One thing I like about AquaClear that seems to be underestimated by others is the fact that you can see through everything. When you need to dislodge a blockage in a tube, it really helps to know where it is and whether you’ve gotten it all yet. Clarity also makes the whole thing less visible so you can enjoy the stuff that you actually want to see; your scape and fish.
I'm running an aquaclear for the first time in a couple years, I have an old 30 on a 5gal. I just wish that seachem would just release a V2 tidal without the skimmer.
I got a new AC 70 for my 40 breeder to replace the old one. I like it, the top doesn't rattle and i think the new one is a lot better looking. I make my own intake sponges with Poret foam, I like 30PPI. It's nice having my own machine shop.
I have compared the new aquaclear to the Tidal I like the Aquaclear But the seachem tidal as of now I like the Tidal better it is still the best in my opinion and the tidal seem to be snail resistant as snails will get in the Tidal but Never damage the impeller will see if Aquaclear is snail resistant
It's probably best that you're playing with the AC50 and AC70. At least. As it pertains to me, and lets face it. Everything has to pertain to me or why am I here 😂 My old school 50s are NOT good at self priming either. Never have been. However, I have 3 old school AquaClear 110s, and I have never ever had an issue with them firing back up after a power outage, intentional or otherwise. The only time they struggle is during water changes where, if I take so much water out of the tank that I break the seal and they lose prime, I'll need to add water to the back of the filter to get them to go again. The AC110 is my absolute favorite HOB filter on the market and has been for a long time. I have 3 of the Tidal 110s as well, and I really like them too, but that skimmer is just... frustrating.
Been using aquaclears for decades. Have 2 brand new old model 110s in my closet for my new 110 not set up yet. Wish I could swap them for the new models.
My water level approaches low all the time so the tidal skimmer feature keeps me from even trying those. Also I have floating plants which would create issues.
Good review B. I'm still not going to buy one. I am the perfect customer for Tidal filters. Unlike some, I absolutely love the skimmer! More importantly, I like the pump inside the water and the media basket. Until Aqua Clear uses a basket and not that silly folding hanger I'm not going to support them. Tidal is King!
@markb8954 I still want the basket that Tidal uses. Aqua Clear's weird choice just leaves me out. When I want to put stuff away, I want a box, not just stack things. It's just odd.
Just one comment pertaining to Aquaclear filters. For those people complaining that they don't self prime after a power outage... Stop keeping your water level too low!
I have an AC20 on my 20 gallon long. It’s setup with the back of it just about against my 29 gallon. It’s been running well for the most part. I’ve only cleaned it once in the last month or so. Just the other night it began to leak over the top and onto the bottom rim of the 29. I thought the 29 gallon had begun to leak, had a mini heart attack lol.. I took out the activated carbon bag so the water could flow through more efficiently. It’s been fine since! That’s the only issue I’ve had with it so far.
If not careful when adding the intake sponge you can blow thru the bottom in a hurry. Not much room for error between covering the intake and not pushing all the way thru. Also cannot find the skimmer to save my life
Are you familiar with the size of the LEE,s LARGE size BOX FILTER ? Question, Is 2 of them acceptable amount of filtration in a 60 breeder size aquarium tank ?... i can only fit 2 of these.
@BentleyPascoe If they work they work. I got some ideas to improve the catfish cave but even if I can get a kiln, it's not like they're gonna make me rich, because catfish will use just about anything. I've had corys lay eggs on the side of the glass for crying out loud.
@fishyplantman5254 some species require wooden caves. We learned that with the l226 pleco, Iquitos Tiger, they would not spawn in ceramic or various DIY caves. They needed wood. We used bamboo
@fishyplantman5254 we just bought some from a local garden supply store and cut it, worked well. Very few species need wood from what my limited understanding is, most do just fine with ceramic/stone/slate etc
One thing I like about AquaClear that seems to be underestimated by others is the fact that you can see through everything. When you need to dislodge a blockage in a tube, it really helps to know where it is and whether you’ve gotten it all yet. Clarity also makes the whole thing less visible so you can enjoy the stuff that you actually want to see; your scape and fish.
I'm running an aquaclear for the first time in a couple years, I have an old 30 on a 5gal. I just wish that seachem would just release a V2 tidal without the skimmer.
I got a new AC 70 for my 40 breeder to replace the old one. I like it, the top doesn't rattle and i think the new one is a lot better looking. I make my own intake sponges with Poret foam, I like 30PPI. It's nice having my own machine shop.
I have compared the new aquaclear to the Tidal I like the Aquaclear But the seachem tidal as of now I like the Tidal better it is still the best in my opinion and the tidal seem to be snail resistant as snails will get in the Tidal but Never damage the impeller will see if Aquaclear is snail resistant
It's probably best that you're playing with the AC50 and AC70. At least. As it pertains to me, and lets face it. Everything has to pertain to me or why am I here 😂
My old school 50s are NOT good at self priming either. Never have been. However, I have 3 old school AquaClear 110s, and I have never ever had an issue with them firing back up after a power outage, intentional or otherwise. The only time they struggle is during water changes where, if I take so much water out of the tank that I break the seal and they lose prime, I'll need to add water to the back of the filter to get them to go again.
The AC110 is my absolute favorite HOB filter on the market and has been for a long time. I have 3 of the Tidal 110s as well, and I really like them too, but that skimmer is just... frustrating.
Been using aquaclears for decades. Have 2 brand new old model 110s in my closet for my new 110 not set up yet. Wish I could swap them for the new models.
Good review!
My water level approaches low all the time so the tidal skimmer feature keeps me from even trying those. Also I have floating plants which would create issues.
#flourishing! Thanks 👍
Good review B. I'm still not going to buy one. I am the perfect customer for Tidal filters. Unlike some, I absolutely love the skimmer! More importantly, I like the pump inside the water and the media basket. Until Aqua Clear uses a basket and not that silly folding hanger I'm not going to support them. Tidal is King!
I agree, the folding basket is goofy, but easy to use. Maybe a few dabs of hot glue & make the basket firm.
@markb8954 I still want the basket that Tidal uses. Aqua Clear's weird choice just leaves me out. When I want to put stuff away, I want a box, not just stack things. It's just odd.
Just one comment pertaining to Aquaclear filters. For those people complaining that they don't self prime after a power outage... Stop keeping your water level too low!
I have an AC20 on my 20 gallon long.
It’s setup with the back of it just about against my 29 gallon.
It’s been running well for the most part.
I’ve only cleaned it once in the last month or so.
Just the other night it began to leak over the top and onto the bottom rim of the 29.
I thought the 29 gallon had begun to leak, had a mini heart attack lol..
I took out the activated carbon bag so the water could flow through more efficiently.
It’s been fine since! That’s the only issue I’ve had with it so far.
2:50 I don't see that there are fewer algae. Why should there be fewer algae?
@@DEXTER-TV-series hair algae tends to struggle to grow length in flow, the added flow is helping
If not careful when adding the intake sponge you can blow thru the bottom in a hurry. Not much room for error between covering the intake and not pushing all the way thru. Also cannot find the skimmer to save my life
Are you familiar with the size of the LEE,s LARGE size BOX FILTER ? Question, Is 2 of them acceptable amount of filtration in a 60 breeder size aquarium tank ?... i can only fit 2 of these.
@@AQUARIUMFREAK123 it should be
Those playco caves, look like self watering systems you put a two liter bottle in for house plants.
@@fishyplantman5254 yeah they're just groundwatering spikes. They work perfect for bristlenose
@BentleyPascoe If they work they work. I got some ideas to improve the catfish cave but even if I can get a kiln, it's not like they're gonna make me rich, because catfish will use just about anything. I've had corys lay eggs on the side of the glass for crying out loud.
@fishyplantman5254 some species require wooden caves. We learned that with the l226 pleco, Iquitos Tiger, they would not spawn in ceramic or various DIY caves. They needed wood. We used bamboo
@BentleyPascoe Great now I need another expensive tool or to grow a medium to large bamboo. Lol but wood and bamboo rot, so a consumable product.
@fishyplantman5254 we just bought some from a local garden supply store and cut it, worked well. Very few species need wood from what my limited understanding is, most do just fine with ceramic/stone/slate etc
Let hear you talk about Magic Nano
@@vb2377 it's coming...
Why would you not just squeeze the sponges out in water change water in a bucket and put them back. Removes detritus and keeps bacteria intact,
good ; )