to play around with but overall it's a disappointment. 3 of 10. Let's see how it holds up after a few months of usage.
The new intake U-tube was designed to self-prime after a power outage. Fluval posted a video that shows it.
I was thinking more after a water change with the tube drained. Something I will test.
@@PrimeTimeAquatics from what I saw on the Fluval website is that. If the water level is lower then where the pump is then it will not self prime. But if the water level is equal or above then it will not lose siphon. Now it just has to get test and see if Fluval is correct.
Just got one and I have no complaints big media basket and very quiet. I can't even hear mine running
Question, do I need to buy a new blue filter sponge after a while? This goes for the other media in the filter as well. I’m sure everything has a lifespan and if or when they do expire/need to be replaced what would be good alternatives for the bio media, etc? (Obviously filter floss as said in the video ^)
The sponge lasts for many years. I usually replace the bio media and carbon with floss that you can buy in bulk.
Sir i have had nothing good to say about the new C type filters. I even expressed this to Fluval . Full disclosure, I did buy it from Amazon and when the first one failed Amazon exchanged one but whenever the second one failed..i received no refund.
I have been using the original Aquaclears for years. I contacted Fluval customer service and received no response.
I have moved on to Seachem TIDALS and have had no issues.
Jason, have you tested the power over and power on feature? The unit is suppose to automatically restart after a power off?
I will be looking at that in my long term tests under different circumstances.
@@PrimeTimeAquatics Jason, I always look forward to your 6 month's review. To bad other creator's don't follow suit.
After about a week, the water stream is very small. I tried adding more water, cleaning the sponge. But it’s still not changing
Just make sure the intake is pushed all the way down into the impeller too.
@@PrimeTimeAquatics thank you! I cleaned it a few times more and tried it and it’s working now
I have issues with their sponge filter getting full too quickly. Am going to try using coarse sponge. Issue might be because I have a lot of green algae which I'm trying to get rid of. Otherwise I love these filters
I have a 3 1/2 gallon tank and I'm having trouble finding a hang on back filter. I found two, so far, but both Aqueon and Tetra filter contain a chemical that's known to cause cancer! Can you recommend a safe one? Thanks!
It can be tough for that size tank. This one worked ok for us:
th-cam.com/video/iFN_kqN1e4U/w-d-xo.htmlsi=tTd3nykDYsqFe8uG
@@PrimeTimeAquatics Thanks so much!
Haven't been able to find the new version anywhere to purchase. Everyone still has the older model.
It hasn't released just yet - should be out in about 4 weeks.
@@PrimeTimeAquatics oh ok ! Thank you ! Love you and your wife’s work !
So you can’t stack 2 sponges on top of each other anymore? That’s a deal breaker for me.
Was there even a mention of the new U-tube design to solve the self prime problem? I know I heard the knock on the self priming issue in the old version.
It would certainly help, but when doing a water change I’ll have to see if the filter can suck up the water after refilling the tank.
Whaat. No internal motor and they didn’t change that flow rate controller that always stops working after a while. Why wouldn’t go all out with the redesign if they are just going to go halfway?