Bad luck with Aquaclears

[captmicha]

I do buy used, mostly. But I have problems with most of the ACs I use, where they'll overheat and/or the impeller stops spinning. Even when I've JUST cleaned the impeller and the cavity out and there's no moss or anything catching it. WHAT is this about?

 

[chriscoli]

They're known for having the impeller not start back up again after even a quick power blip (super annoying). I've even joked about how it seems most AC's you see have the requisite single chopstick (or other poking device) on the back for when the impeller stops.

People love them because they are quiet. I had them when I had tanks set up in a guest bedroom.

 

[mchambers]

Maybe you should try new impeller shafts?

 

[cabinetmkr39]

Shaft is most important. Pull out the shaft and see if it has worn areas you will be able to see.

 

[Becca]

You need to replace impeller and shaft once or twice a year.

 

[mchambers]

You need to replace impeller and shaft once or twice a year.

I haven’t needed to do it that often.

 

[Digital]

Ya the shaft can take a beating if the you have fine substrate that is getting pulled into the filter. I don't use the tube extensions because I swear my cichlids try to spit the substrate into the filter.

Marlin

 

[Howie]

ACs are temperamental buggers. If you use sand substrate they will inevitably cease up and you will need to put out impeller and clean it and the shaft. Sometimes the shaft comes loose from the motor and it can't be reconnected. Thankfully Fluval gives you a 2 year warranty on them.

 

[Zepp914]

I don't like that the lids rattle sometimes. I have had one overheat on me, but they seem to be better made than Marineland and Tetra filters. That being said, I like my Eheim the best, but they aren't as easy to find anymore. They were sold at Petsmart as National Geographic filters, but they discontinued them.

I am only talking about the HOB filters. I haven't played with canisters yet.

I use the extensions in my 29 high tank, but no way would I use them in a 12" tall tank.

 

[jonclark96]

Aquaclears are by far my favorite HOB filter, despite the periodic maintenance that needs to be done on them. As others have said, the impeller shafts need to be replaced on occasion, and I would guess that I get about 18 months out of one, depending on the substrate in the tank. Sand definitely increases the frequency of replacement, but at $4 a piece, that isn't much. Once they get noisy, impeller replacement along with the impeller shaft replacement should get them much quieter.

 

[Becca]

I use a sponge pre-filter.

 

[Zepp914]

Thanks Becca! I wasn't aware that product existed. I will have to get a couple "fluval edge pre filter sponges" on my next Chewy order.

 

[Becca]

Thanks Becca! I wasn't aware that product existed. I will have to get a couple "fluval edge pre filter sponges" on my next Chewy order.

Nah. Don't get those. They clog pretty fast. Get these and cut them in half - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M3XHJ0P/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I've found the ones above to be useful for powerheads, AC filters, canister filter intakes, etc. The foam is a little coarser and holds up for a reasonably long time. This means they don't clog with sludge or moss (if the tank is planted) incessantly, but will keep heavier stuff like sand out.

 

[Zepp914]

All my tanks are planted. Thanks for the tip!

 

[mchambers]

Aquaclears are by far my favorite HOB filter, despite the periodic maintenance that needs to be done on them. As others have said, the impeller shafts need to be replaced on occasion, and I would guess that I get about 18 months out of one, depending on the substrate in the tank. Sand definitely increases the frequency of replacement, but at $4 a piece, that isn't much. Once they get noisy, impeller replacement along with the impeller shaft replacement should get them much quieter.

Yes, I agree that Aquaclears are the best HOB filters.

Nah. Don't get those. They clog pretty fast. Get these and cut them in half - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M3XHJ0P/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I've found the ones above to be useful for powerheads, AC filters, canister filter intakes, etc. The foam is a little coarser and holds up for a reasonably long time. This means they don't clog with sludge or moss (if the tank is planted) incessantly, but will keep heavier stuff like sand out.

I use prefilters on mine, but just use whatever foam I have around, such as scrap pieces of Poret, or repurposed sponge filter.