AquaClear 70 Power Filter, Fish Tank Filter for 40- to 70-Gallon Aquariums, Black

The AquaClear 70 is an excellent filter with strong water flow and outstanding filtration. It’s easy to set up, runs quietly, and the large media basket lets you customize your filtration. Maintenance is simple, and it keeps aquarium water crystal clear. A dependable filter that’s well worth the investment.

UPDATE: 10/15/14 I have just purchased my first Aquaclear HOB filter in more than three years. I presently own an AC 110, AC 70, AC 50 and 4 AC 20s. These are great filters because of their clever design and tremendous flexibility. I am presently using a pair of Aquaclear 20 filters for polishing the water in my planted aquaria. The filters are equipped with a mechanical filter pad and a micron filter pad, the later of which is used to remove the finer particles from the water column in these tanks. I like using the AC 20s as part time maintenance filters because they are small, very easy to clean, and do an excellent job of filtering my planted aquaria. I use an AC 50 in combination with an Eheim 2211 and Cobalt Aquatics DUO 500 in a Mr. Aqua 17.1 gallon aquarium. The DUO 500 is an internal filter, however, its primary function is as an LED UV clarifier. I downsized some of my tanks, so the AC 110 and AC 70 are no longer in use. However I keep them around as spares, since you never know when you will need an extra filter. One of the best aspects of the Aquaclear line of HOB filters is that the motors in the AC 20, AC 30, AC 50 and AC 70 are the same. The only difference is that the impeller fan is slightly larger on each subsequent model of these filters. The fan can be easily removed, and either a larger or smaller fan (depending on the AC HOB filter that you are using) can be added to meet the demands of the particular aquarium you are using. This is why AC filters are so popular; their tremendous flexibility. For example, suppose that you have a 20 gallon aquarium and are using an AC 20 that doesn't quite get the job done. You can purchase an impeller assembly for an AC 50 and then use it to replace the AC 20 impeller fan, which will give you twice the circulation that you had with the AC 20 impeller fan. As another illustration using the inverse of this situation, suppose you are using an AC 70 in a 30 gallon aquarium and find that even on its lowest setting it is still causing too much turbulence for your fishes. You can replace the AC 70 impeller fan with an AC 50 impeller fan. This will still give you the filtering capacity of the AC 70, however, without the turbulence that the AC 70 impeller caused. Earlier... My recent purchase of an Aquaclear 70 HOB (hang on back of tank filter) filter ill make this my 8Th Aquaclear. I have five Aquaclear 20's - three on guppy tanks, and two kept as spares in the event of a breakdown. However, in over a year of constant service, I have yet to have an Aquaclear HOB filter's electric motor burn out. Moreover, one must take care to turn these filters off when you are using a sand substrate which is being stirred up in the tank, since the sand can get into the motor and cause it to run roughly, or seize up. Even if this happens, all it usually takes to get these motors running again is to remove them from the filter housing, remove the impeller from the housing on the motor and clean the unit with water and a q-tip. Once you have done so, the motor will usually begin to run properly again. However, once sand gets sucked into these motors, it mars the finish of the impeller, which can cause it to make noise. I also own an Aquaclear 50 which I now keep on my 10 gallon tank, and an Aquaclear 110 which I use to filter a heavily planted 20 long tank with about 16 fish. So the extra filtering capability of the Aquaclear 110 is nice to have. As for the Aquaclear 70, this will be replacing the Aquaclear 50 which I used to filter my 37 gallon tank, and have now moved to my 10 gallon. The Aquaclear 70 will be used in conjunction with a Fluval 305 canister filter for redundant filtration. The Fluval 305, like the Aquaclear, is another Hagen product. It seems like virtually every product that is sold for the aquarist is manufactured by a subsidiary of Hagen's. The 305 is also a very cleverly designed filter, which works quite well, and is very easy to maintain, thanks to Fluval's patented Aquastop feature; the Aquastop fitting allows you to disconnect the 305 from its tubing without losing suction, so that you don't have to reprime the unit once you've dumped the water from its container during a filter cleaning. All you do is reconnect the Aquastop fitting to the top of the 305's canister, and then open the flow valve until the 305 fills with water. You must open the valve partially to avoid creating a tremendous amount of turbulance in your aquarium, since if you open it all the way while filling the 305, the air bubbles will race out of the 305's exhaust tube disturbing your fish. As for the controvery between which canister is best, many people who consider the purchase of a Fluval also consider buying an Eheim, and there are those who own both. The Eheim - Fluval debate reminds this author of the Chevy-Ford controversy, regarding the merits of each. Moreover, I have owned both and find that Fluval and Eheim both make excellent canister filters. However, the Fluval's internal setup is much easier to use, given the trays Fluval includes to add filter media to, while the Eheim Classic series (I'm not certain if the other Eheim filters are the same way) just stack the media atop one another, making for a more complex arrangement, since the Eheim's filter media is in not in a tray. Both filters are well made and reliable. However, one must take care to re-lubricate the Fluval's o-ring after each cleaning to ensure that it does not dry out, since this will prevent the unit from leaking onto your floor. And careful removal of the impeller housing will ensure that the impeller that does not get damaged. After more than a year with the Aquaclear series of filters, as well as the several months with a Fluval 305, I must say that I am very pleased with these units. They are cleverly designed, well constructed, and should last for years provided that they are properly maintained. Jim

I LOVE my AquaClear 70 Power Filter -AquaClear Brand AquaClear Power Filters are some of the best types of filters for any tank ranging from 10 gallons to 100 gallons. Plus they are form Hagen some of the best top notch filters. AquaClear is a part of Hagen and competes with Hagens Fluval Filters which are almost the same as AquaClear Filters except that Fluval is a little more flashy and efficient. Fluval is a little better looking and efficient but if you want the same results as Fluval with a lower price tag get an AquaClear Power Filter. AquaClear has also been around for ever. Fluval power filters are just refined AquaClear Power Filters. You get the same results. I Prefer AquaClear -My Amazon Experience This is the first item I buy Through Amazon and I'm loving it. Great FAST Shipping even though I got the Free Super Savings option which can take up to 8 days for the delivery. I received this filter only four days after I ordered it. Packaging could have been better thou even thou the filter arrived un damaged. They should have added more air bags to the box to prevent my filter from moving so much. This might have been one in a thousand thou. My product was completely new as advertised and exactly as described. It was an easy ordering process too. I loved my first Amazon Experience. =Setting Filter Up Very Very easy. Instructions are clear and The filter comes with everything to set it up out of the box. It was almost as easy as plug and play things. Just make sure you have the filter case full before you plug it in or it could damage the motor or impeler or both. it is not supposed to run dry. -My Set-up and plans for Filter I currently have the AquaClear 70 Power Filter in a 20 gallon tank with 5 Mollies (One Male, 3 Female, and one fry!). Now I Know you might be thinking that this is a little too much filtering for this size tank but I am planing on getting a some more fishes (different species) and I am also going to let the mollies reproduce (This will fill up my tank). I am also going to put some aquatic pants and shrimp. If this tank starts to look to crowded in the future (because of fishes and/ plants reproducing) I am probably going to start selling some of the plants and baby fish to help out with costs and maybe get bigger and better stuff -Current tank Status With Filter So far my Tank water is super clear and my fishes are doing great. -Filter and tank Maintenance A lot cheaper to maintain than most Power Filters especially Fluvas because you don't really use cartridges and you can use virtually any kind of media aslong as it fits in the large filter basket. You don't really have to buy AquaClear replacement media. You can buy for other cheaper brands as long as it fits, you can also put custom things in it like new kitchen sponges to replace the stock filter sponge/foam. You never really need to replace the BioMax in fact I would encourage that you didn't replace the BioMax because the bacteria that it accumulates is heathy for you aquarium, you can rinse it and clean it every now and then but don't clean and or replace all the media in one day thou or else you fishes will suffer (Ammonia Spikes). Clean you BioMax every six months to a year and do the other maintenance every month or so. You do need to replace the activated carbon as instructed but you don't need to get the AquaClear Brand, you can get cheaper generic brands. You can clean ornaments and plants as you wish. Do 20% water changes every week or 25% water changes every two weeks just to help your tank health and filter.Use a gravel vacuum. (this is recommended for all tanks filtered or unfiltered) -I've also seen that it is customizable on YouTube for different things -YouTube Watch this review and comparison on youtube[...] Reviewed by Mike on his you tube channel: AquariumTech This guy does a lot ton of filter reviews and he ranks AquaClear Power Filters as being some of the best power filters out on the market for tanks 10 gallons to 100 gallons. -Suggestions Get a Mag Float Glass cleaner for when cleaning you glass(for algae or grime) or get an algae eating fish Pick your fishes carefully and make sure they get along Please have your tank go through the nitrogen cycle before you fish in your new tank set-ups Do 20% water changes every week or 25% water changes every two weeks just to help your tank health and filter. Use a gravel vacuum. (this is recommended for all tanks filtered or unfiltered) --->Do 20% water changes every week or 25% water changes every two weeks just to help your tank health and filter. Use a gravel vacuum. (this is recommended for all tanks filtered or unfiltered) I LOVE my AquaClear 70 Power Filter

After reading multiple reviews I bought the AC70 power filter for my new 29g tank (swordtails and clown loach). As far as flow goes, I can see why this unit is designated for 40-70g tanks; there is a lot of flow coming out into the tank. Unlike a spray bar or nozel that you can put below the waterline, the AC70 water output is above the waterline. Thus, it creates a lot of surface action and bubbles. The AC70 does have a variable flow lever, but even the low setting puts out quite a lot of water and bubbles, more than should probably be in my tank. Due to my female swordtail having babies, I split my tank into two sections to give the fry a fighting chance. I have an Eheim 2213 filtering the adult side, and the AC70 filtering the fry side (likely overkill, but I would rather overfilter than under). The problem, however, is there is too much surface action and bubbles going on in the fry side; so much so that the fry were getting pushed around by the water and became reluctant to come to the top of the tank. I did some research on the issue of flow and there are some common mods for the AC70 to address this issue: (1) cut the fins on the impeller to reduce flow (suggested that you shave some off of each and not just remove a fin to keep balance and prevent noise/extra wear); (2) replace the AC70 impeller with an AC50 or AC30 impeller (the parts are available on Amazon for around 11.00 each); or (3) move the U-Tube (the thing with the water inlet on one end in the tank and the motor/impeller connection on the other, which includes the variable flow lever at the top of the unit) up off of the motor thus reducing the suction previously created by a flush connection between the U-Tube and the motor/impeller. I elected to go with option (3) and it seems to be working well (fry seem to enjoy going up to the top to play in the flow). You have a lot of flexibility with how much you can pull up on the U-Tube and where you want to place it. I pulled mine up quite a bit (so it was completely out of the socket connected to the motor/impeller) and put it to the left (the side normally reserved for max flow; and so much so that the plastic unit lid is no longer flush with the top of the unit, it is offset a bit). Moving it to the right, and even more off of the motor/impeller, can reduce flow (and likely filtering) to a trickle. I think there is a lot of flexibility here, such that the other modifications are not necessary. It must be considered, however, that filtration speed will be reduced by any of these methods. As I have an Eheim 2213 going full bore, I'm not worried about overall aquarium filtration. But if this is your main unit, such modifications might lead to a dirtier tank. I just set this up tonight so I will report back on any long term effects.

I purchased this May 2015 as a backup to the one I already am using on my 60 gallon tank. This is my second purchase of this same item. Function: I love this particular brand of HOB filtration. This is the second largest unit I believe. There is another larger one if I'm not mistaken Yes the 110 version which is ~80.00 US. I use this unit with another unit at the two ends of my longer 60 gallon tank, so although it is rated for 70 gallons, the shape of the tank makes using two smaller units better then one large unit at either end or middle. How noisy is this thing? A little. Its not completely silent, but generally its quite enough to be in the same room and not notice. Some of my other Marine land filtration units are much louder. So, I recommend this for the fact that it generally runs more quiet than other filtration units that are different design. One thing you will experience, is the top cover will pick up a load vibration some times, but a quick tap and it goes away. How well does it filter the water? Very effectively I've found. How do I tell you ask? I look at the filthy filters when I'm cleaning them. This type of design seems to work the best to filter more from the water than any other HOB design I've tried so far. That's about 4 years of experience now. In other words, my water is generally crystal clear, or clears up quickly after I disturb the gravel or do a glass clean. Can you put in your own filter elements? Yes. Its easy to cut out your own filter media and fit it in. You can also get a medium size media bag to use for your carbon/ammonia getting gravels. Is the unit sturdy? Does it ever leak? Its not built like a tank, but its never broken on me either. I think its sturdy enough to handle periodic cleanings, with care not to crack the plastic. The pump motor portion is easy to remove and clean, and reattached easily without forming leaks. Does it suction too hard? Not really. I've had a few sick fish get caught on the inlet portion and die. So it does pull to a point where you may consider putting a mesh over the inlet. It does come with extended snorkels, so you can reach down into the middle portion of your tank even it its fairly deep. Do you recommend this product? Yes. I recommend this particular design and brand above all other available HOBs for performance, quality, overall cost, and low noise and ease of maintenance.

Hands down the worst filter I have ever owned. I have a super old nat geo filter still going strong 5 years later. This thing on the otherhand has had problems from day one. First it stopped working for absolutely no reason. They sent a replacement. That one worked fine for a while until I retired it and the tank after about 4 months. Fast forward, I bought a smaller aquaclear and tried to use it for my tank. Impellar made TONS of noise. Tried to fix it, searched on the internet, to no avail. Eventually the thing burned out. Motor got really hot and stopped working. So I broke out the old 70 that had been in storage for a while. I was surprised it worked at all. Well about two weeks into using it, im sitting at my desk and hear running water from my bedroom. "That's odd" I thought "I'm sure my tank was full". Sure enough, the tank is down 5 gallons. I searched frantically for a leak, shut everything off, but couldn't find anything. What is it? Ah, the STUPID filter. The media had worked it's way up because of some pressure differential on the sponge and now the filter was just pumping water into the room. After 2 hours of cleaning up the mess, I figured out the sponge thing. I squeezed and rinsed it out, and put it back into the filter. What do you know, it fixed it...for like two weeks. Then the same thing started happening again-the filter media creeping its way up because of the sponge. Rather than disassemble and kill all the beneficial bacteria in the sponge, I decided to just put a weight on top of the filter to hold the media down. This kept it from flooding, but then today, low and behold, the motor burnt out. It was hot and doesn't pump water anymore. Screw this filter man. I've had better luck with cheapo generic $10 filters. I'm currently running my 70 gallon on a fluval 7 series, and it gives me literally ZERO problems. It just works. I get to sit and enjoy my tank. I will never buy one of these again

A little about me I am just getting back into aquariums and have previously only had smaller tanks. I have always used a backpack filter and while doing research for which filter I wanted I found many great reviews on aquarium forums about this filter. I would consider myself a beginner to the aquarium field as it has been so long since I have had one much less maintained one. With all that being said I purchased this filter to start my new 55 gallon tank, I know that it is designed for a 70 but I would rather go overkill then under kill. Now to the meat and potatoes. The Pros: The installation process was simple and easy; I cleaned the carbon, washed off the foam, washed off the biologic media, placed all of that in the filter holder, placed it in the filter itself, then placed the filter on the back of the tank, leveled it off, added water, plugged it in and after 30 seconds where it was pushing out air the aqua clear was running extremely silent. The filter appears to be building up good bacteria quickly, however it might just be pulling all the sediment out of my water and substrate and that is why the foam is dirty. The Aqua Clear has a fairly simple straight forward design so if anything goes bad will not be a nightmare to fix, to me that also means fewer parts to go bad. I Really do love the whole design but the thing that I love the most is the actual filtering medias design, the fact that I can replace a single piece and not have to buy a whole cartridge whenever my carbon or foam is used up is a great idea. The Cons: I did have to arrange the biomax media a little as it was sitting too high and causing the water to come out the wrong side a little (seems like something you would have to do anyway). My only real issue with the filter is that it does have quite a bit of suction even after you turn it all the way down so I purchased a foam pre filter to restrict the flow a little. The filter arrived well packed and very quickly. Filter was also 20 - 30 dollars cheaper on amazon than anywhere else that I looked. (Not saying there might not be better deals out there) I have only had this running for a week so I may have to update this review after a few months but at this point in time I love my aqua clear and will be buying another.

As a long time hobbyist and professional ecologist with an emphasis on aquatic ecosystems, I have had a lot of experience with various filtration systems. Let's be clear up front that this is a small filter which hangs on the back of your aquarium. You won't receive canister quality filtration with this, however that doesn't mean it won't fit your needs. Those familiar with (and previously fans of) the old Millenium filters will probably love the AquaClear filters. Incorporating mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration, this filter provides a nice product, especially considering the price. While not a bottom market product, the filter is better priced than many of its competitors with superior filtration to a good portion of them. The basic filter design is your basic HOB filter design. There is an intake tube to suck up water. This actually comes in sections and can trap more debris in the interior sieves. This enables more debris (typically plant pieces) to be trapped prior to reaching the filter but it also means that you may have to clean the intake tube more often. Additional sections can be purchased to further extend the intake but be aware that this may affect filter function. With the exception of particularly sensitive species, greater filtration is not a bad thing. When in doubt, go bigger. The motor and O-rings work similarly to other models. AquaClear does sell replacement parts, which is a nice feature. If an O-ring goes bad or something happens to the motor, you can replace parts rather than the entire filter system. To be fair, I have yet to have an issue with a motor. The only O-ring that started leaking was put into dry dock for about 4 months when I consolidated tanks while showing our house and had issues upon setting it back up. The filter media is, for the large part, reusable. The bottom layer (mechanical and some biological) consists of a rectangular sponge. This can be rinsed out and reused. Replacement sponges can be purchased if you need one at some point. I have yet to need one and switched to AquaClear filters 1 1/2 years ago when my old Milleniums finally died a slow death. The next layer (chemical) consists of a packet of activated carbon. Skip buying AquaClear's carbon filter insert. Instead, order or pick up a reusable mess bag for aquarium filtration along with a container of activated carbon. Undo the velcro and replace the activated carbon only, saving yourself money and waste. The top portion (biological) has BioMax ceramic rings. There is no reason to replace all of the filtration aspects on the schedule that AquaClear recommends. Replace the activated carbon in a reusable bag, rinse of the foam filter as needed, and keep your beneficial bacteria that you worked so hard to cultivate. There is a leveling feature on the bottom of the filter. The "feature" is actually a tiny piece of plastic that can be turned but it does act to level the filter, which is nice. Overall, the AquaClear filters are god for both beginners and experience hobbyists who don't need the added power of canister filters.

molto bellissima!!

Super produit facile a installé, par contre attention vraiment gros pour un petit aquarium. Bien prévoir de la profondeur derrière l'aquarium. RAS .

Mon avis sera pour ceux qui hésitent entre le aquaclear ou le Seachem Tidal. Pour commencer, j’ai toujours eu des aquaclear auparavant, mais je me suis laissé tenter par un Tidal 75 et wow le filtreur semble de bonne qualité, le skimmer de surface est un gros atout. Voici les + et les - sur le tidal 75: Filtreur de meilleur qualité Filtration supérieur Skimmer de surface Pompe qui est dans l’aquarium Le filtreur est moins large que le aquaclear donc plus d’espace entre le mur et l’aquarium Les - : Filtreur bruillant à cause de la chute d’eau du skimmer. Si l’aquarium est dans votre chambre, je vous conseille le aquaclear au lieu du Tidal Plus long à nettoyer que le aquaclear Si vous avez des plantes à petites feuilles, elles ont tendances à se retrouver sur l’entrée du filtreur. Il n’y a pas d’éponge pour empêcher les crevettes de se faufiler dans le filtreur Maintenant pour le aquaclear. J’adore le aquaclear car il est une source fiable et connu depuis de nombreuses années. Il est facile à démonter et à nettoyer. Il est plus silencieux puisque la chute d’eau est moins haute. Pour conclure, je crois que chacun de ces filtreur a ses avantages et inconvénients. Par contre j’ai une préférence pour le tidal du au skimmer de surface et la filtration supérieur. Ne pas oublier que si l’aquarium est dans une chambre, vous êtes mieux d’y aller avec un Aquaclear.

had it a few months now and works perfectly for my 163L aquarium wish i could change the direction of the flow but thats just me maybe *edit* it broke on me so will try return it but worked fine until now

Habe momentan vier AquaClear Außenfilter in verschiedenen Größen zu laufen und bin sehr zufrieden. Die kleineren muß man zwar alle drei Wochen reinigen die Großen laufen länger aber das ist ok. Habe die kleinen jetzt fast zwei Jahre ohne Probleme in Betrieb und sie tun immer noch das was sie sollen ... das Wasser filtern!!! Außerdem sorgen diese Filter für ein gutes Strömungsverhalten im Aquarium.