Fluval or AquaClear

[Anna94]

AquaClear or Fluval C series? I know the Fluval C series are just a new/upgraded version of the AquaClears and not really an upgrade if I were to switch to one, but I like them because they're an upgraded version and they just look nice. The Seachem Tidals would be a nice upgrade, but I don't really like the look of them and I'm not too fond of the surface skimmer feature. So, I want your guys' opinions; should I stick with my AC or switch to the Fluval C series? I also like the C series because instead of having to remove all the media at once to get to a specific media like with the AquaClears, you simply remove the one you need.

 

[Barliman]

I'm sure it's a good filter, but I prefer the Aquaclears because I can put almost whatever media I want in them. I've not worked with a C series, but, from the pictures and description on Amazon, it looks like Fluval is trying to lock us into their proprietary media. I'm open to be corrected by those who have used one, though.

 

[Betta keeper]

I'm an aqua clear person too, I just love the versatility [emoji4]

 

[Mebbid]

I have both an aquaclear and a fluval running on my 75g tank and both of them are amazingly good filters. However, after running them both for a while i prefer the fluval line of filters. The design of them doesnt allow water to bypass the media like it does in aquaclears making it better at polishing the water.

 

[Barliman]

However, after running them both for a while i prefer the fluval line of filters.

Are you trapped into using their media, or is that not a problem with these?

 

[Mebbid]

Are you trapped into using their media, or is that not a problem with these?

Nope, it comes with 2 separate chambers. The lower chamber is the large one that holds a big bag of carbon, its simple to replace that with purigen or more bio media. The second chamber os the smaller one that holds the bio media.

 

[Paul1792]

Fluval C's make aquaclear obsolete

They're both made by Fluval. Same motor part #'s even.
Go here and see my post #11

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f60/what-is-the-best-hob-filter-138948-2.html
or here and see my post #7
http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f60/hang-on-back-hob-filters-293838.html

I recently retired my aquaclear 50 because it served no purpose as mentioned in my post #13 here:

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f60/best-hob-filter-357588-2.html

My updated mechanical media is the generic pads from Amazon at about $1 a piece and 50 micron polishing pads to give that "extra sparkle" to the crystal clear water..

 

[Barliman]

Nope, it comes with 2 separate chambers. The lower chamber is the large one that holds a big bag of carbon, its simple to replace that with purigen or more bio media. The second chamber os the smaller one that holds the bio media.

Thanks for the clarification. I may have a look at them the next time I'm in need of a filter.