Aqua Clear Filter Doesn't Self Prime?

All,

I've got a brand new Aqua Clear 50 filter. About 75% of the time after I turn the power off and back on (water change, power outage), the filter does not re-prime on its own. Motor and impeller work just fine, but it can't seem to pull the water up the tube and over, just generates a lot of air.

Seems this is common and the solution is to pour some water in to the filter housing. When I do that, it pulls the water right up the tube with no issues.

But what if I'm at work, or away for the weekend? Can't let the tank go with no water movement, and the motor will likely burn itself out if it keeps running without prime. Certainly this can't be by design, can it???

Thanks!

 

They do not self prime by design

 

Mine is able to suck up the water (without pouring water in) as long as it is level, or slightly angled inward.

 

Just pour a cup of water in it - no biggie

 

That's the reason why some people prefer Aqueon. They self prime. We have frequent power outages, only a few seconds mostly. Too risky to hope for the best.....

 

I think this is a concern really. I like their filters but it's one reason I go with the Equeon. Seems that you will burn one out if your not around during a power interruption.

 

I have power outages all the time and mine are fine. The aquarium water level just has to be above the propeller by about 1/2 inch.

 

They do not self prime.
I've had 2 of them within 2 years that didn't self prime after a power outage - both times they were left running dry for hours and were red hot to the touch. That's when I decided to get rid of them. I would never buy any of their products based on that and their lack of customer service.

If you are prone to outages and or have problems priming, I would suggest another HOB. A good one that just came out recently is the Seachem Tidal ( self primes with a basket similar to AC's that hold lots of media ) its on the pricey side but I've heard nothing but great things about it.

I currently have several AQUEON filters that DO self prime and have loved them ( although they don't hold as much media ) Their customer service is excellent too ( which I can't say good things about Hagen/Aquaclear ) I've had the 2 longest for 6 years and none of them ever needed the impeller cleaned ( like the AC's frequently do ) as they are sealed in a housing. If I have to get new filters in the future after my Aqueons burn out, I will get the Seachem ones

 

For water changes, yes, you do have to pour the water back into the filter basket to draw the water in. For power outages, it depends on how low the intake is. I had a power outage 3 weeks ago and my AC70 ran back up while my AC50 was running dry! Thankfully I was home but would hate to think what could have happened while I was out for longer than a day.

I recently got the Seachem Tidal and am extremely pleased with it! Self-priming without compromising on the media space! Plus some other great features like the skimmer and a wider adjustable flow range. It's pricier than the Aqueons or Aquaclears at the moment but I imagine the price will come down a bit later on.

 

For power outages, it depends on how low the intake is. I had a power outage 3 weeks ago and my AC70 ran back up while my AC50 was running dry! .

Whats odd is that the AC that I had came stock with the Fluval edge - I would think that the intake would be made specifically for the tank but there was no way to adjust ( unless I cut part of it off ) Strange but I went through 2 of the AC's before I changed it to a nano canister!

 

Whats odd is that the AC that I had came stock with the Fluval edge - I would think that the intake would be made specifically for the tank but there was no way to adjust ( unless I cut part of it off ) Strange but I went through 2 of the AC's before I changed it to a nano canister!

Do you mean the intake was longer than it should be? Oh and another great thing about the Tidals is the telescopic intake tube with the capability to adjust!

 

Do you mean the intake was longer than it should be? Oh and another great thing about the Tidals is the telescopic intake tube with the capability to adjust!

The intake was probably an inch or so from the bottom???? Now I kinda wish my AQUEON would go out so I can buy the Tidal... oh I think I will anyway... I am going to buy one.... why not?

 

The intake was probably an inch or so from the bottom???? Now I kinda wish my AQUEON would go out so I can buy the Tidal... oh I think I will anyway... I am going to buy one.... why not?

Wow, that's really low! Weird that they designed it that way for the tank!

Nice! Let me know what you think when you get it!

 

all HOBs must be manually primed. make sure you prime it BEFORE you turn it on. the propeller might wear out

 

all HOBs must be manually primed. make sure you prime it BEFORE you turn it on. the propeller might wear out

Not the Aqueons and Seachem Tidals.

 

El337 where did you get your Seachem Tidal?

 

el337 where did you get your Seachem Tidal?

From DRs Foster and Smith. I ordered a second one with a 15% off coupon code I received from them!

 

Ok I'm thinking about getting rid of Aq110. You like the tidal over the 110?

I meant do you like the Tidal over the AquaClear 110.

 

Aqua-clears are a problem after an outage. It's their only design flaw. I ran one for 17 years, 24/7, and I have some that are 5 years older than marinelands and other brands I have long since recycled. Their media is superior, and they are overall way better filters, especially the models that do not need replaceable slot media. The recent fluval version does need cartridges, but that is easily worked around.
It's the best HOB I have ever used in my multi-tank set up, but that flaw with restarting is a major inconvenience.

 

I'm pretty sure that the Tidal will take the fishkeeping hobby to a whole new level! I think spending the extra $$$ is well worth it - especially for someone like me who travels a lot and some times leaves my tank for 3-6 days at a time!

Seachem - Tidal Power Filters

 

That does look like a decent product. It is certainly interesting to see the media set up. Looks good.

 

That does look like a decent product. It is certainly interesting to see the media set up. Looks good.

The media basket is similar to the AC's - plenty of space - I saw a picture of it somewhere but now can't find the link...

 

I'd love to have a look at the workings. My Marinelands were largely undone by the impeller design, which made for noise in time. I generally like to try new designs. I've even had luck with some of the 'no name' Chinese filters, at very low prices but good durability and function. I still consider the AQ series as the measure though.

 

I'd love to have a look at the workings. My Marinelands were largely undone by the impeller design, which made for noise in time. I generally like to try new designs. I've even had luck with some of the 'no name' Chinese filters, at very low prices but good durability and function. I still consider the AQ series as the measure though.

Well I've only known of 2 filters that self prime AND having a sealed impeller ( AQUEON )
I've never had to unstick or do anything with the impeller like I did when I had the AC's. So with this new Tidal, it gives much new hope because of this and the fact that it houses more media ( although media has never been a problem with my AQUEON 55/75 as I put in 4 pads, a small sponge AND biomedia. )The smaller aqueons though have much smaller capacity.

Also to note, the Tidal's smallest size is for up to 55 - will be much too big for a 5 or 10 gallon, not sure about a 20 gallon.

 

The Tidal is definitely not lacking in media space. Seems that way in the pictures and videos because the basket is narrower, however, I transferred my filter pad AND bag of biomax from my AC50 to the Tidal 55 that came with their coarse sponge and large bag of Matrix and it all fit comfortably!

Yes, too big for the 5 or 10 but I think the 20 is doable because the range in adjusting the flow goes from a slow trickle to full blast.

 

The Tidal is definitely not lacking in media space. Seems that way in the pictures and videos because the basket is narrower, however, I transferred my filter pad AND bag of biomax from my AC50 to the Tidal 55 that came with their coarse sponge and large bag of Matrix and it all fit comfortably!

Yes, too big for the 5 or 10 but I think the 20 is doable because the range in adjusting the flow goes from a slow trickle to full blast.

Thanks! Good to know... Maybe they will release more smaller ones in the future.....

 

My cheap TopFin HOB self primes.

 

My AquaClear self primes all the time. The water level just in the aquarium must be high enough and the unit must be level, as I have mentioned before...

 

My AquaClear self primes all the time. The water level just in the aquarium must be high enough and the unit must be level, as I have mentioned before...

I don't see how if you're doing a water change and all the water is drained from the filter (assuming you're doing at least a 30% change).

 

After a water change you need to add water. I am talking about a power outage when the water is still in the tank.

 

After a water change you need to add water. I am talking about a power outage when the water is still in the tank.

Ok well, I wanted to clarify since you didn't mention that in your post. My Aquaclear 50 never primed even after a power outage.

 

All,

I've got a brand new Aqua Clear 50 filter. About 75% of the time after I turn the power off and back on (water change, power outage), the filter does not re-prime on its own. Motor and impeller work just fine, but it can't seem to pull the water up the tube and over, just generates a lot of air.

Seems this is common and the solution is to pour some water in to the filter housing. When I do that, it pulls the water right up the tube with no issues.

But what if I'm at work, or away for the weekend? Can't let the tank go with no water movement, and the motor will likely burn itself out if it keeps running without prime. Certainly this can't be by design, can it???

Thanks!

I know this is may not be related. Could you please tell me the width of the AC50 you have ? I am wondering whether that could fit with the cutout on my hood. Thanks !

 

I know this is may not be related. Could you please tell me the width of the AC50 you have ? I am wondering whether that could fit with the cutout on my hood. Thanks !

Hey, the width of my AquaClear 50 is 7.1 inches.

 

Water never drained out of my AC's either and water level all the way up yet after power outages, BOTH of my AC's ( at 2 different times and years ) almost fried up due to running dry and NOT priming. junk.

 

Hey, the width of my AquaClear 50 is 7.1 inches.

Thank you !!!!