Need an explanation on the use of Aquaclear filters

Hey guys,
I am about to get a new 20 gallon long tank. I plan on hopefully planting it, and having a bolivian ram, 6 emperor tetras, 6 marbeled hatchetfish and 4 panda corys.
I want to purchase an all in one system, but I have some doubts, especially with the lighting and filters included in these systems. I have heard about Aquaclear systems, and I planned on getting a 50, but I keep hearing that you don't replace the media? How does that even work?
Does anyone know of an aquarium kit that this filter would fit well with the hood that comes with it?
Thanks!

 

My experience with kits is they don't include the best equipment. If you can get an aquarium and stand together, you can then buy whatever you want.

As for the hoods, they pretty much all have a gap at the rear for filters and other things. Some need to be cut out, but they should have a spot.

 

Welcome to fishlore.

Do you know about the nitrogen cycle?
First off I would plan on getting at least six panda cory cats since they are a schoaling fish and need a group of six.

You don't replace the filter media because most of the bacteria for your tank water's cycle is in the filter media. If you change the media (except carbon) then you will have to recycle your tank. Instead you rinse it out in dirty tank water when you do water changes.

Most kits are expensive and have equipment that isn't the best quality in my opinion. A lot of times it's better to get the tank and equipment separate. You can also get it cheaper used on places such as ebay or craigslist.

As far as lights go that depends on if you want live plants, and what kind of plants you want.

 

I have several Aquaclear HOBs and I love them. They just don't self prime so just be aware of that if there's ever a power outage so you don't come home to a burned out filter (or burnt up house for that matter).

I agree with what's been said with kits; the equipment is really awful and you can do much better buying everything separately and not spend much more than you would have on an all-in-one kit.

 

Welcome to fishlore.

Do you know about the nitrogen cycle?
First off I would plan on getting at least six panda cory cats since they are a schoaling fish and need a group of six.

You don't replace the filter media because most of the bacteria for your tank water's cycle is in the filter media. If you change the media (except carbon) then you will have to recycle your tank. Instead you rinse it out in dirty tank water when you do water changes.

Most kits are expensive and have equipment that isn't the best quality in my opinion. A lot of times it's better to get the tank and equipment separate. You can also get it cheaper used on places such as ebay or craigslist.

As far as lights go that depends on if you want live plants, and what kind of plants you want.

I can get six of them. Yes, I know about the nitrogen cycle. What media actually goes in filter besides the actual filter that you rinse out? What monthly maintenance does it require? How often do you replace things?
And what do you mean by "prime"? Why wouldn't it just suck water into it when the power turns back on?

 

No it won't suck water in on its own. Priming has to be done by pouring water into the filter. Once it's full though it won't be an issue. If you keep your water in your tank up, even when there's a power loss the water in the filter will stay so you shouldn't have any issues.

You don't have to replace anything. It will come with biomedia that you can rinse off in tank water from time to time (in a bucket, put some tank water to clean the filter so chlorine doesn't kill the bacteria). Same with the sponge - you can just rinse it off to clean it out. This is one of the reason Aquaclears are so well liked in the hobby.