Resources

Resources

All products in the resources section of my page, are products that I have used myself for many years. I will not recommend any product I have found to be less than adequate.

Why I like and use the API High Range Test Kit. It is a very quick test to get a result and it is simple to use. The accuracy of the kit is good to high. Like most test kits it becomes less accurate at the very bottom and very top of its scale of measuring. The price plus the number of tests is equal to the best on the market.

Details:

  • 160-Tests (if looked after correctly this test kit does not usually go off with time).
  • Tests both Freshwater and Saltwater Water.
  • Reads pH range 7.4 – 8.8, ideal for African Cichlid, Brackish Water and Marine Aquaria.
  • The kit contains 1. bottle of pH liquid. There are instructions on the front of the bottle. 1. Waterproof Color Card for freshwater pH’s and 1 Waterproof Color Card for saltwater pH’s. Both cards have the simple instructions on the back of the card. 1. Glass Test Tube and Plastic Lid. (if you drop the test tube, replacements are available to buy). The Test Tube is marked where you need to fill it to, with the water you are testing. 1. Instruction Paper.
  • Made in the USA.

Tips:

Always clean the Test Tube and Plastic Lid after use with freshwater – best is distilled water. Then dry both between uses. It is very easy to get a false test if the tube or lid are dirty. When starting a new tank use weekly for the first month. Then test monthly or test before and after water changes. If the pH reads 7.4, use a low range pH test kit to check the pH. A pH of 7.4 is at bottom of the range for the high range test kit, the pH could be 6,  you will not know unless you test the water with a low range test kit.

API High Range pH Test Kit. For Freshwater and Saltwater. 160 – Tests.

All products in the resources section of my page, are products that I have used myself for many years. I will not recommend any product I have used and found to be less than adequate.

 Why I like and use the API Low Range Test Kit. It is a very quick test to get a result and it is simple to use. The accuracy of the kit is good to high. Like most test kits it becomes less accurate at the very bottom and very top of its scale of measuring. The price plus the number of tests is equal to the best on the market.

Details:  

  • 250-Tests (if looked after correctly this test kit will give accurate results after the expiry date of the kit).
  • Tests Freshwater, only.
  • Reads pH range 6 – 7.6, ideal for most Tropical Fish (Tetras, Livebearers, Gouramis, Fighters, South and Central American fish) and Goldfish.
  • The kit contains 1. bottle of pH liquid. There are instructions on the front of the bottle. 1. Waterproof Color Card for freshwater pH’s. The card has simple instructions on the back. 1. Glass Test Tube and Plastic Lid. (if you drop the test tube, replacements are available to buy). The Test Tube is marked where you need to fill it to, with the water you are testing. 1. Instruction Paper.
  • Made in the USA.

Tips:

Always clean the Test Tube and Plastic Lid after use with freshwater – best is distilled water. Then dry both between uses. It is very easy to get a false test if the tube or lid are dirty. When starting a new tank use weekly for the first month. Then test monthly or test before and after water changes. If the pH reads 7.6, use a High Range pH test kit to check the pH. A pH of 7.6 is at top of the range for the low range test kit, the pH could be 8, you will not know unless you test the water with a high range test kit.

API Low Range pH Test Kit. For Freshwater only. 250-Tests.

All products in the resources section of my page, are products that I have used myself for many years. I will not recommend any product I have not used or any product I have used and found to be less than adequate.

 Why I like and use the API Ammonia Test Kit. It is a very quick test to get a result and it is simple to use. The accuracy of the kit is good to high. Like all test kits it becomes less accurate at the very bottom and very top of its scale of measuring. The price plus the number of tests is equal to the best on the market.

Details:  

  • 130-Tests (if looked after correctly this test kit will still give accurate readings after its used by date. Do Not swap the lids on the bottles -this can cause the kit to become inaccurate).
  • Tests both Freshwater and Saltwater Water.
  • Reads Ammonia levels from 0ppm – 8ppm.
  • The kit contains 2 bottles of Ammonia Regent Liquids. Labelled 1 and 2. There are instructions on the front of the bottles. 2. Waterproof Color Cards, for testing both Freshwater and Saltwater. The card has simple instructions on the back. 1. Glass Test Tube and Plastic Lid. (if you drop the test tube, replacements are available to buy). The Test Tube is marked where you need to fill it to, with the water you are testing. 1. Instruction Paper.
  • Made in the USA.

Tips:

Always clean the Test Tube and Plastic Lid after use with freshwater – best is distilled water. Then dry both between uses. It is very easy to get a false test if the tube or lid are dirty. When starting a new tank use weekly for a month or longer until you are 100% sure the tank has cycled and there is 0ppm Ammonia. Then test at random or when you think there might be a problem with the water. If fish are dying, swimming strangely, or the water is milky looking test for Ammonia. If the Ammonia is at 1ppm or above is found, do a 75% water change, straight away. Add any product available to help stop the fish from dying eg, Ammo Lock or Prime. If after the water change, there is still high levels of Ammonia change another 75%. You must get the levels down to below 1ppm. Ammonia is one of the most common causes of fish lose. When reading your Ammonia Levels off the color card, it is often difficult to be sure if the level is 0ppm or 0.25pmm. It is usually safe to assume it is 0ppm. Fish usually start having problems with Ammonia Levels above 1ppm. Where does Ammonia come from, mostly, tanks that have not been cycled for long enough, too many fish for the filtration to cope with, too much food. What does Ammonia do to fish – burns them. Fish in tanks with high Ammonia often do not recover from the damage the Ammonia has done to them.

API Ammonia Test Kit. For Freshwater and Saltwater. 130-Tests.

All products in the resources section of my page, are products that I have used myself for many years. I will not recommend any product I have not used or any product I have used and found to be less than adequate.

Why I like and use the API Nitrite Test Kit. It is a very quick test to get a result and it is simple to use. The accuracy of the kit is good to high. The price plus the number of tests is equal to the best on the market.

Details:  

  • 180-Tests (if looked after correctly this test kit does not usually go off with time).
  • Tests both Freshwater and Saltwater Water.
  • Reads Nitrite levels from 0ppm – 5ppm.
  • The kit contains 1 bottle of Nitrite Regent Liquid. There are instructions on the front of the bottle. 1. Waterproof Color Card, for testing both Freshwater and Saltwater. The card has simple instructions on the back. 1. Glass Test Tube and Plastic Lid. (if you drop the test tube, replacements are available to buy). The Test Tube is marked where you need to fill it to, with the water you are testing. 1. Instruction Paper.
  • Made in the USA.

Tips:

Always clean the Test Tube and Plastic Lid after use with freshwater – best is distilled water. Then dry both between uses. It is very easy to get a false test if the tube or lid are dirty. When starting a new tank use weekly for a month or longer until you are 100% sure the tank has cycled and there is 0pmm Nitrite. Then test at random or when you think there might be a problem with the water. If fish are dying, swimming strangely, struggling to breath, test for Nitrite. If the Nitrite is at 1ppm or above is found, do a 75% water change, straight away.  In a freshwater tank you can also add 1 tablespoon of aquarium salt or rock salt per gallon, to help reduce the effects of Nitrite (this cannot be done in a saltwater tank). If after the water change, there is still high levels of Nitrite change another 75%. You must get the levels down to below 1ppm. Nitrite is not as harmful as Ammonia, but it is still one of the most common causes of fish lose. Where does Nitrite come from, mostly, tanks that have not been cycled for long enough, too many fish for the filtration to cope with, too much food. Fish cannot breathe in tanks with high levels of Nitrite, no matter how much air you pump in. Fish in tanks with high Nitrite will often recover from the suffocating results of too much Nitrite, once the levels have been reduced.

API Nitrite Test Kit. For Freshwater and Saltwater. 180-Tests.

All products in the resources section of my page, are products that I have used myself for many years. I will not recommend any product I have not used or any product I have used and found to be less than adequate.

 Why I like and use the API Nitrate Test Kit. It is a relatively quick test to get a result from (5-minute test) and it is simple to use. The accuracy the kit is good to high. The price plus the number of tests is equal to the best on the market. (Do Not swap the lids on the bottles -this can cause the kit to become inaccurate).

 Details:  

  • 90-Tests ( This test kit will become inaccurate with age. Keep an eye on the expiry date).
  • Tests both Freshwater and Saltwater Water.
  • Reads Nitrate levels from 0ppm – 160ppm.
  • The kit contains 2 bottles of Nitrate Regent Liquids. Labelled 1 and 2. There are instructions on the front of the bottles. 2. Waterproof Color Cards, for testing both Freshwater and Saltwater. The card has simple instructions on the back. 1. Glass Test Tube and Plastic Lid. (if you drop the test tube, replacements are available to buy). The Test Tube is marked where you need to fill it to, with the water you are testing. 1. Instruction Paper.
  • Made in the USA.

Tips:

Always clean the Test Tube and Plastic Lid after use with freshwater – best is distilled water. Then dry both between uses. It is very easy to get a false test if the tube or lid are dirty. With this kit the accuracy of the result will be related to how accurately you follow the instructions. Skip a step or short or lengthen a time set by the kit and you can get an inaccurate reading.

When starting a new tank, if you find some levels of nitrate in the tank at between weeks 3 and 6, it usually means that the tank is cycling correctly. You should learn the differences between Nitrite and Nitrate, it is important. Nitrate is not harmful to fish like Nitrite, but high Nitrate does stunt fish growth grow a lot of nuisance algae. For those reasons we target 0ppm Nitrate in our tanks. Zero Nitrate tanks are often the best-looking tanks with the healthiest looking life forms in them. The quickest and cheapest way to get Nitrate levels down to zero is generally lots of water exchanges. There are some chemical treatments, but this can be expensive. Nitrate should not exceed 20ppm if you wish to have a reasonably healthy-looking tank. Where does Nitrate come from, mainly FOOD (you should learn about the Nitrogen Cycle). You must feed the animal life in your tank so you will always have Nitrate entering your tank.

API Nitrate Test Kit. For Freshwater and Saltwater. 90-Tests.

All products in the resources section of my page, are products I have used myself for many years. I will not recommend any product I have not used or any product I have used and found to be less than adequate.

 Why I like and use the API Phosphate Test Kit. It is a very quick test to get a result and it is simple to use. The accuracy of the kit is good to high. Like all test kits it becomes less accurate (harder to read the exact ppm) near 0ppm and at the very top of its scale of measuring. The price plus the number of tests is equal to the best on the market.

Details:  

  • 150-Tests (if looked after correctly this test kit does not usually go off with time, Do Not swap the lids on the bottles -this can cause the kit to become inaccurate).
  • Tests both Freshwater and Saltwater Water.
  • Reads Phosphate levels from 0ppm – 10ppm.
  • The kit contains 2 bottles of Phosphate Regent Liquids. Labelled 1 and 2. There are instructions on the front of the bottles. 2. Waterproof Color Cards, for testing both Freshwater and Saltwater. The cards have simple instructions on the back. 1. Glass Test Tube and Plastic Lid. (if you drop the test tube, replacements are available to buy). The Test Tube is marked where you need to fill it to, with the water you are testing. 1. Instruction Paper.
  • Made in the USA.

Tips:

Always clean the Test Tube and Plastic Lid after use with freshwater – best is distilled water. Then dry both between uses. It is very easy to get a false test if the tube or lid are dirty. High Phosphate levels do not harm fish or plants but will kill coral. The main problem aquarium keepers have with Phosphate is that it grows nuisance algae very well. Once you have high levels of Phosphate is very difficult and time consuming to get it back down to 0ppm. Zero Phosphate tanks are often the best-looking tanks with the healthiest looking life forms in them. The quickest and cheapest way to get Phosphate levels down to zero is generally lots of water exchanges. There are some chemical treatments, but this can be expensive. Phosphate should not exceed 1ppm if you wish to have a reasonably healthy-looking tank. Where does Phosphate come from, FOOD. You must feed the animal life in your tank so you will always have Phosphate entering your tank.

API Phosphate Test Kit. For Freshwater and Saltwater. 160 -Tests.

All products in the resources section of my page, are products that I have used myself for many years. I will not recommend any product I have found to be less than adequate.

Why I like and use the AquaClear 110 (500 by Fluval/Hagen). The most powerful and reliable Hang On Filter I’ve used. I have units that are over 20 years old, still operating. They were on the market as of 1978.

Comes with all the media in the box ready to go. It contains more media then any filter of similar size and the media lasts many months longer the cartridges that other filters have. I like using the original media that comes with the unit but you can change it out for any media you like (expect Filter Floss/Filter Wool as it always threads off and ends up around the shaft and impeller, like fishing line around a boat propeller).

I have never had a motor fail or cook on me, unlike many of the cheaper Hang On brands. Parts are available at a reasonable price.

The AquaClear’s higher flow rates of water flow through and its greater volume of filter media, permit you to keep more fish or larger fish than you can with other brands of similar sized Hang On Filters.

They are a quiet filter if the water is run high in the tank (you will not hear the splashing sound as the water fall back in). If you do choice to run the water higher, you will find it will most likely start flow again without assistance after a power failure but when you run the water high the filter does not put any air in the water by splashing. Use an air pump to ensure that the tank inhabitants have enough oxygen. (I would always recommend that every tank has more than 1 source of air. I have been told many stories of a filter stopping and the tank inhabitants dying to a lack of oxygen). Should you choice to run the water in you tank lower to use the AquaClear to splash and make oxygen in the tank, this is fine but if the power goes off it may not be able to restart the water flowing without your help. If this does happen, it is best to turn the filter of and let the motor cool down before restarting the filter. If the filter will not restart it is not broken or burned out. Take the motor off, then take the impeller out, clean both the impeller and the shaft area (cotton bubs work well). The filter will start easily once the impeller is moving freely.  

Anytime you find the unit to be noisy (other than a splashing sound) it needs maintenance immediately. Remember that your filter is running 24 hours a day, parts will wear out. If you hear a clicking type of sound or similar, it is nearly always because the shaft or impeller has worn out. Replace one or both and your filter will be quiet again and run with a faster water flow.

The AquaClear comes with a black leveling part which you push into the base of the filter on the outside of the tank, to make the filter level with the tank wall. If you don’t level the filter it will hand sloping backwards away from the tank and you will have water running out of the filter onto the floor. I try to have the filter sloping forward into the tank, just a little.

What size tank will it filter, well it really depends on the size and number of fish in the tank as to what size tank it can filter correctly.  As a guide, 50 to 160 gallon (200 to 650 litres).

AquaClear sale prices are usually higher than similar filters but it is the best value for money you’ll get in a Hang On Filter.

If you are using a tank with wide supports around the top, greater than 2/3’s of an inch (2cm) the filter may not clip over the tank wall. Best to check before you buy.

  • 500 gallons (1890L) per hour with clean media.
  • AquaClear 110 comes with a 2-year warranty.
  • Includes: Large Filter Sponge, Activated Carbon in a bag and Ceramic Rings with a bag. 2 x intake tubes (you can join them together is you wish to take water from closer to the bottom of the tank).
  • Made in Italy. 

AquaClear 110 Filter

All products in the resources section of my page, are products that I have used myself for many years. I will not recommend any product I have found to be less than adequate.

Why I like and use the AquaClear 70 (300 by Fluval/Hagen). The most powerful and reliable Hang On Filter I’ve used. I have units that are over 20 years old, still operating. They were on the market as of 1978.

Comes with all the media in the box ready to go. It contains more media then any filter of similar size and the media lasts many months longer the cartridges that other filters have. I like using the original media that comes with the unit but you can change it out for any media you like (expect Filter Floss/Filter Wool as it always threads off and ends up around the shaft and impeller, like fishing line around a boat propeller).

I have never had a motor fail or cook on me, unlike many of the cheaper Hang On brands. Parts are available at a reasonable price.

The AquaClear’s higher flow rates of water flow through and its greater volume of filter media, permit you to keep more fish or larger fish than you can with other brands of similar sized Hang On Filters.

They are a quiet filter if the water is run high in the tank (you will not hear the splashing sound as the water fall back in). If you do choice to run the water higher, you will find it will most likely start flow again without assistance after a power failure but when you run the water high the filter does not put any air in the water by splashing. Use an air pump to ensure that the tank inhabitants have enough oxygen. (I would always recommend that every tank has more than 1 source of air. I have been told many stories of a filter stopping and the tank inhabitants dying to a lack of oxygen). Should you choice to run the water in you tank lower to use the AquaClear to splash and make oxygen in the tank, this is fine but if the power goes off it may not be able to restart the water flowing without your help. If this does happen, it is best to turn the filter of and let the motor cool down before restarting the filter. If the filter will not restart it is not broken or burned out. Take the motor off, then take the impeller out, clean both the impeller and the shaft area (cotton bubs work well). The filter will start easily once the impeller is moving freely.  

Anytime you find the unit to be noisy (other than a splashing sound) it needs maintenance immediately. Remember that your filter is running 24 hours a day, parts will wear out. If you hear a clicking type of sound or similar, it is nearly always because the shaft or impeller has worn out. Replace one or both and your filter will be quiet again and run with a faster water flow.

The AquaClear comes with a black leveling part which you push into the base of the filter on the outside of the tank, to make the filter level with the tank wall. If you don’t level the filter it will hand sloping backwards away from the tank and you will have water running out of the filter onto the floor. I try to have the filter sloping forward into the tank, just a little.

What size tank will it filter, well it really depends on the size and number of fish in the tank as to what size tank it can filter correctly. As a guide, 50 to 100 gallon (200 to 400 litres).

AquaClear sale prices are usually higher than similar filters but it is the best value for money you’ll get in a Hang On Filter.

If you are using a tank with wide supports around the top, greater than 2/3’s of an inch (2cm) the filter may not clip over the tank wall. Best to check before you buy.

  • 300 gallons (1135 L) per hour with clean media.
  • AquaClear 70 comes with a 2-year warranty.
  • Includes: Large Filter Sponge, Activated Carbon in a bag and Ceramic Rings with a bag. 2 x intake tubes (you can join them together is you wish to take water from closer to the bottom of the tank).
  • Made in Italy. 

AquaClear 70 Filter

All products in the resources section of my page, are products that I have used myself for many years. I will not recommend any product I have found to be less than adequate.

Why I like and use the AquaClear 50 (200 by Fluval/Hagen). The most powerful and reliable Hang On Filter I’ve used. I have units that are over 20 years old, still operating. They were on the market as of 1978.

Comes with all the media in the box ready to go. It contains more media then any filter of similar size and the media lasts many months longer the cartridges that other filters have. I like using the original media that comes with the unit but you can change it out for any media you like (expect Filter Floss/Filter Wool as it always threads off and ends up around the shaft and impeller, like fishing line around a boat propeller).

I have never had a motor fail or cook on me, unlike many of the cheaper Hang On brands. Parts are available at a reasonable price.

The AquaClear’s higher flow rates of water flow through and its greater volume of filter media, permit you to keep more fish or larger fish than you can with other brands of similar sized Hang On Filters.

They are a quiet filter if the water is run high in the tank (you will not hear the splashing sound as the water fall back in). If you do choice to run the water higher, you will find it will most likely start flow again without assistance after a power failure but when you run the water high the filter does not put any air in the water by splashing. Use an air pump to ensure that the tank inhabitants have enough oxygen. (I would always recommend that every tank has more than 1 source of air. I have been told many stories of a filter stopping and the tank inhabitants dying to a lack of oxygen). Should you choice to run the water in you tank lower to use the AquaClear to splash and make oxygen in the tank, this is fine but if the power goes off it may not be able to restart the water flowing without your help. If this does happen, it is best to turn the filter of and let the motor cool down before restarting the filter. If the filter will not restart it is not broken or burned out. Take the motor off, then take the impeller out, clean both the impeller and the shaft area (cotton bubs work well). The filter will start easily once the impeller is moving freely.  

Anytime you find the unit to be noisy (other than a splashing sound) it needs maintenance immediately. Remember that your filter is running 24 hours a day, parts will wear out. If you hear a clicking type of sound or similar, it is nearly always because the shaft or impeller has worn out. Replace one or both and your filter will be quiet again and run with a faster water flow.

The AquaClear comes with a black leveling part which you push into the base of the filter on the outside of the tank, to make the filter level with the tank wall. If you don’t level the filter it will hand sloping backwards away from the tank and you will have water running out of the filter onto the floor. I try to have the filter sloping forward into the tank, just a little.

What size tank will it filter, well it really depends on the size and number of fish in the tank as to what size tank it can filter correctly. As a guide, 20 to 40 gallon (80 to 120 litres).

AquaClear sale prices are usually higher than similar filters but it is the best value for money you’ll get in a Hang On Filter.

If you are using a tank with wide supports around the top, greater than 2/3’s of an inch (2cm) the filter may not clip over the tank wall. Best to check before you buy.

  • 200 gallons ( 755 L) per hour with clean media.
  • AquaClear 50 comes with a 2-year warranty.
  • Includes: Large Filter Sponge, Activated Carbon in a bag and Ceramic Rings with a bag. 2 x intake tubes (you can join them together is you wish to take water from closer to the bottom of the tank).
  • Made in Italy. 

AquaClear 50 Filter

AquaClear 30 Filter

All products in the resources section of my page, are products that I have used myself for many years. I will not recommend any product I have found to be less than adequate.

Why I like and use the AquaClear 30 (150 by Fluval/Hagen). The most powerful and reliable Hang On Filter I’ve used. I have units that are over 20 years old, still operating. They were on the market as of 1978.

Comes with all the media in the box ready to go. It contains more media then any filter of similar size and the media lasts many months longer the cartridges that other filters have. I like using the original media that comes with the unit but you can change it out for any media you like (expect Filter Floss/Filter Wool as it always threads off and ends up around the shaft and impeller, like fishing line around a boat propeller).

I have never had a motor fail or cook on me, unlike many of the cheaper Hang On brands. Parts are available at a reasonable price.

The AquaClear’s higher flow rates of water flow through and its greater volume of filter media, permit you to keep more fish or larger fish than you can with other brands of similar sized Hang On Filters.

They are a quiet filter if the water is run high in the tank (you will not hear the splashing sound as the water fall back in). If you do choice to run the water higher, you will find it will most likely start flow again without assistance after a power failure but when you run the water high the filter does not put any air in the water by splashing. Use an air pump to ensure that the tank inhabitants have enough oxygen. (I would always recommend that every tank has more than 1 source of air. I have been told many stories of a filter stopping and the tank inhabitants dying to a lack of oxygen). Should you choice to run the water in you tank lower to use the AquaClear to splash and make oxygen in the tank, this is fine but if the power goes off it may not be able to restart the water flowing without your help. If this does happen, it is best to turn the filter of and let the motor cool down before restarting the filter. If the filter will not restart it is not broken or burned out. Take the motor off, then take the impeller out, clean both the impeller and the shaft area (cotton bubs work well). The filter will start easily once the impeller is moving freely.  

Anytime you find the unit to be noisy (other than a splashing sound) it needs maintenance immediately. Remember that your filter is running 24 hours a day, parts will wear out. If you hear a clicking type of sound or similar, it is nearly always because the shaft or impeller has worn out. Replace one or both and your filter will be quiet again and run with a faster water flow.

The AquaClear comes with a black leveling part which you push into the base of the filter on the outside of the tank, to make the filter level with the tank wall. If you don’t level the filter it will hand sloping backwards away from the tank and you will have water running out of the filter onto the floor. I try to have the filter sloping forward into the tank, just a little.

What size tank will it filter, well it really depends on the size and number of fish in the tank as to what size tank it can filter correctly. As a guide, 10 to 15 gallon (40 to 60 litres).

AquaClear sale prices are usually higher than similar filters but it is the best value for money you’ll get in a Hang On Filter.

If you are using a tank with wide supports around the top, greater than 2/3’s of an inch (2cm) the filter may not clip over the tank wall. Best to check before you buy.

  • 150 gallons (565 L) per hour with clean media.
  • AquaClear 30 comes with a 2-year warranty.
  • Includes: Filter Sponge, Activated Carbon in a bag and Ceramic Rings with a bag.  2 x intake tubes (you can join them together is you wish to take water from closer to the bottom of the tank).
  • Made in Italy. 

AquaClear 30 Filter

All products in the resources section of my page, are products that I have used myself for many years. I will not recommend any product I have found to be less than adequate.

Why I like and use the AquaClear 20 (Mini by Fluval/Hagen). The most powerful and reliable Hang On Filter I’ve used. I have units that are over 20 years old, still operating. They were on the market as of 1978.

Comes with all the media in the box ready to go. It contains more media then any filter of similar size and the media lasts many months longer the cartridges that other filters have. I like using the original media that comes with the unit but you can change it out for any media you like (expect Filter Floss/Filter Wool as it always threads off and ends up around the shaft and impeller, like fishing line around a boat propeller).

I have never had a motor fail or cook on me, unlike many of the cheaper Hang On brands. Parts are available at a reasonable price.

The AquaClear’s higher flow rates of water flow through and its greater volume of filter media, permit you to keep more fish or larger fish than you can with other brands of similar sized Hang On Filters.

They are a quiet filter if the water is run high in the tank (you will not hear the splashing sound as the water fall back in). If you do choice to run the water higher, you will find it will most likely start flow again without assistance after a power failure but when you run the water high the filter does not put any air in the water by splashing. Use an air pump to ensure that the tank inhabitants have enough oxygen. (I would always recommend that every tank has more than 1 source of air. I have been told many stories of a filter stopping and the tank inhabitants dying to a lack of oxygen). Should you choice to run the water in you tank lower to use the AquaClear to splash and make oxygen in the tank, this is fine but if the power goes off it may not be able to restart the water flowing without your help. If this does happen, it is best to turn the filter of and let the motor cool down before restarting the filter. If the filter will not restart it is not broken or burned out. Take the motor off, then take the impeller out, clean both the impeller and the shaft area (cotton bubs work well). The filter will start easily once the impeller is moving freely.  

Anytime you find the unit to be noisy (other than a splashing sound) it needs maintenance immediately. Remember that your filter is running 24 hours a day, parts will wear out. If you hear a clicking type of sound or similar, it is nearly always because the shaft or impeller has worn out. Replace one or both and your filter will be quiet again and run with a faster water flow.

The AquaClear comes with a black leveling part which you push into the base of the filter on the outside of the tank, to make the filter level with the tank wall. If you don’t level the filter it will hand sloping backwards away from the tank and you will have water running out of the filter onto the floor. I try to have the filter sloping forward into the tank, just a little.

What size tank will it filter, well it really depends on the size and number of fish in the tank as to what size tank it can filter correctly. As a guide, 4 to 40 gallon (15 to 60 litres).

AquaClear sale prices are usually higher than similar filters but it is the best value for money you’ll get in a Hang On Filter.

If you are using a tank with wide supports around the top, greater than 2/3’s of an inch (2cm) the filter may not clip over the tank wall. Best to check before you buy.

  • 100 gallons (375 L) per hour with clean media.
  • AquaClear 20 comes with a 2-year warranty.
  • Includes: Filter Sponge, Activated Carbon in a bag and Ceramic Rings with a bag.
  • Made in Italy. 

AquaClear 20 Filter