MarkWVU02

Just picked up and set up an aquaclear 70 on my 29 gallon cycled tank. I cut out two sections of floss from my old filter and layered it in. The guy at my LFS (which is insane 9000 gallons saltwater and 5000 gallons freshwater) talked me into it since I was debating a more customizable filter (I had an aqueon power 30 filter with cartridges). He told me he uses them at home and all the feshwater tanks at the store use them...I was sold. My question has to do with the intake extension. With the extension the intake is maybe 2 or 3 inches off the gravel without it about halfway down the tank. Should I use it with or without the extension?

MissMTS

I have always used it with the extension, but I'm not sure it makes a big difference.

pepetj

Be aware that as you keep small size fish in your 29gal (zebra danios), the suction power of the intake could trap them, injuring or even killing the fish. Using a pre-filter sponge seems like a good idea if you intend to keep small fish there.

I love the AquaClear 70. I run two 30gal wide tanks with them as primary filtration. Their performance is quite impressive despite the old technology in them. Keeping the inlet close to the substrate improves their mechanical filtration as this ease the pick up of solid waste but if you are keeping small or mid size fish that are not messy this might not be needed and keeping the inlet at midpoint shall suffice. This filters, if properly maintained, do catch up (allow beneficial bacteria to grow) quickly as bio-load is increased.

Pepe
Santo Domingo

MarkWVU02

Thanks for the advice. I noticed it's pumping alot more then my old filter. Do they make a specific sponge pre-filter for this filter or what could you suggest picking up for it? The guy at the lfs really sold it. He said he's one of their techs and finds the aquaclear to be easy to maintain and very versatile as far as media goes.

ccb04

Regarding pre-filter sponges ... one of these might work (never tried it with my AquaClear 50).....

http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/prod/203833/product.web

Or, you could also simply do what many people do: cut a piece of sponge from one of your sponges for the AquaClear ... make a small hole/slit in it and move it into position over the intake. When I was doing this, I used to simply buy the small sponges for the AquaClear 20 and cut them in half

I love AquaClears. When it comes to HOB filters they're hard to beat as far as allowing the user the ability to customize filter media. I've also found them to perform very well while being easy to maintain.

aquarist48

Hello Mark. I have an AC 70 and just bought 2 AC's 110 for a tank I'm getting. I think they're great. As for the intake tube, I took a round prefilter sponge from an old mag drive pump that I had and it works great! You can even take a square sponge and cut a hole it and then slide it over the intake. Or you could actually even wrap some filter floss around it as well.

CoryMac

this is what i did with my aquaclear 70, flova ceramic, sponge,filterfloss & biomax, i ended up putting the bio max on top of the filter floss


1. flova ceramic- bottom layer
2. sponge
3.filter floss
4. bio-max on top of filter floss - top layer

aquarist48

You are on the right track. Your filtration actually starts from the bottom up in the Aqua Clears. I suggest moving the filter floss to the very bottom. This will trap all the nasty stuff first and should be changed with each water change. Then add the sponge and then all the bio max that will fit. By having all the bio max on top it will stay cleaner and not get clogged with all the waste as quickly. The sponge and the bio max only gets rinsed once a month in siphoned tank water. Never tap water. By changing the floss with every water change will help keep the water more clear and the bio media clean. Also it will help prevent the build up of ammonia, nitrites and nitrates that could send the aquarium into a mini cycle. Food for thought! Have a good day today!

MarkWVU02

I just went with the standard set up...sponge,carbon,biomedia. Seems to be working fine. Will add the prefilter and maybe make a micron polishing pad to throw in there as well. Filter seems to be doing a good job.

aquarist48

I hope yours is as quiet as mine. I actually have to look to make sure it's actually running. Have fun and enjoy your fish