prairielilly

Can anyone tell me how long it takes a new AquaClear 20 to 'break in', or if this should even be happening? It came with my new 10g setup and I've had it running since last night (tank just started cycling, no fish). It makes a steady droning humming noise, which appears to be coming from the motor area. Everything's clean and new, it's got one sponge and two biomax in it, I've checked/cleaned the impeller and the intake tube, everything's fit together properly so far as I can tell and it's level (checked). The motor also seems to be fairly hot, wasn't sure if that was normal? Since it's in my bedroom and I didn't get too much sleep last night, I'm wondering if this will eventually go away?

dmm28

Hmmm never had a problem with the aqua clears before. I would think though that it would be an impeller issue. I have a 75 gal in my bedroom with an aqua clear 110 hanging on it and never had any issues. Maybe you just got a defective one?

prairielilly

Was yours loud for the first day or so and then quieted down?

agabr123

i can't remember if they are self-starting or not, you may want to try using a clean cup to pour water into the filter to see if it just isn't starting itself quite right.

prairielilly

Thank you, but I don't mean whether or not it starts immediately, that's not an issue, I just filled it up as per directions and it started just fine. I meant once the filter is up and running it is loud. Louder than any filter I've had before. I am trying to find out whether or not it will become quieter in a few days after it completes a hypothetical 'break-in' period, or if there is such a thing, as stated in my original question.

pinkfloydpuffer

Hm..... my AC 30 is practically silent. I don't remember if it had a breakin time though. However, my AC 110 is a bit louder, not bad though, about the same as my Whisper air pumps, and I really don't think it was any louder when it first started.

ccb04

Sometimes, it can take a bit for them to quiet down. Usually once the impeller and housing become lightly 'coated' with their own 'slime coat' so to speak ... it helps sort of settle things if noisy to begin with.

Another thing you can do that should immediately quiet it down is to remove the lid. I now run all of my Aquaclears w/o a lid. Also, you of course want to make sure that the u-tube part of the intake tube is seated properly according to directions.

I've had an AC 50 that ran with very little noise right out of the box (removing the lid made it even quieter) ... and then I've had an AC 20 that I returned due to noise issues (removing the lid made a difference (but not enough for me, lol). It could be a faulty impeller that with the filter being new, should be eligible for warranty replacement if indeed that's the case. Usually though, Aquaclears are among the quietest HOB's available ... though any HOB filter will make atleast a bit of audible noise, and some can be downright obnoxious.

Don't know if it's true ... but I've read that the AC20's are the most susceptible to noise issues out of the box. If it continues to give you trouble (and if possible with it being part of a kit), prehaps exchange it for an AC30.

If you'd like, try the 4 things below before exchange, etc.....

1. Remove and rinse/clean the impeller and housing.

2. While you have the impeller assembly removed ... take a Q-Tip and dip it in whatever water conditioner you use ... then use the Q-Tip to lightly coat the impeller shaft, interior motor housing where the impeller sits, and magnet area (below the white plastic blades). No need to go overboard ... just a light coat. This can essentially quicken the 'coating' process I mentioned previously.

3. Make sure intake tube is properly seated.

4. Remove the lid.

prairielilly

Thx Pink and ccb04 - some of that I'd done (though not the water conditioner on the impeller). I had noticed it's much quieter w/o the lid.

The filter came as part of a kit, a Euro-style (frameless) 10g glass aquarium, fluorescent hood (that fits over the tank like a hat), AquaClear 20 and the usual net, food etc. I was all excited about it bc it was cheaper than buying a standard 10g glass + fluorescent hood, so I felt like I was getting the filter for free, and I'd been thinking of getting the AC 30 for my 20g so this was a great way to try it out. Because it's part of a kit, I can't return just the filter. I could write Hagen (made the kit) but I don't know that there's anything specifically wrong with the filter itself:

I isolated the problem - it seems to be the tank's lack of frame. This causes it to sit further away from the actual tank and so vibrate more against the glass. If I fiddled a lot with the levelling apparatus on the filter I could get it much quieter, but within an hour or so it would vibrate itself back to loudness. I would have had to raise my voice to talk over top of it, and it was sitting 5 ft from where I sleep. At 2 am last night I just unplugged the thing (the tank's cycling, no fish). I have now swapped it out with my old Aquatech 5-15, and I'll find a way to re-use the AC's media, and keep the AC packed away for QT use. The Aquatech was undetectable in terms of noise on a framed tank; here it makes a little more noise than it did there, but substantially less than the AC - and so much more tolerable.

Fishies-for-me

I wonder if you can get some fun foam sheets from a craft store and cut a liner to go under the filter. In between the filter and the tank to baffle the vibrations. I love my aqua clear filters as they work so much better than others ( imho) . Good luck.

prairielilly

Actually I tried it at one point with a facecloth between filter and glass. Not a lot of difference. Thx though

For whatever reason I ended up with a 'loud' filter and a setup where it doesn't work perfectly. I'm sure it isn't like that in all cases. I did wonder why Hagen made an aquarium kit called 'Elite Waterhome' and included an Elite tank and an Elite hood...but not an Elite filter? maybe there was something wrong with those AquaClears? whatever, the Aquatech isn't as high-tech but has been doing the job very well for months on my 5g, just too strong a flow rate. I'd originally intended to use it on a new 10g...that was one of the reasons I went and bought a 10g.

dmm28

Both my 110's worked great and were totally quiet right out of the box. You should see if you can return it or get another one if it's really driving you nuts.

Jupiter

I have 3 Aquaclear filters: 30, 50, & 70. They are all three very quiet. Maybe you could exchange it.

prairielilly

Finally, some good news out of Petsmart!

I checked this filter on another (standard) tank a few days back to test the 'rimless tank causing vibrations' theory - it was just as loud. There's something wrong with this particular filter. I have a hard time believing it's ALL aquaclear filters as so many members here are so happy with them. So, I decided to take a chance today, and pack up this loud little thing and go back to Petsmart to see what they would do for me. I was expecting either a blank look or a swap with another AC 20, I was hoping for store credit.

I spoke with a manager, stated my case - and they refunded me via gift card the value of an AC 20! This is awesome! because I got a good deal on the kit to begin with (10g tank, fluorescent hood, the AC 20 plus the usual net, food, water conditioner etc for less than a standard tank + incandescent hood). Now that they refunded the value of the AC 20 which was almost half what I'd paid for the kit, the deal's even better! I needed a new hood for my 20g so that gift card lasted around ten seconds.

I won't buy fish there any more (burned too many times) but I do like a place with good customer-satisfaction policies!

ccb04

Good deal, Marsha!

It's definitely not all AC's ... as I wouldn't own a filter as loud as you describe, particularly with my tank in my bedroom. And as you said, there are many, many people happy with them ... and I doubt they'd be happy with those type of noise issues either. Matter of fact, I returned an AC 20 to Petsmart myself for the very same reason. Petsmart has always accepted returns with little issue.

My AC 50 on the other hand, is quiet. I just picked up an Aqua Tech 5-15 and will be running that on my 10 gal. Q- Tank. I figured if I have a serious illness, I can simply buy a new filter for $11 dollars vs. trying to sterilize with bleach ... which I'm a little hesitant of doing, even though folks do it all the time with no problems. I'd be worried that with my luck sometimes, I wouldn't get all the bleach residue out of the filter, lol.

I'll be using one of my AC 50's on my 20 Long that I'm re-setting up (I'll run one and have a back up). No canister for me at this time ... although Dozey has put the C-Series back at the forefront for me down the road.

That's one of the main things I like about the Aquaclears though ... with their media configuration ... they're kinda like HOB canisters.

It'll be cool to see what you decide on.

prairielilly

Still have another AC 20 still shrink-wrapped in its box in the car trunk...had a wee bit of filter madness a few weeks back, and Petcetera was having some strange sale meaning I got it really cheap (Red1313 has a thread going about that). It was bought before I obtained the 10g tank kit and filter, before the filter began driving me nuts, which is when I decided to return it - the Aquatech 5-15 currently on the 10g is doing a pristine job and there's no reason right now to replace it at all. I can't return this one until their sale is over at the end of March, and some are saying all sales are final, so I may have an extra Aquaclear 20 and get to try this out all over again

If not and I do end up going with an Eheim canister in the 20g, there may someday end up being an Eheim hob on the 10g, and the Aquatech would be relegated back to QT tank status...(they're about $23 dollars here at Malwart. I sterilize mine with massive concentrations of ammonia. Worked well for me so far!)

Red1313

I'm in love with the Aquaclears. They're quieter then any of my other filters. Though I'm really picky about the noise since I've got 8 filtered tanks running in the <10 feet square of my bedroom.

prairielilly

I wonder if other ppl change their minds like the weather too. The more I think about it, the more it's sounding like a good idea to keep the thing...what's the likelihood I could buy 2 Aquaclear 20's and they would BOTH be defective?

..although I don't want to tempt fate...

ccb04

It's funny ... but even though I'm very happy with my Aquaclear's, I still get the urge to try new things. For instance, I wanted to try a Penguin ... and didn't care for it. However, I do so far like the Aqua Tech 5-15 ... it looks like it may suit the QT role perfectly.

As far as the AC 20 ... as I've mentioned before, I've read that some feel they are the most problematic regarding noise issues. Others though, have not experienced this. Personally, I've had a 20, 30, and 50 ... and the 20 was the one that was returned due to noise issues.

For 10 - 20 gallon tanks, I'll stick with the AC 50. I can adapt it for a smaller tank if I choose ... by simply running it on lower flow, or by installing a 30 impeller.

mlfly

The AC 50 on my 29g started out a little loud but was quiet by the next morning. The AC 20 on my 5g betta tank took a couple of days but is pretty quiet now. If it's noisy for longer than a couple of days, it's probably going to stay noisy. Do be mindful that you should sit a level on it and turn the bottom thingy (how's that for technical?) until the overall housing is level. It did make a difference. Lowe's or Home Depot sell cheap levels that are red and triangular in shape. They will give you both axis leveling.

prairielilly

Thx mlfly. Lots of levels in my toolbox , used the leveling tool on the filter too. It was level and it ran for a week. That one's been returned. Still contemplating whether or not to keep the second AC 20 I bought and give it a try - pretty sure I can't return that one if it's opened, defective or not; may not be able to return it at all so it may not matter.

prairielilly

Decided (finally) that IF the second AquaClear 20 did indeed work, I did want to keep it. Since there wasn't any way to know if it worked unless I set it up, I did so - just now.

Almost silent.

It's on the 5g (which is currently fishless) which has two box filters going (cycling them). I unplugged the two Whisper 10 air pumps powering the box filters and set up the AC - I could barely hear it. When I plugged the air pumps back in I couldn't hear it at all.

The DG will be going in there in a few days or so. For the last few weeks that tank's been empty while it cycles those filters; it was supposed to be one box filter for the 3g and one for the 5g. I decided that a box filter is an excellent option for a QT tank as I'd be wanting to use an airstone anyway and it's super easy and quick to set up. So the AquaClear will stay on the 5g along with one box filter til it's cycled, then the box filter can come out. The AC 20 can be turned down to around 30 GPH so it will work just luvly for my betta. The second box filter will still go into the 3g for another betta, and I will happily throw that tank's built-in eclipse biowheel into the trash. Then I can use the second Whisper 10 pump on my 20g (lots quieter than the AquaClear pump on there now) along with the new canister I'm about to buy, and revel in the newfound quietness of my living room/fishroom...

That first one really was just defective after all. Neat how it all works out isn't it?

Red1313

hehe
told you that the Aquaclears were great!
Glad everything is working out for the best

mlfly

Great!

ccb04

Marsha, glad to see the new AquaClear appears to be working for you. As I mentioned, I'm in the process of re-setting up my 20 long ... and decided to stick with my AC 50 vs. a canister. Partly because I didn't feel the tank size and my particular bio load would warrant the extra expense of a canister.

Two of the things I like the most about the AC's, are the adjustable flow you mentioned ... and the media compartment which lends itself to the individual being able to customize the filter media from the bottom up. For instance, in the past I've run: Blue bonded filter pad or floss on the bottom...the AC sponge on top of that...Chemi Pure in the middle (when running chem)...topped off by Bio Max ceramic rings. I've also used an AquaClear 20 sponge as a pre-filter on the intake. Not too shabby for a HOB.

Interestingly, I have also been pleasantly surprised with the newish Aqua-Tech 5-15 I have running on my 10 gal. Q-tank. In fact, I like it more than the Penguin 150 I tried. While it doesn't have the ability to adjust the flow ... I have been able to configure the media to my liking. I simply removed the carbon from one of the cartridges and cut away the remaining pad material. I then used rubber bands to secure some blue bonded filter pad after cutting it to fit the cartridge frame. I also replaced the bio fiber it comes with ... instead using an AquaClear 50 sponge that I cut to perfectly fit the bio media holder.

And you were right, they are quiet.

Now, the most expensive thing on my Q-Tank is my Stealth heater, lol.

10 gal. w/ hood: $20
Aqua-Tech 5-15 (100 GPH): $11
75w Visi-Therm Stealth: $21
Aquaculture 5-15 pump: $5

It's turned out to be a really nice setup for around $60.

eepruls

I have an AC 20 and it is absolutely silent. I just hear the water which is really nice. I just bought an AC 50 for my 20 gallon tank and started it up tonight and there is a slight noise. It's like a grinding sound but nothing crazy. I'm thinking it's just because it's new and not worked in yet. We shall see!

aquarist48

I love my Aqua Clear 70 that I have on my 26g. It's actually the most silent HOB filter I've ever had. I actually have to check it to make sure it is on. (and it is) Too, I added the Aqua Clear surface skimmer and I have high praises for it too. Amazing how technology has come such a long way over the past 35 years or so.

prairielilly

and I do NOT plan to ever buy another one! I have now been through SEVEN AquaClear 20's!

Filter #1: came as part of a 10g kit I bought at Petsmart. First one I ever had, loud enough to be heard several rooms away and the original subject of this thread. It was returned for store credit.

Filter #2: bought at Petcetera's closeout sale really cheap. Completely silent and now filters a 5g.

Filter #3: bought at a huge LFS on the other side of town. Completely silent as well and filters the other 5g.

Filter #4: bought at the same huge LFS as #3. Loud as #1. It was returned.

Filter #5: bought at Petsmart. Loud as #1. Returned.

Filter #6: bought at Petsmart. Also as loud as #1. Spent a half hour on the phone with a manager there arguing over why I should be allowed to return it without the receipt (couldn't find it). "Not their policy". As soon as I hang up I check one more place and there it is. It will be returned tomorrow.

Filter #7: bought today at Petland. Ran it for an hour, it was once again as loud as #1. It will also be returned tomorrow.

I don't know what to say about AquaClears, except Buy from a place with an excellent return policy. When they work, they are an amazing filter - silent, effective, tons of media. Of the two I am currently using, one is completely silent - I have to lay my hand on it to know it's on. The other is completely silent as well EXCEPT it periodically makes a loud buzzing noise for exactly five minutes (I've timed this) and then goes back to being silent. Both have normally functioning, clean motors and impeller assemblies. The ones I returned were loud enough to be heard several rooms down and all attempts at cleaning/adjusting/lubricating various parts were unsuccessful. All of these units were bought from reputable stores and came new wrapped in plastic.

If I hadn't had one or two that were so quiet, it might not have bothered me quite so much, but it sure does. Either a 2/7 success rate (29%) with these is considered acceptable, or I am cursed when it comes to AquaClears. Just slightly frustrating.

ccb04

prairielilly ... sorry the AquaClears (atleast most of the model 20's), didn't work out for you.

I've read the model 20 can be the most problematic. It's the only AquaClear I've had trouble with regarding noise that wouldn't go away.

If I were looking to filter say a 10 gallon with an AquaClear ... I'd simply get a model 50 and install the impeller from a 20 or 30 in it. That way, you get the lower GPH spread out over a larger outflow area in addition to retaining the larger media compartment of the 50. You could then also run the 50 on a 20 gallon if you chose ... via simply installing the 50's impeller, which would be 10x turnover at 200 GPH.

Another option for me ... would be to simply buy an Aqua-Tech for a given tank size, as I've grown to like them quite a bit. Matter of fact, it was you mentioning your 5-15 that LED me to give them a try ... and I've been very happy with my 5-15.

prairielilly

Recently I have been re-setting up two 5g's and two 10g's. The 5g's got the old AquaClear 20's, and rather than buy yet more filters I put my old AquaTech 5-15 on one of the 10g's, then added an Elite sponge filter. In the AquaTech I've got a standard cartridge with the carbon removed plus a layer of filter foam behind it, and stuffed some loose AquaClear biomax between the cartridge and the biofoam. It's been working like a charm What I had thought to do was get another AquaClear for the other 10g, but now I'm thinking of just duplicating what's on the first 10g. If it ain't broke, stop trying to fix it already Marsha!

ccb04

The "If it ain't broke" plan sounds good to me! Again, it was basically because of your positive words that I tried an Aqua-Tech ... and I've been quite pleased with it.

I use a stripped down cartridge frame and rubber band some of this to it: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...31&pcatid=4231

As far as biological media goes ... I have what I guess is the somewhat newer/ re-designed Aqua-Tech. It has the bio fiber inside a holder. Not crazy about the fiber ... and I'll likely be switching to this: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...69&pcatid=4169

I'd use the 1" thick plate and simply cut it to fit the bio holder.