Fluval AquaClear AC Series Aquarium Filters

The Fluval AquaClear is one of the most trusted hang-on-back power filters in the hobby, and for good reason. A large media basket and multi-stage design give you mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration with far more contact time than a typical cartridge filter, while the adjustable flow control lets you dial the current to suit shy fish or heavy feeders. It comes in five sizes for aquariums from 5 to 110 gallons and is made in Italy.

Keep it running its best with fresh filter media and a good water conditioner.

Features

• Multi-stage filtration: mechanical foam, activated carbon, and BioMax biological media, all included
• Patented re-filtration system recycles water back through the media for higher contact time and cleaner results (Fluval's superior 4-stage system)
• Adjustable flow control reduces output for gentle flow or delicate fish
• Oversized media basket holds more media than comparable filters, so it runs longer between changes
• Quiet operation and quick, tool-free maintenance
• Works on both freshwater and saltwater aquariums
• Proven, reliable design, made in Italy

Choose Your Size

Pick the model that brackets your tank size. When in doubt, size up: the adjustable flow lets you turn a larger filter down, so extra filtration is rarely a bad thing.

How AquaClear Filtration Works

Water is drawn up and pushed down through a stack of media inside the basket. A mechanical foam block traps debris, activated carbon polishes out discoloration and odors, and BioMax ceramic rings host the beneficial bacteria that break down ammonia and nitrite. The patented re-filtration system then cycles some of the water back through the media instead of straight into the tank, so everything is filtered longer for cleaner, clearer water.

Specifications

Recommended Pairings

• Filter media, foam, carbon, and biomedia to refresh or customize your filtration.
• Water conditioners to dechlorinate and protect fish during water changes.
• Seachem Matrix biomedia for extra biological capacity in heavily stocked tanks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which size do I need?
Match the model to your tank size using the chart above. When in doubt, size up: the adjustable flow lets you turn a larger filter down, and extra filtration is rarely a bad thing.

Does it come with media?
Yes. Each AquaClear ships with foam, activated carbon, and BioMax, so it is ready to run out of the box.

Can I use it on a saltwater tank?
Yes. AquaClear filters work on both freshwater and marine aquariums.

How often do I service it?
The large basket and re-filtration design let it run longer between cleanings than a cartridge filter. Rinse the foam in old tank water as needed and replace the carbon periodically, but leave the BioMax in place to preserve your beneficial bacteria.