Quote:
Originally Posted by Ahkuma
When I started off in the hobby as a kid in the early 1980's I really liked the Aquaclear products. About 2 years ago I bought an Aquaclear 20 for my 10 gallon and the thing seemed so cheap compared to how they were built back then. I just threw the filter in the garbage last week because the tab that keeps it level broke off and the motor assembly kept coming lose and spilling water everywhere.
Is the 50 better quality than the 20? I need to buy something to replace it now.
Your tank looks good and thanks for posting your dosing regiment. I forgot how much I was dosing when I had it running so now I have a reference point again.
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Well I have used different HOB filters and I must say that The AquaClear brand is by far the best. I chose the AC50 because I wanted a lot more circulation than usual. I believe that a lot of circulation is good for the tank, as long as the water is level to the output of the HOB. You don't want the water to fall as it comes out of the HOB.
I know that there are actually 2 level tabs on the 50 model. There is a plastic piece which is permanently attached, and then there is a separate one that swivels so that you can perfectly adjust the level for the filter. I do not see any reason why you should have a problem with the level if you get a new one.
I definitely do not think that the AquaClear is cheaply made. I also would not have just tossed it out, you could have modified something in order to get the motor from leaning on the glass. Oh well, now this gives you a reason to go out and get a new, larger one. What I do consider as cheap are those topfin pieces of crap. The reason why I like the AC so much is because you can put virtually anything inside the media cartridge. I put a
bag of purigen,
bag of matrix, and a
foam pad. Perfect combination for
chemical,
biological, and
mechanical.