Sometimes there is just nothing better than having a beautiful aquarium. With that being said, to maintain a beautiful aquarium, you need to have the right tools. Perhaps the most important thing that you need for any aquarium is a solid filtration unit.
You need that filter to remove solid debris and a variety of substances and chemicals from the water. If you’ve been looking around, you can probably tell that there are hundreds, if not thousands of aquarium filters to choose from. This great variety actually makes your choice that much more difficult.
This is what we are here to help you with today, to find a good aquarium filter. In fact, today we are here to look at one specific filter, the Aquaclear fish tank filter. Let’s take a closer look and find out exactly what it brings to the table.
Aquaclear Fish Tank Filter
Today, we are here to look at one very specific filter from the Aquaclear brand name. Now, let’s keep in mind that this is a very popular brand name in the world of fishkeeping.
This brand is well known for producing fairly high quality products that come in at more than reasonable prices. This is definitely the case here, as this filter costs barely over $30.
Keep in mind that this is a simple hang-on back filter, which does make it convenient. Moreover, it also comes complete in a variety of sizes. Here you can choose from models designed for 20, 30, 50, 70, and 110 gallon tanks. Let’s move on and find out more about this filter.
Who Is This Product For?
The Aquaclear fish tank filter is designed for people who need a small, efficient, and convenient filter. This is especially the case in terms of user-friendliness. This filter is designed to work with very simple cartridges, so it really doesn’t need much maintenance at all.
What is also convenient about fish tank filters like this is the fact that they really don’t take up any space inside of your fish tank. They hang on the rim of your tank, which means that they help save real estate for your fish. They also really don’t take up much room outside of the tank either.
Also, keep in mind that this filter is designed for both saltwater and freshwater tanks alike. This does of course make it just that much more versatile. All in all, if you need a good filter for a low price, then this is probably it.
What’s Included?
When you make your purchase, you get the filter itself according to the size that you chose. It also comes complete with a lifetime warranty. This is actually quite impressive for such an affordable filter.
Here, you also get a wide variety of chemical, biological, and mechanical media included with purchase. For just over $30, you certainly do get a whole lot of value. We would say that this is a fantastic deal, especially in terms of economics.
Overview of Features
Let’s now take a look at the variety of features that the Aquaclear fish tank filter comes with. One thing that can be said is that it certainly does have a great flow rate. If we look at the largest model, the 110 gallon model, it has a flow rate of up to 500 gallons per hour.
This means that it can filter a 110 gallon tank nearly five times per hour. That’s not too bad at all. The filtration volume here is around seven times larger than comparable filters of the same size. Furthermore, do also keep in mind that the flow rate on this unit is highly adjustable to suit your needs.
We like the fact that this is a very low maintenance filter. It is also very easy to maintain. The reason for this is because you can just pop the lid open to access the interior.
The media cartridges that come included here are also very low maintenance. When they need to be replaced, simply open the lid, and pop in new ones. You just have to clean this filter about once every two weeks, and it will maintain its efficacy.
Yes, this is a three stage filter, and it engages in all three major types of water filtration. This includes mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration. As mentioned above, it does come with all three media types included. We said that it was a good deal.
It is also worth noting here is that the Aquaclear fish tank filter does feature a little cascading waterfall. This causes the water to drop down into your tank once it has been filtered. The result is that the water brings a lot of oxygen down into the water for ideal aeration.
In all reality, it might not look like much, but it comes with everything you need to maintain clean and clear water. There is of course also the fact that it comes in at a rock bottom price. The only slight drawback is that it might not be the number one most durable or long lasting aquarium filter out there.
Tutorial
The cool thing about aquarium filters like this is that they really don’t need much maintenance at all. All you have to do is place it on the edge of your tank, right on the rim. It should sit neatly in place. You then just have to insert the filter media that comes included according to the instructions.
Once this has been done, simply plug the filter in and let it run. As the instructions indicate, you should clean it once every two weeks, which is also easily done. Just remove the media and wash everything out.
Pros
- Many sizes
- Great flow rate
- Doesn’t take up much space
- All 3 major types of water filtration
- Low maintenance
- Easy setup
- Energy efficient
- Helps to aerate the water
Cons
- Not the most silent
Alternatives
If you are looking for something more durable and efficient, the Penn-Plax Cascade Canister Aquarium Filter (700 Elite) could be right for you.
Conclusion
If you are looking for something affordable and effective, the Aquaclear fish tank filter is absolutely a great option to look into. Most wouldn’t consider it high-end, but it really doesn’t need to be. It works as advertised, and that’s really all that matters.
Ben Morales
Aquarist & Writer 15+ Years