Aqueon 3, 10, 20, 40 Gallon Quiet Flow E Internal Power Filter Review

My plants/aquarium videos: • Plants & Aquariums
I didn't have a big empty aquarium for the 40g. I did submerge the 40g completely in water off camera. The current was still strong and the motor was still noisy.
Extra small (3g), Small(10g), Medium(20g), Large(40g)

[@carbrickscity]

I didn't have a big empty aquarium for the 40g. I did submerge the 40g completely in water off camera. The current was still strong and the motor was still noisy.

[@bryanpena7268]

Hey man thanks for the video I almost bought the "3 gallon" filter for $15 but thankfully you pointed out the measly 25gph flow rate. I got the tetra 10i instead with 80gph and extra sponge filter for only $8, its big but it will do the job.

[@carbrickscity]

Yeah usually the hang on back external filters are better in terms of flow rate and more space inside for media. But for internal filter goes I think the 10 is a good choice for about the same money.

[@beginnerguppy7457]

I'm new to fish keeping and trying to find a pump for a 5 gallon that doesn't cause a literal whirlpool lol. This is MOST helpful. Thank you 🙌

[@carbrickscity]

Welcome. Depends on your stocking. If it's light stocking maybe even the 3 would work.

[@beginnerguppy7457]

@@carbrickscity I haven't decided on what fish yet. I'm trying to gather the set up to see what its it's suitable for. I wanted Male guppy but it's such small tank lol. A betta may be the way if I can get filter/pump that won't send him dizzy lol

[@carbrickscity]

Depends on how many guppies. 5 gallon might work for several. For a single betta the 3 is enough and has the smallest flow.

[@beginnerguppy7457]

@@carbrickscity Thank you so much! I hope you have a good day/night

[@leannsfearcocktail9420]

Thanks for your honest review and helping me decide on what filter would work best in my aquarium.

[@carbrickscity]

Welcome.

[@jesselozano5124]

This was helpful for me. Thank you.

[@carbrickscity]

Welcome.

[@FrankCENA]

Lol this is very informative great video. I was actually thinking of getting the largest one. Thanks!

[@carbrickscity]

Welcome.

[@ard9045]

I got the 40 it does make the biggest noise at it's the most powerful. The example and the material you used are not proportional to the performance its designed for. You used a small plastic basin and the water is too low. You should've demonstrated each type of filters to the type of of aquariums they are designed for. Mine is in a glass 50 gallon aquarium and the sound is definitely different to the example that you used.

[@carbrickscity]

Thanks for the comment. I do not have so many different size aquariums to test them but I have put the 40 in a 20 gallon aquarium (which is actually suitable and most people use larger filters/overfilter) and submerge it almost completely and the noise was still very loud. I also tried different positions and orientations, still very loud. There's no noise issues with the 3, 10, and 20. Maybe not every 40 are the same, but seriously that is not supposed to happen. I stand by my views. I also got comments saying theirs are very loud too.

[@gfamily1943]

Helpful video. Thank you

[@Hebrew_hammer52]

I just bought the 3 gallon and it is definitely vibrating. If u put your hand on the tank you can feel it. Do you have any idea how I may be able to fix this? Or did I just buy a faulty unit? Not sure if this bothers the fish or if they really don’t care

[@carbrickscity]

It's up to you to decide. If anything you should be able to return it.

[@javierlabastida1580]

the 40 gallon one makes noise because bubbles enter and the propeller thunders ... if you submerge it completely, there will be no noise ..

[@carbrickscity]

I did submerge it completely off camera yet it was still very noisy. The noise is from the motor, not the water.

[@dianewilson4342]

Thanks Javier!!!!

[@dianewilson4342]

@@carbrickscity Guess Javier didn't try that. Oh well, back to what to do with the noisy 40 gallon filter! This is soooooo frustrating!

[@carbrickscity]

Just return it. The only way I would keep it is if I have a separate fish room or if it's outdoor.

[@Lonewolfblue66]

Also, the filter is made for it to be installed with the output below the water level, but the top of the filter pads to be above the water level. Water does not flow back into the filter, there's so much output, it doesn't even matter. I'm using mine on a 40 Breeder, and it's quiet, and lots of flow.

[@carbrickscity]

No. It's better if the output is completely above the waterline, especially the 3, 10, and 20. I used mine all above the waterline since it creates more bubbles and more air exchange with the water. If you submerge it there won't be any bubbles. And I don't like the output to be submerged since the output opening is so big. It's not good for filtering imo. Who knows if some water get back in.

[@Lonewolfblue66]

@@carbrickscity The higher up the filter is, the harder the impeller has to work, and that's what creates the noise. In my 40 breeder, it's my main filter and it's below the surface. Then in the other corner, I have a sponge filter with air pump, which is what I use for surface aggitation. But before I got the sponge filter, this one worked below the surface just fine. Even the pic on the front of the box shows it below.

[@Lonewolfblue66]

@@carbrickscity As for fish tanks, I've had as many as 16 at one time, and been in the hobby 30+ years. And with the 40 breeder, sometimes have as many as 200 baby bristlenoses, and now I've moved over to being a Julii Cory Cat breeding tank.

[@Lonewolfblue66]

@@carbrickscity And not saying you can't have it above the water line. But the higher up you go, the louder it gets.

[@carbrickscity]

Just because the picture shows that way doesn't mean you must do so. Like I said, the 40 is very loud even fully submerged in my case. Same for some people who reviewed this on petco website. Sure you can do it if that's what you want. I need the bubbles for air exchange so fully submerge won't work for me. I have done that with the smaller filters and no problems. It doesn't make the filter work much harder if the output is higher than the waterline. It's built for that. Look at hang on back filters. They are all above the waterline, not to mention their motor is outside of the aquarium, in which their motors would need to even "harder". But they are built for that.

[@marie22213]

Wow I appreciate this review. The 40gallon sounds loud but I have to have it because I have a turtle 😭 I don't have many options so I'm just gonna have to get used to it.

[@carbrickscity]

As long as you can tolerate the sound then you should be fine.

[@marie22213]

@@carbrickscity I bought it sent it's working well. I don't have to clean his tank as often. I will say he's a dirty boy in the tank though so cleaning is just a constant thing either way lol

[@cassandrahawes8970]

Yes! Mine is for a 40 gal tank too.Also brand new. Very Noisy. Nothing quiet about it.

[@carbrickscity]

Not sure how they let that go. The rest are very quiet. I also don't like that it uses 3 times as much power than the 20.

[@Lonewolfblue66]

I got the 40, and it's not very loud. You have the filter way to high so the impeller is going to be loud. I have the water level just above the bottom of the output, and it's pretty quiet. Definitely can have in the bedroom.

[@carbrickscity]

If you read the description, I had also tried it fully submerged but still very loud. Maybe it varies from unit to unit. But most people say it's loud even fully submerged. Even the 20 is too loud for bedroom based on my personally preference. No filter is quiet enough for me to put in bedroom.

[@cassandrahawes8970]

I'd did the same as you with a brand new one. Still Noisy!

[@Lonewolfblue66]

@@cassandrahawes8970 Mine's in my living room less than 10ft from my recliner and I don't hear mine.

[@martyrobinson8954]

How to fix the 3 gallon. Mine not pumping water

[@carbrickscity]

Need more details.

[@kehc02]

I have 2.3 gallons and I just bought the quietflow 3 today, do I still need to buy the filter or is it the same??? Im so confused, help me in beginner :( and I have one more question, I have two goldfish and I am planning to add another fish in my 2.3 gallons, what fish do you suggest and how many fish could fit in my 2.3 gallons aquarium .

[@carbrickscity]

Assuming you bought the quietflow 3 filter, then you don't need to buy another filter for your 2.3 gallon tank. However, 2.3 gallon is too small for goldfish. Get at least a 10 gallon tank for a small goldfish, 20 gallon tank is recommended.

[@BeyBladeStage]

Hey! I have the 40 gallon size, but it has been making a pretty loud rattling noise... i opened up the filter but the impeller was completely clean and I'm having trouble figuring out why it's so loud :( I already threw out the box, so returning isn't an option.... if you could guide me in the right direction as to how to solve it I'd appreciate it. Thanks!

[@BeyBladeStage]

For context, it's brand new! I turned it on in my tank and the rattling noise was immedate

[@carbrickscity]

The one in the video is also brand new but as you can see and hear it is super loud. Seem like every model is like that and it has no fix. It's strange since the 20 and below is very quiet. Maybe it could only be used for outdoor tanks/mini ponds. But anyway maybe you can try to fully submerge it and try not to let it touch any other surfaces or stuff.

[@BeyBladeStage]

@@carbrickscity oh darn :( I thought it was just the sound of your water that was loud, not the motor Well i guess thats what i get for buying too quickly! Thanks for response man

[@carbrickscity]

No problem. Yes it is loud itself not just the water.

[@jennifershirah5095]

Our 20 didn’t come with a thing to hang it from the tank. It came with these suction cups and it keeps sliding down into the water. 😫 I wonder if I can buy it separately?

[@carbrickscity]

Depends on where you bought it, you can always go back to the store and return it or exchange another one. Same thing if you bought it online. Or try to contact aqueon to see if they can send you some.

[@stephaniewright340]

I need help.. SERIOUSLY PLEASE GET BACK WITH ME!! almost a month ago I got a Betta...I already had the following a 2.5 aqueon aquarium and a heater, thermometer and plants (not from them) Problem is my filter doesn't seem to be working...he needs a new filter..I have been doing reset ...for days and I keep coming back to this one the 3 gallon filtration.. would you also suggest that for my one Betta Thanks..that first one won't work..the top will be in the way..ugh

[@carbrickscity]

What you mean by the top? Well the 3 should be fine for the 2.5 gallon tank with only 1 fish. But I would recommend the 10 since it is about the same price as the 3 anyway. Or better yet, get a 5 gallon tank instead. How does the betta doing btw? If it's fine then maybe not urgent to make the upgrades I mentioned. It's funny that the 2.5 and 5 gallon tanks are about the same price as well. Actually the 10 gallon tank is the cheapest if they have the dollar per gallon sale. But if you have a kit then it's a different story, but still you can always get everything separately.

[@HectorNector_22]

I have the 10 gallon one in my betta's 5 gallon tank and the flow is super low, like to the point where if you look at it from the top you barely see any flow. Is that just mine or are all of the 10 gallon ones like this

[@carbrickscity]

Mine sometimes does that too. If part of the filter is clotted it could happen. Be sure to clean the filter once in a while. I guess it's part of the design of "quiet flow". But for a betta tank you don't want too much flow anyway.

[@miguelitovlogs3148]

Would it be good for a 1 gallon aquarium?

[@carbrickscity]

Assume you mean the 3 gallon filter. Yes.

[@crazychic451]

Hi, does the Quiet Flow 3 come with a sponge? Because mine didn't come with one. Also, is it necessary to put a sponge in the filter?

[@carbrickscity]

4:22 There is only a filter cartilage, no sponge. You can put some DIY sponge or media in the empty space for better filtration.

[@crazychic451]

@@carbrickscity which would you recommend for the small one?

[@carbrickscity]

Yes, if your tank is smaller than 5 gallons and only has a few fish.

[@crazychic451]

@@carbrickscity the filter is actually for my two baby ornate wood turtles 🙂 I made them a pool and put the filter inside since they are semi aquatic

[@carbrickscity]

Well again, it would based on the size of the tank.

[@minyoongi-hz1sj]

Do you recommend a 3 gallon for a 5.5 gallon tank or is the 10 better?

[@carbrickscity]

For just 1 betta without other animals I think the 3.3 is good enough. Probably in a 10 gallon tank too. But if you have other fishes, than use the 10 gallon filter.

[@minyoongi-hz1sj]

@@carbrickscity I was planning on getting a good 2 other fish but I don’t know which really get along with a male betta! But thank you for the response 🌸

[@carbrickscity]

For a male betta the best is to leave it alone.

[@johsonjohnson3184]

Can you put this all the way in the tank? Or atleast 90%? Only way it will fit with my lid

[@carbrickscity]

Not sure what you mean by "out". You could submerge it fully though.

[@johsonjohnson3184]

@@carbrickscity meant put* and ok thanks!

[@dontbestupid6664]

The 10E went up in price to $25. You said you got yours for $16.

[@carbrickscity]

Yes when I got it, it was around $16. Price of course has changed over time.

[@PeterFeederHQ]

What are the dimensions for the small model?

[@carbrickscity]

Not sure which one you mean...

[@SunsetGemz]

i have the 10 gallon filter and the first day it had the water clean but the next day when i woke up it was cloudy. help me i have a 10 gallon tank

[@carbrickscity]

It depends on a lot of factors. Fish, plants, food, waste, substrate, water, etc.

[@LHSMeleeClub]

imo! add timestamps to the description! i wanna just look at the quietflow 3, not the others.

[@carbrickscity]

Thanks for the advise.

[@LHSMeleeClub]

@@carbrickscity no prob. this was an awesomely informative vid tho for sure! greatly enjoyed :)

[@dianewilson4342]

I really had planned to by the 40. Has anyone called the actual company about the noise? I plan to. I have 2 large turtles, each in their own 40 gallon tank! You are saying get two of the 20 perhaps. Won't that take up a lot of space? Not sure what do do here! Please advise someone, if possible. Thanks

[@soaredwood162]

I bought this filter because it was “quiet”. There is nothing quiet about this filter. It is noisy as anything .

[@carbrickscity]

Especially the 40.

[@graemarmandpallasigui6267]

is the 20 good when i have a 20g tank with half full water?

[@carbrickscity]

Yes.

[@graemarmandpallasigui6267]

thanks only for a turtle tank so i dont really need to fill the tank up

[@carbrickscity]

You can probably fill it up to 2/3 for turtles. Also you always want to have over filtration.

[@mesookoye8194]

Is the filter supposed to be submerged in water or above water level?

[@carbrickscity]

You could completely submerged it, but the best would be to leave the outflow above the water line.

[@Kobkvega578]

Is the 3 good for a 5.5 gallon tank ?

[@carbrickscity]

If you are understock then yes.

[@Kobkvega578]

@@carbrickscity the 3 I bought came without a sponge and cartridge holder so I just went with the 10. Equipped it earlier and the water is still somewhat still, do you recommend any filter for a 5.5 ? This is my first tank

[@carbrickscity]

10 should be fine, you can try to set the filter higher from the water, you don't want too much flow for a 5.5, but if all you want is flow you can try the 20 or the AT10.

[@Kobkvega578]

@@carbrickscity if i set it higher won’t it fall like a waterfall and cause the water to move more ?right now i have it with the clips and just have the top clips hanging on the tank and the bottom suction cups

[@carbrickscity]

If you want more flow then yes set the filter higher from the water if that's what you want or get the 20 or AT10. If you want more still then set it lower.