This is my second purchase of the AquaClear 30 Hagen Power Filter (AKA: "Fluval 30"), the 10-30 gallon adjustable flow OTB filter. I have a 10G standard tank and a 20G high tank. This filter is ideal for both. It is dead quiet (I have both tanks in my living room) and I cannot tolerate motor noise or a constant hum (I have a really quiet air pump in the room as well!). It would drive me up the wall. So... quiet. Very quiet.
This thing can run 150gph through itself. That's turning over all the water in a 30G tank five times every hour. But, best of all, if you turn it down (and for a 10 or 20 you need to!), it recirculates water inside itself and refilters it many times before the waterfall. This is what they claim, and I think it's true. Can't prove it. So... plenty of suction.
The part that holds the filter material in place (a sort of removable U-shaped shelf) can be easily removed while the filter is running if you take it slow, otherwise it gets a little sloppy. Same thing when you put it back. They provide you with filter stuff. My advice... keeping the big sponge is a must, that's an integral part of the system, and then get yourself whatever filter media you like in bulk blankets. I don't use charcoal other than when I need to clear some medication or something, so I use a dual-density very fine polyester mechanical filter (comes in mats, cut to size, good for years) as the "polishing" stage, then I have a bag of bio-rock matrix sitting on top just before the waterfall. Works for me. I cut what I need, and it's lots cheaper than cartridges and all that. (This filter runs water from the bottom up through the various media and out the top for the waterfall. Bear that in mind when you stack things up.)
Disassembly is easy-peasy. CAUTION!!!!!! When you take the pump assembly off (a quarter-turn, and it comes right off), do it over a towel away from anything where you can lose a small part. The impeller is right there, magnetically bound to it's shaft. You need to remove it (tweezers, like that) and rinse out that chamber as well as clean off the impeller. It's not THAT small, but you really don't want to lose it down the sink! And, like all OTB filters, the U-channel that carries water over the back is hard to get clean. Get REALLY flexible tube brushes... 3/4" and 1" will to nicely. You have to get around a 90 degree bend. Other than that... nothing to complain about, and that's a necessary design they all have.
And last, it's low profile. The entire unit sticks up about one inch (2.6 cm) above the tank. The little flow adjusting handle thingy protrudes another little bit above that, but the whole thing is very unobtrusive. Perfect for a display tank.
The one thing I wish OTB filters had is an in-line ON/OFF switch and a disconnect so you don't have to dig around and unplug it when you want to service it or just turn it off for feeding time. I can do that stuff myself, but if *I* want something like that, I bet lots of folks do. ::hint hint::
Anyway, I love this filter.
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From the manufacturer
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| AquaClear 20 Power Filter | AquaClear 30 Power Filter | AquaClear 50 Power Filter | AquaClear 70 Power Filter | AquaClear 110 Power Filter | |
| Customer Reviews |
21,912
|
21,912
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21,912
|
21,912
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2,355
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| Price | $32.81 | $38.98 | $44.28 | $59.99 | $91.06 |
| Aquarium Capacity | up to 20 gallons | up to 30 gallons | up to 50 gallons | up to 70 gallons | up to 110 gallons |
| Suitable for Fresh & Saltwater Aquariums | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Filter Circulation (120 V) | 100 Gal/h (378 L/h) | 150 Gal/h (568 L/h) | 200 Gal/h (757 L/h) | 300 Gal/h (1135 L/h) | 500 Gal/h (1890 L/h) |
| Watt | 5W | 5W | 5W | 5W | 5W |
| Included Media | Poly/Foam Insert, BioMax, Activated Carbon Insert | Poly/Foam Insert, BioMax, Activated Carbon Insert | Poly/Foam Insert, BioMax, Activated Carbon Insert | Poly/Foam Insert, BioMax, Activated Carbon Insert | Poly/Foam Insert, BioMax, Activated Carbon Insert |
Videos
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Videos for this product
1:23
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Watch Before You Get This AquaClear Fish Tank Filter
Andrew and JJ
Videos for this product
6:39
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Customer Review: Aquaclear 50 by Hagen aquarium filter. 200GPH
NRH
Videos for this product
0:34
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AquaClear - Fish Tank Filter - 20 to 50 Gallons - 50v
jesus yao
Videos for this product
1:39
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You'll Never Believe What this Filter is Capable Of!
Sydney's Angels
Compare with similar items
This Item  AquaClear 50 Power Filter, Fish Tank Filter for 20- to 50-Gallon Aquariums (Packaging may vary) |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | -16% $44.28 List: $52.99 | $27.99 | -31% $21.99 Typical: $31.75 | $5.60 | -24% $31.96 List: $41.99 | -27% $7.29 List: $9.99 |
| Delivery | Get it as soon as Saturday, May 11 | Get it as soon as Saturday, May 11 | Get it as soon as Monday, May 13 | Get it as soon as Saturday, May 11 | Get it as soon as Saturday, May 11 | Get it as soon as Saturday, May 11 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Suction power | ||||||
| Noise level | ||||||
| Sheerness | ||||||
| Easy to clean | ||||||
| Sold By | Amazon.com | Ample Best | P&V Group USA LLC | Amazon.com | Monster Pets | CLL Pet Supplies |
Reviews with images
Aquaclear 50 by Hagen aquarium filter. 200GPH
12-7-2013 Update and some additional information:I moved my aquarium to another room the week 11/24/2013. When I moved the aquarium, I decided to clean the housing, impeller, and the cavity the impeller sits in. Up until this time, the AC 50 had been running quiet. However, after cleaning everything out, the impeller was making noise like it did when it was new. As of today (12-7-2013), this noise has been reduced by about 1/2. If things continue, the filter should be quiet again after the impeller builds up a slime coat. I also removed the undergravel filter from my aquarium. 12-13-2013 filter is quite again, just the sound of the motor running.I have been reading several negative reviews about this filter not priming itself after a power failure, filter cleaning, or a water change. One thing that appears to be an issue when reading these reviews is that the water level in the aquarium has gone below that of the top of the impeller cover. When the filter is turned off, the water level in the filter will become equal to the water level in the aquarium. If the water level is below that of the intake tube, the syphon will be lost and the intake tube will drain of water and the filter will not be able to start on its own without refilling the water in the filter. This is typical of many Hang Over the Back (HOB) filters.Sometimes, the impeller will fail to restart. This can be due to residue on the impeller shaft or on the magnet of the impeller. A good cleaning will usually remedy this problem. However, a long stick or skewer can be used to jump start the impeller if it fails to restart (this however only works if you are there to witness the problem). Any HOB filter that has a stuck impeller, and remains plugged in, has the risk of motor burnout.Another issue I see is that people are getting a AquaClear that is rated right at the size of tank they have, for instance a 20 gallon tank gets a AquaClear 20. This filter will filter a 20 gallon aquarium with minimal bioload, however the next size filter should be chosen. This would mean an AquaClear 30 and not the AquaClear 20 for a 20 gallon aquarium. I am personally using a AquaClear 50 on my 20 gallon and I am very happy with it. It is always best to have more filtration than needed rather than having too little or just the bare minimum.I am still very pleased with this filter and have no plans to change to another brand anytime soon.This review was updated on 12-25-2011.I purchased two of the AquaClear 50's on a buy one get one free deal. The price was right for the two filters and it gave me spare parts and extra media. The first filter was noisy from the impeller vibrating. I read various postings online about checking the impeller for damage, and manufacturing flaws. I also used petroleum jelly to lubricated the motor shaft, it was still very noisy from the rattling of the impeller. I removed the lid just to see if that made a difference, it did, but I could still hear the impeller vibrating from 15-20 feet away. It sounded like I was running the filter dry. I hooked up the second filter to see if it was any different. It still had a slight vibration/rattle, but it was not as much as the first one and was acceptable. I have been reading that this slight vibration/noise will go away in a month or so. After a week, the filter impeller started to quiet down and is hardly audible. I exchanged the noisy Aquaclear 50 for another Aquaclear 50.***Update: 12-4-2011: The filter is now quiet with just a hum of the motor running.***The small amount of noise coming from the current Aquaclear 50 has even subsided and is almost silent at this point. The lid does rattle from time-to-time, but it is not very loud.The Aquaclear 50 was hooked up on 11-25-2011. Today (12-2-2011) I had to clean the foam as it was matted on the underside with debris that had collected on it. I could tell it needed cleaning as the flow was somewhat slowed.My previous over the back filter was a bio-wheel 100. I have a 20 gal tank and the bio-wheel worked well when I first got it about 5 years ago. Over time I found myself getting annoyed with the bio-wheel stopping all the time. I also have an undergravel filter to help with biological filtration. When I saw the Aquaclear 50 on sale (buy one, get one free), I decided it was time to try something different than the bio-wheel 100. The Aquaclear 50 has double the flow rate (200GPH) than the bio-wheel 100 (100GPH) and is a much improved upgrade from the bio-wheel 100. Higher flow rates are available in the bio-wheel line as well, but I wanted to try another brand of filter.The water in my aquarium has not been this clean for a long time. I have not any problems with the filter not restarting after the power is has been shutoff. I did a few tests to see if it would restart on its own after being stuff off for 15 minutes and it always restarted. This could change over time, and I can see this being a problem if the water level in the tank goes below the equilibrium line of the filter and the tank's water level.I do recommend a pre-filter for the intake tube if you have small fish as the rate of intake can catch fish. I had this happen with one of my guppies and added a Fluval Edge pre-filter to the intake to prevent this from happening again.I like the ability to be able to rinse the foam insert in the filter without having to replace them entirely (although the manufacturer recommends every 2 months) unlike the bio-wheel system's filter cartridges. The foam insert can be cleaned many times, in conditioned water, to get the debris and to keep the nitrifying bacteria. The bio-max can also be rinsed in conditioned or tank water to allow it to be used longer. With the old bio-wheel I had to replace the filters every month due to the activated carbon in them. With the aquaclear I can run the filter without the activated carbon.Other than the noise of the first unit (which was exchanged), and to some extent the second unit (very little noise), I am very happy with it.The Aquaclear 50 comes with a foam insert, carbon filter, and bio-max media. There are two extension tubes that come with the filter. The filter is easy to assemble and attach to the back of the aquarium. There is an adjuster to level the filter with the aquarium that is located on the bottom of the filter.I am currently running it with two of the foam inserts and one pack of bio-max. I am debating on running only one foam insert and two bags of bio-max.Tank Size: 20 gallons.Current Filters: Aquaclear 50 and undergravel filter.Prior Filters: Bio-Wheel 100 and undergravel filter.Fish: 3 platies, 2 guppies, 4.5yr old angelfish, 4 albino corydoras catfish.Other: 3 ghost shrimp and 15-20 ramshorn snails.In my video I mention that the lid was a bit difficult to put on. It is much easier to put the lid on when the filter is actually installed on the back of the aquarium. It is not really an issue at all. Just something I came across while doing the video.
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on June 25, 2021
Size: 10 to 30 Gallons - 30Style: Fish Tank FilterVerified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on December 3, 2011
Size: 20 to 50 Gallons - 50Style: Fish Tank FilterVerified Purchase
12-7-2013 Update and some additional information:
I moved my aquarium to another room the week 11/24/2013. When I moved the aquarium, I decided to clean the housing, impeller, and the cavity the impeller sits in. Up until this time, the AC 50 had been running quiet. However, after cleaning everything out, the impeller was making noise like it did when it was new. As of today (12-7-2013), this noise has been reduced by about 1/2. If things continue, the filter should be quiet again after the impeller builds up a slime coat. I also removed the undergravel filter from my aquarium. 12-13-2013 filter is quite again, just the sound of the motor running.
I have been reading several negative reviews about this filter not priming itself after a power failure, filter cleaning, or a water change. One thing that appears to be an issue when reading these reviews is that the water level in the aquarium has gone below that of the top of the impeller cover. When the filter is turned off, the water level in the filter will become equal to the water level in the aquarium. If the water level is below that of the intake tube, the syphon will be lost and the intake tube will drain of water and the filter will not be able to start on its own without refilling the water in the filter. This is typical of many Hang Over the Back (HOB) filters.
Sometimes, the impeller will fail to restart. This can be due to residue on the impeller shaft or on the magnet of the impeller. A good cleaning will usually remedy this problem. However, a long stick or skewer can be used to jump start the impeller if it fails to restart (this however only works if you are there to witness the problem). Any HOB filter that has a stuck impeller, and remains plugged in, has the risk of motor burnout.
Another issue I see is that people are getting a AquaClear that is rated right at the size of tank they have, for instance a 20 gallon tank gets a AquaClear 20. This filter will filter a 20 gallon aquarium with minimal bioload, however the next size filter should be chosen. This would mean an AquaClear 30 and not the AquaClear 20 for a 20 gallon aquarium. I am personally using a AquaClear 50 on my 20 gallon and I am very happy with it. It is always best to have more filtration than needed rather than having too little or just the bare minimum.
I am still very pleased with this filter and have no plans to change to another brand anytime soon.
This review was updated on 12-25-2011.
I purchased two of the AquaClear 50's on a buy one get one free deal. The price was right for the two filters and it gave me spare parts and extra media. The first filter was noisy from the impeller vibrating. I read various postings online about checking the impeller for damage, and manufacturing flaws. I also used petroleum jelly to lubricated the motor shaft, it was still very noisy from the rattling of the impeller. I removed the lid just to see if that made a difference, it did, but I could still hear the impeller vibrating from 15-20 feet away. It sounded like I was running the filter dry. I hooked up the second filter to see if it was any different. It still had a slight vibration/rattle, but it was not as much as the first one and was acceptable. I have been reading that this slight vibration/noise will go away in a month or so. After a week, the filter impeller started to quiet down and is hardly audible. I exchanged the noisy Aquaclear 50 for another Aquaclear 50.
***Update: 12-4-2011: The filter is now quiet with just a hum of the motor running.***
The small amount of noise coming from the current Aquaclear 50 has even subsided and is almost silent at this point. The lid does rattle from time-to-time, but it is not very loud.
The Aquaclear 50 was hooked up on 11-25-2011. Today (12-2-2011) I had to clean the foam as it was matted on the underside with debris that had collected on it. I could tell it needed cleaning as the flow was somewhat slowed.
My previous over the back filter was a bio-wheel 100. I have a 20 gal tank and the bio-wheel worked well when I first got it about 5 years ago. Over time I found myself getting annoyed with the bio-wheel stopping all the time. I also have an undergravel filter to help with biological filtration. When I saw the Aquaclear 50 on sale (buy one, get one free), I decided it was time to try something different than the bio-wheel 100. The Aquaclear 50 has double the flow rate (200GPH) than the bio-wheel 100 (100GPH) and is a much improved upgrade from the bio-wheel 100. Higher flow rates are available in the bio-wheel line as well, but I wanted to try another brand of filter.
The water in my aquarium has not been this clean for a long time. I have not any problems with the filter not restarting after the power is has been shutoff. I did a few tests to see if it would restart on its own after being stuff off for 15 minutes and it always restarted. This could change over time, and I can see this being a problem if the water level in the tank goes below the equilibrium line of the filter and the tank's water level.
I do recommend a pre-filter for the intake tube if you have small fish as the rate of intake can catch fish. I had this happen with one of my guppies and added a Fluval Edge pre-filter to the intake to prevent this from happening again.
I like the ability to be able to rinse the foam insert in the filter without having to replace them entirely (although the manufacturer recommends every 2 months) unlike the bio-wheel system's filter cartridges. The foam insert can be cleaned many times, in conditioned water, to get the debris and to keep the nitrifying bacteria. The bio-max can also be rinsed in conditioned or tank water to allow it to be used longer. With the old bio-wheel I had to replace the filters every month due to the activated carbon in them. With the aquaclear I can run the filter without the activated carbon.
Other than the noise of the first unit (which was exchanged), and to some extent the second unit (very little noise), I am very happy with it.
The Aquaclear 50 comes with a foam insert, carbon filter, and bio-max media. There are two extension tubes that come with the filter. The filter is easy to assemble and attach to the back of the aquarium. There is an adjuster to level the filter with the aquarium that is located on the bottom of the filter.
I am currently running it with two of the foam inserts and one pack of bio-max. I am debating on running only one foam insert and two bags of bio-max.
Tank Size: 20 gallons.
Current Filters: Aquaclear 50 and undergravel filter.
Prior Filters: Bio-Wheel 100 and undergravel filter.
Fish: 3 platies, 2 guppies, 4.5yr old angelfish, 4 albino corydoras catfish.
Other: 3 ghost shrimp and 15-20 ramshorn snails.
In my video I mention that the lid was a bit difficult to put on. It is much easier to put the lid on when the filter is actually installed on the back of the aquarium. It is not really an issue at all. Just something I came across while doing the video.
I moved my aquarium to another room the week 11/24/2013. When I moved the aquarium, I decided to clean the housing, impeller, and the cavity the impeller sits in. Up until this time, the AC 50 had been running quiet. However, after cleaning everything out, the impeller was making noise like it did when it was new. As of today (12-7-2013), this noise has been reduced by about 1/2. If things continue, the filter should be quiet again after the impeller builds up a slime coat. I also removed the undergravel filter from my aquarium. 12-13-2013 filter is quite again, just the sound of the motor running.
I have been reading several negative reviews about this filter not priming itself after a power failure, filter cleaning, or a water change. One thing that appears to be an issue when reading these reviews is that the water level in the aquarium has gone below that of the top of the impeller cover. When the filter is turned off, the water level in the filter will become equal to the water level in the aquarium. If the water level is below that of the intake tube, the syphon will be lost and the intake tube will drain of water and the filter will not be able to start on its own without refilling the water in the filter. This is typical of many Hang Over the Back (HOB) filters.
Sometimes, the impeller will fail to restart. This can be due to residue on the impeller shaft or on the magnet of the impeller. A good cleaning will usually remedy this problem. However, a long stick or skewer can be used to jump start the impeller if it fails to restart (this however only works if you are there to witness the problem). Any HOB filter that has a stuck impeller, and remains plugged in, has the risk of motor burnout.
Another issue I see is that people are getting a AquaClear that is rated right at the size of tank they have, for instance a 20 gallon tank gets a AquaClear 20. This filter will filter a 20 gallon aquarium with minimal bioload, however the next size filter should be chosen. This would mean an AquaClear 30 and not the AquaClear 20 for a 20 gallon aquarium. I am personally using a AquaClear 50 on my 20 gallon and I am very happy with it. It is always best to have more filtration than needed rather than having too little or just the bare minimum.
I am still very pleased with this filter and have no plans to change to another brand anytime soon.
This review was updated on 12-25-2011.
I purchased two of the AquaClear 50's on a buy one get one free deal. The price was right for the two filters and it gave me spare parts and extra media. The first filter was noisy from the impeller vibrating. I read various postings online about checking the impeller for damage, and manufacturing flaws. I also used petroleum jelly to lubricated the motor shaft, it was still very noisy from the rattling of the impeller. I removed the lid just to see if that made a difference, it did, but I could still hear the impeller vibrating from 15-20 feet away. It sounded like I was running the filter dry. I hooked up the second filter to see if it was any different. It still had a slight vibration/rattle, but it was not as much as the first one and was acceptable. I have been reading that this slight vibration/noise will go away in a month or so. After a week, the filter impeller started to quiet down and is hardly audible. I exchanged the noisy Aquaclear 50 for another Aquaclear 50.
***Update: 12-4-2011: The filter is now quiet with just a hum of the motor running.***
The small amount of noise coming from the current Aquaclear 50 has even subsided and is almost silent at this point. The lid does rattle from time-to-time, but it is not very loud.
The Aquaclear 50 was hooked up on 11-25-2011. Today (12-2-2011) I had to clean the foam as it was matted on the underside with debris that had collected on it. I could tell it needed cleaning as the flow was somewhat slowed.
My previous over the back filter was a bio-wheel 100. I have a 20 gal tank and the bio-wheel worked well when I first got it about 5 years ago. Over time I found myself getting annoyed with the bio-wheel stopping all the time. I also have an undergravel filter to help with biological filtration. When I saw the Aquaclear 50 on sale (buy one, get one free), I decided it was time to try something different than the bio-wheel 100. The Aquaclear 50 has double the flow rate (200GPH) than the bio-wheel 100 (100GPH) and is a much improved upgrade from the bio-wheel 100. Higher flow rates are available in the bio-wheel line as well, but I wanted to try another brand of filter.
The water in my aquarium has not been this clean for a long time. I have not any problems with the filter not restarting after the power is has been shutoff. I did a few tests to see if it would restart on its own after being stuff off for 15 minutes and it always restarted. This could change over time, and I can see this being a problem if the water level in the tank goes below the equilibrium line of the filter and the tank's water level.
I do recommend a pre-filter for the intake tube if you have small fish as the rate of intake can catch fish. I had this happen with one of my guppies and added a Fluval Edge pre-filter to the intake to prevent this from happening again.
I like the ability to be able to rinse the foam insert in the filter without having to replace them entirely (although the manufacturer recommends every 2 months) unlike the bio-wheel system's filter cartridges. The foam insert can be cleaned many times, in conditioned water, to get the debris and to keep the nitrifying bacteria. The bio-max can also be rinsed in conditioned or tank water to allow it to be used longer. With the old bio-wheel I had to replace the filters every month due to the activated carbon in them. With the aquaclear I can run the filter without the activated carbon.
Other than the noise of the first unit (which was exchanged), and to some extent the second unit (very little noise), I am very happy with it.
The Aquaclear 50 comes with a foam insert, carbon filter, and bio-max media. There are two extension tubes that come with the filter. The filter is easy to assemble and attach to the back of the aquarium. There is an adjuster to level the filter with the aquarium that is located on the bottom of the filter.
I am currently running it with two of the foam inserts and one pack of bio-max. I am debating on running only one foam insert and two bags of bio-max.
Tank Size: 20 gallons.
Current Filters: Aquaclear 50 and undergravel filter.
Prior Filters: Bio-Wheel 100 and undergravel filter.
Fish: 3 platies, 2 guppies, 4.5yr old angelfish, 4 albino corydoras catfish.
Other: 3 ghost shrimp and 15-20 ramshorn snails.
In my video I mention that the lid was a bit difficult to put on. It is much easier to put the lid on when the filter is actually installed on the back of the aquarium. It is not really an issue at all. Just something I came across while doing the video.
Images in this review
Top reviews from other countries
Kevin
Works great. Loving it.
Reviewed in Canada on May 1, 2024Size: 40 to 70 Gallons - 70Style: Fish Tank FilterVerified Purchase
karen saretsky
Worked perfectly
Reviewed in Canada on March 21, 2024Size: 20 to 50 Gallons - 50Style: Fish Tank FilterVerified Purchase
Kayle Kirby
Amazing
Reviewed in Canada on March 2, 2024Size: 5 to 20 Gallons - 20Style: Fish Tank FilterVerified Purchase
stu
love this filter.
Reviewed in Canada on April 21, 2022Size: 10 to 30 Gallons - 30Style: Fish Tank FilterVerified Purchase
Viking68
super ce filtre
Reviewed in France on May 1, 2024Size: 5 to 20 Gallons - 20Style: Fish Tank FilterVerified Purchase
Viking68
Reviewed in France on May 1, 2024
Images in this review
