Aquaclear 20 Hang on Back Filter : Did it Fix The Issue?

[@clapton924]

The AquaClear is a classic. They have been unchanged for at least 20 years. Great design and performance. Also affordable.

[@ornn6177]

60 dollars in my country

[@James_Hande]

Hey Jason, I think that filter will do you good! I've been running multiple sizes of Aquaclear filters for years. I set mine up as you did, sponge and filter floss (Poly-Fill). I basically run HOB's for the water circulation and water polishing leaving the tank contents to handle the biological filtration. I may be a bit old school, over cautious or just wrong and paranoid but I prefer the filter motors outside the tank. Worried that the hum/vibration from the motor in the water might cause a bit of stress on the inhabitants. All my Aquaclears have never caused me issues. They are silent except when the water level drops a bit then I hear the trickling of the water return. The covers or motors do not create noise. They self prime just fine after power outages because I leave the tanks water level no lower than the tanks top plastic trim. As long as the water level in the filter box stays above the impeller it primes itself. Nice tank and a great better look with that filter. Thanks for sharing!!! 👍

[@liliromero4910]

Agreed! I have one filter that is 20 years old and another 10 and they still work well. I also find that having the water high helps with the self-priming and noise.

[@legionaquatics]

I have an aquaclear 20 on my 10 gallon and its works great! I get really good flow and my white clouds love it. it gives me crystal clear water and I've never had that rattling problem that I've heard people talk about. its always been silent except it made a little noise once but I just needed to clean the impeller and now its back to being silent. the only "con" I have with it is that you need to fill it before plunging it in but that takes 3 seconds. love this filter I highly recommend it.

[@liliromero4910]

I love Aquaclears. I have one that is over 20 years old and another that is 10 years old and still going! I find that if you have the water in the tank high, they self prime and barely make any noise.

[@cathyhendrix7552]

Perfect video. And perfect timing for me. I'm on the hunt for a different filter for my 5 gallon tank. The one that came with it is junk. IDK what happened to it. It ran just fine for the first couple of months, but then the flow went down to almost nothing. There isn't an adjustment valve, and the little filter cartridges are not clogged. 🤷🤷🤷 So I'm going to be getting a new one. Thank you so much for your video. It's very helpful.

[@servus2634]

I gave the Aquaclear 20 a try after seeing your video to change things up a bit and it's ran great for me so far. I really like the clear look and rectangular design.

[@josephdonnelly3169]

I use fluval aqua clear filters on all my tanks and really love the functionality and durability they provide.

[@michellebarnhill5130]

Good video. I didnt know that I could use bulk filter floss as my filter instead of those expensive pads. Thank you for that!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

It will save all kinds of money!

[@SoFloCichlids]

I have been running a Seachem tidal 35 on my 20 tall. I recently purchased this Aquaclear 20 for my 5 gallon planted tank, and it is amazing. Great basket and once the used bio media from my main tank cycles a bit and the Aquaclear sponge is colonized with some beneficial bacteria I’m gonna remove the bio media altogether and run only the sponge and filter floss. While the tidal has the benefit of motor being inside the tank, I just can’t stand the media tray. I wish it was slightly bigger. The weird L shape makes it hard to effectively stuff it with filter floss in my opinion. I’ll be replacing my Tidal 35 on my 20 gallon planted tank to an aquaclear 50 soon!

[@johnlasco894]

Great video. I love my HOB filters. Joanna needs to get some black poster board behind the tank. That will conceal the wall wires and the outside part of the filter. Its a beautifully aquascaped aquarium for sure. 👍

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

For sure - at some point she will button it up a little

[@stevecox8066]

I almost always run black backgrounds for all the reasons everyone already understands. But, I'm thinking of running an opaque white background on my 14 gallon cube and putting some controllable LED lights shinning up. Lots of KZbin videos on premade and homemade versions of this idea and just seems like a cheap enough project to customize a tank just that little bit more. If you can't play with your tank setups, why bother. We all like rocks, plants, wood, pirate ships, SpongeBob, or whatever because that's just our mood at that point in the hobby. Lighted background seems like the mood of the day for me anyway. Although I'm keeping my black background just in case - because they are as near perfect as it gets as John pointed out.

[@juli8vdberg562]

I just purchased my first aquaclear HOB filter and will add purigen in it too; wrap a thick elastic around the whole case for noise reduction and thank you for your advice

[@XDproductionsXD]

Dude, I'm like you, I filter using the same materials as you! I knew it was more economical and works effectively. I do like high flow though. I have plants and rocks to block the flow. My logic...more flow, more pass thru the bio-filter. Also stronger intake means better debris collection. Thank you for the review. I think I will get one!

[@Ishiisan]

I have so many Aquaclear but I'm not going back to Aquaclear after using Seachem Tidal. all the benefit you mentioned is covered and I don't have to worry about motor burning out like Auaclear OR worry about filter overflowing and getting the floor wet. Another benefit of Seachem Tidal over Auaclear is the direction of the outflow. Aquaclear is designed to agitate the substrate. Seachem Tidal is designed to agitate the water surface and don't have to worry about the HOB messing with the substrate or algae growth on the plants.

[@carlosmartinezreborned6403]

Is the Seachem ok for a smaller 10 to 20 gallon aquarium?

[@Ishiisan]

@@carlosmartinezreborned6403 I have Seachem Tidal 20 on a 10-gallon tank. I have it on the lowest setting and if the flow is too hard, you can use the scape and plants to reduce the flow

[@audrameyer9558]

Such a beautiful tank. The new filter totally looks better. The only reason I have not pulled the trigger on buying the Oase HOB, is the size.....and I prefer an internal pump.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you. The size is ok for the proper tank size - this one was a little of a mid-match. 😀

[@krazyfishkeeper819]

If you don’t mind the look. Here is my cheap tip for the flow issue, I just get the clear over the sink sponge caddy from the dollar tree store and place it underneath the flow and even when set on high, it reduces the flow down to the bottom of the tank.

[@alejandrolisdero4531]

The look of the aquarium improved a lot. Good choice! 😎👍🏻

[@sergeiz.5815]

Happy Sunday/Monday :)

[@XCaliKev]

👍😎 I have one of those. Haven’t used it yet, but will for a 10 gal beta tank, eventually. That aquarium looks way better with that filter.

[@sergeiz.5815]

You reminded me to clean my filters 🙂 picked up some tinfoil barbs and more emerald green tiger barbs

[@alejandrolisdero4531]

I run an aquaclear 20 on my 10 gallon tank. I have it on one side because is a long tank. The media is 100% aquaclear's sponges, 2 sponges and a half I cut on size. Maximum flow. And works fine 👍😀👍

[@bnato8209]

Great video. Thx! I am buying the filter. Where did you get that awesome rimless tank! Gorgeous.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

That came from Aquashella, but Lifeguard Aquatics has them too.

[@walterotiepka1460]

Love aquaclear thats all I use I have a 110 on my 120 gallon planted tank and it does the job, I love the fact it's so simple.

[@juliaheinritz3264]

Glad to see this beautiful aquascaped tank finding a good place in your home after Aquashella.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@lisastanked]

I love aquaclear filters! I've only had one that rattled. All the others I've run are completely silent :)

[@jeffalbillar7625]

I'm having the noise problem right now with an aquaclear 70. I bought it online and I didn't actually use it for a few months. It makes a noise that is significant. This is the first time I've ever had a problem with an aquaclear, and I bought my first aquaclear in the 90s. I won't be buying filters from the internet anymore.

[@lisastanked]

@Jeff Albillar that is the same size that I had problems with. The small ones and the 110 are barely noticeable, though.

[@86Kera]

Thanks for explaining how to modify it. Would the flow be okay for bettas ? I know they don’t like much water agitation

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Probably - you can turn it down all the way.

[@thefish4856]

I have an Fluval 20 hang on the back filter for my 10 gallon

[@wendihamlett105]

Thanks Jason, I have several Aqua Clears and really like them

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Good to hear!

[@KasyMini]

I love my seachem tidal 35 but it died after only 10 months of use, which made me weary of getting another one. I got an AquaClear 30 as a replacement. I prefer the shape of the media basket on the AquaClear, it's much easier to fill. I miss the surface skimmer and self priming pump on the Tidal35 but there is no perfect filter. The AquaClear is less of an eyesore as well, it looks better with it's clear housing.

[@MattsAquatics]

Beautiful tank !

[@xj53pq7]

Hey, what model is this 7.5 gallon tank? It looks great!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I’m not sure. It was a tank Joanna aquascaped at Aquashella.

[@johnjwedrall4290]

Thanks for the information in this video 👍

[@justinholmes4333]

I've got one on my kid's betta tank. Really works nicely, but sometimes does need to be primed after water changes.

[@clarencebeeks4224]

I have one on a 10 gallon, runs well and quiet with no rattles (I do lube the impeller with Vaseline). I did shove a cylinder sponge filter I had lying around on the intake because I have duck weed. It slowed the flow a bit but just right and keeps the duck weed from tumbling into the intake (I also have a floating ring around the intake and that keeps it in place and helps keep most of the duck weed out of the return flow path and tumbling.)

[@michellebrouellette]

Last time I checked filter floss and polyester fiber fill (stuffed animal stuffing) are nearly identical stuff. In a bind substitute one for the other.

[@Voeris1]

Yeah the first thing my eyes went to when opening this video was that massive filter lol... and yeah I think it looks a lot nicer at the end. I also think the driftwood sticking out of the tank looks kinda cool.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@natsrealityb100]

I use a Aqua clear 50 on my 20gal betta tank with a sponge on the intake. Heavy plants. My 55g has a 110 AC and some sponge filters

[@JohnWood-tk1ge]

The only hang on I have left,when it eventually dies I will be all air driven filters of one type or another. You can slow it down a little more with a intake sponge.

[@BigBoyz_Tankz]

The clear filter also looks way better on that Rimless 🔥🔥👊😎

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

That’s what I thought too

[@BigBoyz_Tankz]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics 👍 looks Awesome!

[@elizabethwall4456]

I’ve been looking for a new filter for my betta’s 10 gal tank because the tetra whisper one that came with it is not adjustable and he really doesn’t like the flow from it. I live in a small town though and this is actually one of the few filters I saw that doesn’t have those cartridge things that are supposed to be replaced every 3 weeks or whatever they tell you. That’s another thing I don’t like about the whisper. It’ll also be nice to have a filter that’s not predominantly inside the tank.

[@kdr1048]

Definitely a great filter. I run the aqua clear 50's but they are all great. Good choice

[@pa.fishpreacher6166]

I like the Tidals too, but the 35 does not have the lift tube, I do not like that. I just bought 2 aquaclears recently for a couple smaller tanks. The aquaclear seemed to get noisier with more age on it. For that reason I went to the Tidals What other filters will refill when the power goes out?

[@thomasz1703]

Oase Biostyle

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I agree - the 35s really need the intake tube.

[@mrfish.-]

Really cool tank! I’ve been looking for a yellow honey gourami for a long time! Could you tell me where you got it if it’s from an online store? Thanks! 😊

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

We got ours with a larger shipment. Pet stores around me have them though.

[@mrfish.-]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics thanks! I’ve been looking everywhere and none of my lfs, Aquahuna, or flipaquatics has them in stock! I’ll have to keep looking. Thanks for replying!

[@jeffalbillar7625]

@@mrfish.- check out "the wet spot". I grew tired of looking for Black Ruby Barbs in store's, so I went ahead and ordered them from the wet spot. They were only $3 a piece. S&H was $39 and it's free for orders over $100

[@mrfish.-]

@@jeffalbillar7625 unfortunately they’re unsexed and there’s only the wild type. Really nice website though! They’re plecos look stunning!

[@turdferguson8412]

Have you guys ever tried one of those mini canister filters? I’ve been thinking of trying one for a “high end” aquascape I’m going to attempt soon since it would have the smallest footprint inside the tank

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I’m not a big fan of canister filters. 😀

[@JolliBliss]

Still looking forward for that one best HOB filter that has all the essential functionalities and available for all tank sizes

[@gunnerneikoify]

I fail to understand the complaints about this filter not being self priming. Complaints about the filter not being able to start back up after a power outage or having to be primed after every water change. I've been running these filters for over 30yrs in my fish room and have dozens of these things all the way from the Aquaclear 20 up to the 110 and have never ever had to re-prime any of them after their initial prime or after a power outage or water change, EVER!!! I have the extentions added onto these putting the end of the uptake tube 3/4 of the way towards the bottom of all my tanks, where it should be anyway IMO. I do 50% water changes which leaves the end of the uptake still submerged keeping it from losing its prime. After I drain 50% of the water, I refill the tank. I don't even shut them off during water changes, I just leave them run and watch the nice big waterfalls while doing water changes. Same goes with power outtages. During a power outage the uptake tube remains submerged, no water mysteriously disappeared during the outtage bringing the water level below the level of the uptake tube. When the power comes back on, the filter takes right off every single time and all the my Aquaclears have been doing it for like I said, 30+ yrs without a problem.

[@sedghammer]

My recently bought Aquaclear 20 died after 2 weeks of use. I've used them since the early 2000's and never had an issue with them.

[@neilmartin99]

Is this too much output for a 5.5 gallon betta tank?

[@jenxu2]

I love this filter. I have a couple of them. I like the filter because you can put different media in it. Great filter for my 20 long!

[@hardybryan]

I've never had an AC that didn't self prime after a power outage unless the water was more than 2 inches below the trim at the top of the tank.

[@BackyardBbqR]

What filter do you recommend for a 55 gallon tank?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Check out the Seachem tidal 55 or Marineland PRO 375. The Aquaclear 70 is also a good choice.

[@jdserrato3792]

aquaclear 55

[@RZ350NC]

When did the filter turnover rate change? It used to be you wanted a minimum of three times an hour, and you now say that five times is too few. I'm now doing a fishless cycle for my 17T tank (after getting it down from the attic last month) and am sticking with sponge filters.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

5 is usually standard. So much of it depends on the fish you keep and the stocking levels. I’ve had tanks with no filter. 😀

[@ranjith.v.s]

Waiting for long term review

[@JJ-pi3sj]

I just bought the 30 (150gph). Is a gentle "hum" a normal thing with these?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

It can be - mine didn’t do that though.

[@rustym4184]

I haven’t had any tanks for about 5 years and I’m getting ready to setup 2 40gal breeders. Right now the Aqua 50 is 32.29, the Tidal 55 is 51.21 on Amazon. For the price, I’m really thinking about just going with the Aqua. Is the Tidal really worth the extra 37% cost? Thanks

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I look at it a little different. If the filters each last 10 years (could last longer), but the Seachem is self-priming and quieter is that worth $2/year?

[@kasperaquatics]

Another great video. Thank you

[@blairhumphries3453]

When switching to a new filter and pump how long do I need to leave the old filter in the new filter?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I like to leave them both running for at least four weeks unless you just pull the media out of the old filter and put it in the new one.

[@zlk718]

The oase hob is an eyesore, plus cartridges and non adjustable heater makes it a pass for me.

[@Brixx-kx2jf]

Will this be too much for a 3 gallon tank?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Definitely- maybe look at the forza 5-15?

[@brianp6180]

I would have used a Seachem tidal 35. Much better flow adjuster

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Very true - but also much larger and more visible inside the tank.

[@Angryoldman81]

I'm new at this does it work s 20 gallon tank

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

It sure does!

[@planbnewssource8259]

What'd'ya mean that's at least a term gain tank right? Is it seven and a half liters maybe

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

It’s a 7.5 gallon tank.

[@hankins45toshibatechguy]

Great info

[@Miguel195211]

I like Aquaclear filters, but for the fact they are not self-priming.

[@tobeywilliams2119]

I'll never use aqua clear again. I bought a 30 and a 50 and both start to leak from the motor if it runs for more than a day. Nothing I have tried will fix tthe problem.

[@jeffalbillar7625]

Wow! I've been using aquaclear filters since the mid nineties and I only recently ran into a problem with one. The one that I'm having problems with is the only one I bought online, so I won't be buying filters online anymore. Other than that, aquaclear filters have been workhorses.

[@tobeywilliams2119]

@@jeffalbillar7625 I bought both from petco. They used to be great but the newer ones seem to have a lot of problems.

[@jeffalbillar7625]

@@tobeywilliams2119 probably since they were bought out from another company.

[@sedghammer]

The new ones DO have a lot of problems. My aquaclear 20 just up and died after just 2 weeks of use.

[@thearistofish]

Could you answer me at anytime on messenger… it’s really urgent! Thank you for the amazing videos and hopefully support!