Aqueon vs Aqua Clear

Hello all!

I'm going to start a 29 gallon tank relatively soon and I'm on the edge on getting either the Auqueon QuietFlow 30 or a Aqua Clear 30.
My stock-
2 Nerite Snails
1 Mystery Snail
8 Black Phantom Tetra
8 Cherry Barb
1 Dalmation Black Molly
1 Dwarf Gourami

My substrate is going to be sand and I plan on planting some live plants.
Thank you for all your help!

 

I'm not that familiar with the QuietFlow, but I know the AC30 is not enough for a 29gal and I'd expect the Aqueon to be the same. You want to aI'm for at least 10x gph, which is two AC30's, or one AC70. I personally like Aquaclears and they come very high recommend.

I know this wasn't your question, but for the stock, I personally would choose either the Molly or the Gourami, and not both. Other than that it sounds good. Mollies are large and produce a lot of waste, and they occupy the same area of the tank as DG's. I've also read a lot about people having issues with them being bullies. If you want two centerpiece fish, I would do the DG and a Bolivian Ram.

If you haven't already, make sure you read up on the nitrogen cycle, and how to cycle a tank, no matter what filter you choose!

 

I'd go with an AquaClear, primarily because you can customize your media. However, check the water turnover rate. You'll want something that turns over 10x your tank volume per hour. So, 290gph. I think the AquaClear 30 is way below that.

 

I've used both and here are my opinions:

Aqua clear -
Pros - hold lots of media, media box is clear so you can see the contents, has good output and is completely adjustable.

Cons - does not self prime - if the power goes out and the suction is lost, it will keep running.


AQUEON -

Pros - self primes as the motor is under the water - so as long as the water is filled up, starts automatically. Quiet and reliable.

Cons - does not hold as much media as AC - the filters smaller than the AQUEON 55 and the 55/75 ( such as the Aqueon 20 or 30 ) will only hold 1 filter pad and some biomax in the corner.


I have had 2 AC's - BOTH lost suction when I was out ( not even sure how ) and they both ran with no water for hours. When I returned home, the filter was red hot and I feared that left any longer would have caused a fire.
I ended up getting a AQUEON ( my longest running one has been 6 years ) with no problems with it stopping or running dry.
In my 72 gallon, I use 2 of the 55/75's with 2 media pads in each ( I buy the cut to fit ) and biomax and a small sponge left in the corners. I put new filter pads in only one filter every 4-6 months so that I never lose my cycle and have extra in case I need to use it for my QT tank

So, that's my review - I LOVE the AQUEONS because there are days when I am gone for a few days at a time and I can't afford for my filter to lose suction and run dry which is what the Aqua clears did on 2 DIFFERENT filters.

 

I have two aqua clear 30's running my 29 gallon. They work great and you can barely hear them.

 

I'm not that familiar with the QuietFlow, but I know the AC30 is not enough for a 29gal and I'd expect the Aqueon to be the same. You want to aI'm for at least 10x gph, which is two AC30's, or one AC70. I personally like Aquaclears and they come very high recommend.

I know this wasn't your question, but for the stock, I personally would choose either the Molly or the Gourami, and not both. Other than that it sounds good. Mollies are large and produce a lot of waste, and they occupy the same area of the tank as DG's. I've also read a lot about people having issues with them being bullies. If you want two centerpiece fish, I would do the DG and a Bolivian Ram.

If you haven't already, make sure you read up on the nitrogen cycle, and how to cycle a tank, no matter what filter you choose!

so I could get a Aqueon 50?

 

I would recommend 2 ac30s. I ran AquaClears for years with no problems. No don't have to replace the foam of the bio media so you won't lose the cycle, and you can customize the media in each filter with different stuff. Plus there very quit.

 

If you are going to do Aqueon, go for 2 30s
AC are better IMO

 

so I could get a Aqueon 50?

It's not far off my imo it's not high enough gph. I would do two 30's.

 

If you are going with the aqueon, get the 55/75 as you will have more media storage

 

the aqueon 55/75 does 325gph.

 

would 2 filters fit in a Aqueon 30 inch deluxe led hood? Sorry for asking so many questions, just want to do this right the first time.

 

the aqueon 55/75 does 325gph.

It does 400gph - it would be good filtration but might make the flow in the tank a little strong.

would 2 filters fit in a Aqueon 30 inch deluxe led hood? Sorry for asking so many questions, just want to do this right the first time.

You might need to cut the opening in the lid larger, it shouldn't be too hard though.

 

So I am currently planning a new 20 gallon tank, and I am trying to pick out a good HOB filter. (I'm afraid a canister filter is not in my budget)

I have used an Aqueon Quietflow 20 in the past for my 15 gallon bowfront, and so I am familiar with those filters. I am tempted to get a Quietflow 30, but I have begun to hear mixed things about their filtration capabilities.

Meanwhile, I have heard much better things about the Aquaclear 50 when it comes to filtration! But I have also been seeing in reviews that the units are not very durable and die after a certain period of time. I've also heard these filters are quite noisy, and since this filter would be going in my bedroom, that's a bit of a concern.

These are the main two filters that I've been looking at, does anyone have any experience with these two filters? Any advice or recommendations? Are there any other HOB filters I should consider? Let me know!

The tank will be a sand substrate planted tank with 9 kuhlI loaches and a female betta, if that helps!

 

I hate aquaclear equipment. It's just cheaply made versions of things that already exist. The filters are notorious for leaking or just dying on you. I either have aqueon or marineland filters on all of my tanks because aqueon first of all has a lifetime warranty on all equipment, and they make their stuff as hard to break as possible. My only complaint is having to re position the lid every week or two because the vibrations let it slide out of place and it rattles a bit. They're dead quiet and have an impressive turnover rate for the compact design.
I'd get the quietflow 30 over the aquaclear any day. It does 200gph giving you 10x turnover on your 20g

 

I hate aquaclear equipment. It's just cheaply made versions of things that already exist. The filters are notorious for leaking or just dying on you. I either have aqueon or marineland filters on all of my tanks because aqueon first of all has a lifetime warranty on all equipment, and they make their stuff as hard to break as possible. My only complaint is having to re position the lid every week or two because the vibrations let it slide out of place and it rattles a bit. They're dead quiet and have an impressive turnover rate for the compact design.
I'd get the quietflow 30 over the aquaclear any day. It does 200gph giving you 10x turnover on your 20g

Good to know! Yeah, I heard a lot about this kind of stuff, so I'm glad to confirm it with someone else.

Do you have any recommendations for filter media for the Quietflow 30? Should I just go with the standard stuff it comes with? (carbon, cartridge, and plastic piece) Or should I add ceramic rings and stuff like that?

 

I just converted mine to media instead of cartidges! Take a look here, I used some fluval ceramic rings, and a basic foam pad by imagitarium
Bio Media Questions <That should link you to the thread

 

I like the Tetra Whisper filters. The pump is in the water so they are self starting after a power outage. Easy to pull apart and the filter box is good sized. And they are silent - my favorite feature. I was never able to get Aqua Clear to be quiet, even though they are undoubtedly at the top as far as media capacity. I hate noise... I guess it's a bad hobby for that lol!
I don't use their cartridges, though. I cut 30 PPI foam to shape and put it in them.

 

I just converted mine to media instead of cartidges! Take a look here, I used some fluval ceramic rings, and a basic foam pad by imagitarium
Bio Media Questions <That should link you to the thread

Awesome, I will definitely take a closer look at this, and I will likely do something pretty similar! Thanks!

 

I like the Tetra Whisper filters. The pump is in the water so they are self starting after a power outage. Easy to pull apart and the filter box is good sized. And they are silent - my favorite feature. I was never able to get Aqua Clear to be quiet, even though they are undoubtedly at the top as far as media capacity. I hate noise... I guess it's a bad hobby for that lol!
I don't use their cartridges, though. I cut 30 PPI foam to shape and put it in them.

Interesting, I like Aqueon for a lot of the same reasons! They are also incredibly quiet and the pump is in the water as well.

It's definitely unfortunate that our hobby can be a bit noisy, you wouldn't think it would be from the outside looking in!

 

Awesome, I will definitely take a closer look at this, and I will likely do something pretty similar! Thanks!

Welcome! My only other complaint would be that the reservoir is too skinny for both the ceramics and the sponge (you'll see that in there along with the solution), but hey, manufacturers don't really design their hob's to use anything other than the catridges they make for them.

 

Today, Dr. Foster and Smith website has 20% off with code " 4UXTRA20 ".

If you decide on a filter, you can get free s&h + a nice discount.

I have used them before and they have good customer service.

Some people like Aquaclears and some don't. The debate is similar with the Penguin Bio-Wheels.

Myself, I like the Aquaclears. I own 2x AC30's on a 20 gallon and an AC70 +AC110 on a 75g.

No leaks for failures for me yet.

Coralbandit on the forum has literally dozens of them .

The 2x AC30's on my 20 gallon are silent. The AC50 is almost identical to the AC30 except that it's about 1.5" wider and uses a different impeller.

The AC70 and AC110 are "louder" but they are not loud.

The AC50 flows 200gph and is on sale with that promo code for $30.40.

For reference, here are 2 pics of the media basket on my AC30. The AC50 basket is about 1.5" wider.

AC30 media basket 1

• Islandvic
• Nov 18, 2018

AC30 media basket 2

• Islandvic
• Nov 18, 2018

 

I hate aquaclear equipment. It's just cheaply made versions of things that already exist. The filters are notorious for leaking or just dying on you. I either have aqueon or marineland filters on all of my tanks because aqueon first of all has a lifetime warranty on all equipment, and they make their stuff as hard to break as possible. My only complaint is having to re position the lid every week or two because the vibrations let it slide out of place and it rattles a bit. They're dead quiet and have an impressive turnover rate for the compact design.
I'd get the quietflow 30 over the aquaclear any day. It does 200gph giving you 10x turnover on your 20g

What?? Lol I thought aqueon marienland are awful!! I definitely prefer my aquaclear, they are way better and cause no problema... In my humble opinion

 

Aqueon is the only brand I've never had any issues with; they do their job well, stay quiet, and are customizeable enough.
Same with marineland actually. The tanks I run them on have the cleanest water, and both the lowest and most stable nitrates.

 

I’ve only had had my aquaclear for about a year, but I love it. It has a lot of room for media, is very quiet, has never leaked, and the water always looks really good. I’m pretty sure david1978 said he has one old enough to vote.

 

I’m partial to my fluval C2, super quiet and quite customizable.

 

Yea my aquaclear 110 is around 18 years old. Probably 17 years run time on it. Zero issues. I have a couple 70's and a 50 almost that old but they have been used on and off over the years. I like them. There simple to clean and have a big area for media. Biggest thing is no cartridges so media lasts about forever. I honestly have never felt a need to add more then they come with. Just the sponge and the bio rings.

 

I have an Aquaclear 50 on a 29 gallon and an Aquaclear 70 on a 65 gallon and have had no problems and they are quite enough for me. I have a couple of Tetra Whisper 10's and as someone said they are SUPER quiet....all you hear is the water dropping into the tank......just fill up tank to mouth of filter for quiet operation....and they just start up without priming when power is applied so not sure what physics principal make that happen as opposed to the Aquaclears which I prime when doing water changes/tank maintenance.

 

Wow, lots of different opinions since the last time I checked! It sounds like both have pros and cons, as I expected. Seems I wouldn't be going too wrong with either of them, though. It might just come down to whichever is more available at my LFS. Thank you all for your input, I will definitely read over it all very carefully before I make my purchase. :]

 

When I got started back in August 2018, the full starter kit that my wife bought for me included an Aqueon 10 filter system. It seemed okay, although the blinky LED seemed a bit gimmicky to me. Nonetheless, when I bought a second tank, a 25 gallon Sea Star, I went with an Aqueon 20, basically because it was the only brand I had used.

We have upgraded the original 10 gallon to a Hagen 25 gallon tank. That was given to us by a friend and included everything we needed. It came with an Aqua Clear 50 filter. It is a somewhat different animal, seeming to require a bit more in its care and feeding (filter inserts etc), if you will.

Taking practical considerations into play, I am unsure about which is the better filter in terms of maintenance and upkeep as well as economics of use. I am wondering if I should standarise on on model for both set-ups.

Any thoughts?

Tony

 

It came with an Aqua Clear 50 filter. It is a somewhat different animal, seeming to require a bit more in its care and feeding (filter inserts etc), if you will.

I'm sorry... what filter inserts is that considering AquaClears don't use any filter inserts/cartridges.

 

I'm sorry... what filter inserts is that considering AquaClears don't use any filter inserts/cartridges.

The foam pad, the activated carbon insert and the biomax insert.

Tony

 

The foam pad, the activated carbon insert and the biomax insert.

Tony

Ah, ok. Those aren't filter inserts or cartridges. Just a sponge and bio media that you can change yourself at any time. Don't need any carbon as that is only used to remove medications or smells from the water. The AC 50 is a good filter because you can perform media upgrades easily. Your biomax is fine to use, just rinse it out each time you clean the filter.

 

if you haven't read THE GUIDE yet: Diy Media Guide For Top Fin Silenstream, Aquaclear And Other Hob Filters

 

The foam pad, the activated carbon insert and the biomax insert.

Tony

Those are reusable/non-consumables, with exception of the carbon. The sponge you should clean when it's clogged up with dirt and the biomax really shouldn't be getting dirty enough to need to be cleaned. If you use the carbon just toss it out after 3 months or so, get more biomax in it's place, or more carbon if you need it.

The design of the aquaclear filters are really great, it redirects the flow so that the water passes from the bottom up through all the media, and their media chamber is huge relative to other filters of about the same flow rating. Most other HOB filters rely on having the water spread out behind the filter cartridge and pass through horizontally which ends up providing less space for media since it requires empty space in front of the cartridge and behind the cartridge to allow water to flow through evenly. The AC has that space at the bottom and so there is no real dedicated space left open on top.

 

The OP probably saw Aquaclear's recommended media replacement intervals staggered between the foam block, carbon and bio-max. I think their genius marketers came up with a "replace one every month and repeat again" type deal from what I recall.

Tony_P, take a look at thread that skavatar gave a link to. It gives many examples of how to load media in the basket.



Once you start using the Aquaclear, you probably will want to buy more to replace the other filters.

 

You might look at the Seachem Tidal filters also. Versatile with the types of media you can use, like the Aquaclears. But they don't require priming, have adjustable flow rates, and a built in skimmer.

Seachem - Tidal Power Filters

 

Thanks everyone for your advise. I can see that the Aqua Clear filters are a better unit than the Aqueon filters.

You might look at the Seachem Tidal filters also. Versatile with the types of media you can use, like the Aquaclears. But they don't require priming, have adjustable flow rates, and a built in skimmer.

Ah yes! This however was my one concern -- priming -- as we do have occasional power outages, particularly in the winter.

Tony

 

Thanks everyone for your advise. I can see that the Aqua Clear filters are a better unit than the Aqueon filters.


Ah yes! This however was my one concern -- priming -- as we do have occasional power outages, particularly in the winter.

Tony

Yes, Aquaclears may fail to prime in a power fail. Seachem Tidal filters need no priming as they are self priming.

 

Yes, Aquaclears may fail to prime in a power fail. Seachem Tidal filters need no priming as they are self priming.

The AC are not self priming, but I've seen them recover from an outage better than some other options. The Tidal has it's pump built into a part of the intake that hangs down into the tank, and the flow within the Tidal is also bottom up like the Aquaclear.