I'll try to keep this short, despite having a lot to gush about.
First, this filter is cheap. I don't mean just price-wise, I mean overall. The plastic is low-quality and not very durable. The thing is, that doesn't matter. I don't know what kind of rough-and-tumble aquarium-hobbyist lifestyle some of these reviewers have, but I strain to imagine a situation where the impact resistance of the plastic matters.
Secondly, this filter is cheap. Dirt cheap. I had some concerns about replacing my noisy Marineland 280 with this, because I pride myself on my water quality. Turns out, I needn't have worried. It actually does a better job, and is MUCH quieter. I hardly notice it, despite the filter being less than ten feet from my bed. Also, having had this running for two months now, it has only become quieter. Fantastic.
The filter media that is included is kind of a loss. The biological filtration is fine, and suitably replaces the bio-wheel on my old 280, but the mechanical and chemical filtration is entry-level and disappointing - not to say that any filter comes with the good stuff, though. This is to be expected. Do yourself a favor and pick up one or two Seachem Purigen 100ml packets, and go to your local pet store and pick up some polyfiber pads, some small filter media bags, and some activated carbon. Fill the media bags with the activated carbon, replace the carbon once every month or so, and you're golden. The purigen is what's going to save your water quality, though. I suggest layering it like so, from the bottom-up: Polyfiber pad, activated carbon bag, purigen, and then the included "biomax" on top.
Anyway, back to this product specifically: The way it filters is like your standard cannister - it pushes the water up through the media, as opposed to just around it (like most hang-on-backs do) - this means almost no media bypass. Nary a drop misses getting filtered. The intake tube is clear, and, if kept clean, is nearly invisible inside the tank. The body of the filter itself is a kind of smoky grey plastic, and does not have the goofy-looking bluish tint that the product image has. Heck, even the box shows a bluish tint. Fear not, your black tank will not have a blue cyst growing out the back.
Finally, this product is cheap. Ingeniously cheap. The filter intake tube extension is actually the same as the filter intake tube itself - they just stack on top of each other. The flow regulator is also the u-shaped tube that attaches to the filter intake. That little rod you see poking out of the top of the filter is actually attached to the u-shaped tube, and you adjust the flow by moving the tube left and right, which determines how aligned it is with the impeller. I've hardly seen such impressive streamlining in any product before. No part is wasted or unnecessary. Less parts means less to break. If it does break, it's cheap, cheap, cheap to replace.
This is a neat, cheap, effective, cheap, decent looking, cheap, and cheap filter. I strongly recommend it.
AquaClear 20 Power Filter, Fish Tank Filter for 5- to 20-Gallon Aquariums
4.3 | 14,814 ratings
Price: 30.47
Last update: 12-17-2024
About this item
Aquarium filtration system that offers superior contact time with filter media and energy efficient pump lowers operating costs
Quick and easy installation; we recommend that you clean aquarium filter every 2 weeks for maximum operation and efficiency
Provides optimal mechanical; chemical; and biological filtration
Comes equipped with AquaClear Foam; Activated Carbon Filter and BioMax and Cycle Guard for superior water quality
Filtration volume is up to 7 times larger than comparable fish tank filters
Quick and easy installation; we recommend that you clean aquarium filter every 2 weeks for maximum operation and efficiency
Provides optimal mechanical; chemical; and biological filtration
Comes equipped with AquaClear Foam; Activated Carbon Filter and BioMax and Cycle Guard for superior water quality
Filtration volume is up to 7 times larger than comparable fish tank filters
Product information
| Item Weight | 1.4 pounds |
|---|---|
| Department | Unisex-Adult |
| Manufacturer | Rolf C. Hagen (USA) Corp. |
| ASIN | B000260FVG |
| Country of Origin | Italy |
| Item model number | A595 |
| Customer Reviews |
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars
14,814 ratings
4.3 out of 5 stars |
| Date First Available | June 20, 2004 |
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 7.15 x 6.69 x 4.33 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 4.5 x 7 x 6.5 inches |
| Item Weight | 1.4 Pounds |
| Brand Name | AquaClear |
| Target Audience Keyword | fish, ( reptiles | amphibians ) |
| Directions | Follow individual packaging instructions. |
| Country of Origin | Italy |
| Warranty Description | 2 years; The AquaClear® Power Filter is unconditionally guaranteed for defects in material and workmanship for a period of two years from date of purchase. This guarantee is valid only under normal operating conditions for which the Power Filter is intended. This guarantee will not apply to any unit subjected to improper use, negligence or tampering. This guarantee does not include responsibility for animate matter contained in the aquarium and is limited to the Power Filter unit only. The motor is factory sealed; tampering will void guarantee. |
| Model Name | Hagen Aquaclear Power Filter - 20 |
| Color | Black |
| Size | 5 to 20 Gallons - 20 |
| Material | Plastic |
| Age Range Description | All Life Stages |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Manufacturer | Rolf C. Hagen (USA) Corp. |
| Style | Fish Tank Filter |
| Included Components | Filter |
| Specific Uses for Product | Indoor |
Top reviews from the United States
J. KerekesThere's a reason this is the top seller.
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