Pimp My Filter #29 - Marina Aquaclear 70 HOB Hang On Back Filter 

Aquaclear 70 (Amazon): geni.us/y9132B Aquaclear 70 (Ebay UK/EU): ebay.to/2E2OBJR Aquaclear 70 (Ebay.com): ebay.to/2VeLVzT Foam for intake (Amazon): geni.us/EY86zGk Foams and Biogravel: www.filterpro.co.uk (FilterPro site has links to suppliers in other countries) This is a frustrating one as this filter does not seem to be available in the UK (although it can be imported - check links)...that's a very strange situation considering it is a simple HOB filter manufactured by parent company RC Hagen which owns both Aquaclear and their flagship brand Fluval. It would make an good back up / extra filter for a larger tank or a great single filter for a small to medium sized tank. As it holds approx. 1kg (2.2 lbs) of biogravel it is suited to a normally stocked community tank of around 100 litres (26 US gallons) or a heavily stocked tank of around 50 litres (13 US gallons) if you want to achieve a full cycle. WHAT IS A FULL CYCLE? A full cycle is completed by bacteria - the aerobic part of biological filtration which processes ammonia to nitrite and nitrite to nitrate followed by an anaerobic part which processes nitrate into soluble nitrogen which bubbles off to the atmosphere. Therefore it requires a suitable amount of excellent quality filter media to be able to provide the environment for both aerobic AND anaerobic bacteria - that is what the various forms of Biohome does perfectly but even with such good media there are limitations and we recommend the following amounts for different stocking scenarios: (1 US gallon = 3.8 litres) (1kg = 2.2 lbs) Average community tropical aquarium = 1kg per 100 litres Average coldwater aquarium = 1kg - 1.5kg per 100 litres Predator aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres Large cichlid aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres Malawi / Tanganyikan aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres Marine aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres Average mixed fish pond = 1kg per 200 litres Average koi pond = 1kg per 150 litres You may be disagreeing with the above figures but remember that they are for a FULL CYCLE not half a job - achieving 0 ammonia and 0 nitrite is quite easy since aerobic bacteria grows freely on any surface but the anaerobic bacteria responsible for COMPLETING the cycle needs more a specialized habitat. Size a filter properly, set it up sensibly and you will have perfect water - it's that simple....and your filter won't be the dreaded 'Nitrate factory'. This series of videos is all about trying to squeeze more efficiency out of internal and external aquarium filters which generally have a limited filtering capacity - If you have a filter you'd like me to feature in a video then please contact me on: sales@filterpro.co.uk 07772848730 (Richard) Anyone who sends a filter (UK only at present) will have it upgraded and returned to them for free and the only cost you will pay is how much it costs to ship it to me - I'm helping to boost your filter and the resulting videos will hopefully be useful to viewers all over the world so it's a win/win. The following videos will be useful to anyone interested in learning more about filtration, bacteria and making the conditions for your fish as good as possible: Sizing a canister properly and filter set up: goo.gl/om19un Looking INSIDE different filter media: goo.gl/hZWS6c Bacteria and filter media: goo.gl/123gAF How to clean an aquarium: goo.gl/bPMhvh Aquarium tips / filtration playlist: goo.gl/pXgqVj This channel is purely a hobby for me so I will never ask viewers to donate money for any of my projects or charge anyone for information - information should be shared freely and I certainly don't consider myself an 'expert' in anything I pursue as a hobby so please do your own research, never accept anything as 'fact', reject anyone claiming to be some sort of authority or 'expert' and make your own minds up about anything you wish to study. We all are on a long path of learning......... RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS ON AMAZON: goo.gl/jMaBWy INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/pondguru_ou... FILMING EQUIPMENT: Panasonic HC-VX870 HD camcorder geni.us/3UwE +Rode stereo microphone: geni.us/4OL +Rode 'deadcat' mic cover: geni.us/1pmn JVC Everio quad proof HD camcorder: geni.us/e09e +Rode 'deadcat' mic cover (opened up and held between tripod and camera base) geni.us/dee24 Zomei Z666 tripod: geni.us/1a1af3 Manfrotto MTPIXI-B PIXI mini tripod: geni.us/87f7 If you've enjoyed this video please check out the playlists on my channel for hundreds more - on a variety of subjects. Feel free to share or link any of my videos on facebook, twitter, forums etc. for the benefit of anyone you think may also enjoy watching. See you next time. Pondguru

A few tips if anyone is thinking about one of these Aquaclear Hang on back filters... Use a bigger pre-filter sponge on the intake, as these small ones will plug up really fast. It's a pain! Also, like he shows in this video, they supply 2 intake sections of pipe to either have it short or longer (deeper) in the tank. If you use both, you'll find eventually you'll need to cut the plastic cone off the upper intake section, as it can get gummed up and close off some flow. You could just regularly clean it but it's much easier once it's cut off. Nice video!

I nearly spit my beer out, laughing at the end ..

Intake sponges always a good idea. Aqua clear one of the best! Tnks for showing it off.

One of the great things of this HOB (compared to pretty much every HOB out there) is that the flow through the media remains constant when the output is reduced to minimum. When the output is reduced, the input tube swivels on that plastic shim and exposes the impeller. Water bypasses the spillway and is recirculated instead. This is ingenious. This design has remained unchanged for 35+ years.

Thanks from the US, Richard. I've been running the 110 version on a 65 gallon with an extra large intake sponge for nearly a year. Does real well, real easy to clean. I've heard the stories of it rattling and generally being loud but I've found that's a good sign it's starting to strain and needs a cleanout.

I'm setting up a new aquarium and just bought this exact filter. I've pimped all of my filters as you've shown us. I can't believe how well my tiny pimped Marineland Slim 20 has performed for years now on my 20 gallon tank. I'm extremely pleased. Of course, I baby the bacteria in my tanks' filters. Anyway, I was researching the Aquaclear before making the purchase. Your video is timely for me. Thank you!

Thanks for this. A friend of mine showed me your video a while back where you broke down the internals of a large canister style filter plus external booster filter and the proper way to do it. Before I found this video, I had setup a 5.5 gallon tank with the Aquaclear 20 and tried to find the best way to to get the coarse, medium and fine filters in while still getting as much media as I could in it. I saw this video and am glad that I was able to come close to how you set yours up. With the 20, my basket area is a bit smaller, so I ended up with the coarse prefilter covering the intake, but I only went with the medium and the fine in the basket itself and stuffed the remaining area with media. It is in the process of the first cycle and after watching your videos, I am pretty confident the cycle should go pretty well. Many thanks from the U.S. and keep up the awesome content!

Thanks for the advice on the aqua clear filters. I am in the US and have used four aqua clear 110 HOB filters for several years. I use two on my 75 gallon goldfish tank and they kept it crystal clear. I use one each on my two 37 gallon tanks...all do a great job. Thanks again for showing ways to improve the performance on these filters.

NICE SURPRISE AT THE END OF THE VIDEO😂😂😂😂😂😂

These filters are the truth. I have 2 70s on my 75 gal. Koi tank and just like you I make my own filter setup which helps me save a lot of money. I also have a Fluval 50 on a 20 gallon red eared slider tank and it works wonders. Thanks for the great video!

The 110 Model is amazing! Thanks for the tips!

Great watch as always PG

I just got the aqua clear 110 second hand and figured to make the best of it. Couldn’t really afford to buy the canister I wanted. So I used the stock filter sponge. Added a fine polishing pad and order one pound of bio home. However, it could take two pounds so I just put back the bio rings and that filled it up nicely.

Showing some love from the US... I use a AquaClear 110 on my 55 gallon Turtle tank... It works just Awesome.. Now thanks to you I can Pimp mine Out for Maximum Efficiency.... Thanks Bro

Always enjoy the info.

Thanks once again for a great video. That is exactly the same filter I have. I managed to get just over 1kg of Ultimate in there with a large intake sponge. Works great except when the power goes off. You have to fill the filter with water otherwise it runs dry. Only negative I have about the AquaClear HOB. When it runs it's quiet and easily modified and cleaned. Nice ending LMAO!

GREAT INFO! Thanks for your time and knowledge!

Great video! I’m surprised that you are doing HOB Filters. I enjoyed watching this informative tutorial on HOB Filter. I will soon get a HOB, but only as a backup to my Canister Filter. Thank you for sharing. I enjoy all your videos!

To keep the filters from clogging and the cradle rising up it’s advisable to put some ceramic rings, bioballs or cut up hose on the bottom of the cradle. Then corse, medium, fine foam and then a bag of biological media. Basically how you set up SunSun canister filter. These filters should really only be put on a tank 1/2 the size tank the company suggest.

Great video and advice as always 👍🙂

That is the best filter you can get for a hob filter its amazing

Great, now I will have to start smelling my filter as well! ;)

Another awesome pimp my filter video today Richard !! 🤣🤣 I've had plenty of them moments 🤣🤣

Aquaclear, is made by Hagen which is also the parent company of Fluval. Fluval hob filters share some basic design ideas and have the same motors, impellers and O-rings as the Aquaclears. I have a fluval C4 and love it. None of these are self priming and many are noisy so there are pros and cons.

Hell ya pimp my filter 🤠 I’ve never clicked a video so lol fast thats how you get young people in to fishies again

Short, sweet, and to the point. :))

thanks bro gonna upgrade mine soon

for the bigger ones of these filters it does usually have 2 intake pipes so it gives a good deeper reach if you want , at least the ones ive seen

I just got my first fish tank and I’ve watch a lot of people pimping their filters so I pimped mines and I have some sponge, biomax, and crushed coral and also some ammonia reducer and my filter is a quiet flow ten and I plan to replace it with a aqua clear

I have had a bunch of these "cheap" filters. I have never thought to upgrade the media thanks

It comes with a bio media and a carbon bag as well when you get it from the store...that compartment is full when you use everything it comes with...and both the intakes come in the pack new

I appretiate this video. I still have a few Aquaclear HOBS but honestly i hate them, they get really dirty, they are difficult to clean, the pump gets clogged easily, they are loud, and unsightly. my 20 gallon tanks are now all on sponge filters (LOVE these), and my 55 and 75 will soon be on FX6 canisters..

AquaClear is superior. Worth every penny!

Aqua clear filters are the best!🐟

I have new AquaClear/Fluval 70, and I was just messing around with a small thin piece of plexiglass to block the side holes of the gray media tray. As the "repair" is drying (overnight) I decided might as well put the fat course pad in the bottom, then a medium/fine combo pad on top. Then I two small bags of bio-media, 1/2 kg of Marine Ultramate Bio-Home media and 1/2 kg of Fluval bio-rings (sorry, I had them). So with the gray tray out, I was able to lay both media bags horizontally, invading the space to the left of the basket area by the intake tube. I would bet the water-flow will be a slower in that area to help Nitrates get back to Nitrogen... Oh! This all happened because I have a DIY 14" 1 1/2" wide Air-stone driven skimmer in the back right corner of the media area. This all fits like a champ now... Good Day...

i use these on planted and reef tanks. they are #1

This time next year... Richard will be 500K+ subs and the go to guy for manufactures filter reviews.

1. The pre-filter also prevents critters from getting in the filter and dying. 2. I have 8 going now and they are all silent. 3. It is convenient to be able to swap out media as needed: carbon, crushed coral, etc. Cleaning them is another story. Azoo ships orefilters with theirs.

Just an FYI I have an Aquaclear 110 and pimped it as you described...only 1 problem you should know about...the plastic tab under the filter that keeps the filter level cannot handle the weight of the increased media.. so you will have to figure out how to modify the filter to stay level... its the width of a deck of cards so now you have a good idea of what the width is...I used that cut a piece of wood and double sided tape painted the wood black and stuck it to my filter...the new setup of media works wonderful and I am using the biohome ultimate...thanks for the info...hope this also helps

Great video 👍😄🔔

I'm ordering this for a 33 gallon/125 litre turtle tank. This looks awesome!

Currently using the fluval c4 but I think I'll move to this because it is easy to customize.

my aquaclear works hard with a huge oscar and a huge Pcommon pleco. I must say though that if there is a power outtage. Even just a flicker the Aquaclear stops and does not reprime when the power returns. all my other filters do. In Florida we have a lot of power outtages in the summer months. I run a 110 aquaclear, Hot magnum , and a penguin and two sponge filters on a 150. Two very messy fish.

A pre filter on the intake is a must! I upgraded my old filtration for my 20 gallon to a Aquaclear 50. I wasn’t able to make a pre filter until the next morning and can you guess what I found when I woke up? 11 fish fry sucked up into the back of the filter and one cherry shrimp! My mistake of course, so try and prevent what happened to me from happening to you haha. The fry and the one shrimp did survive however.

Good stuff...fluval do a much smaller..similar version of this filter..on their fluval edge tank..i did more or less the same as what you’ve just shown...had no problems at all...cheers

aquaclear sponges are amazing

Thank you for covering the AQ filter...I have every size but slowly replacing them with Seachem Tidals due to the fact on a power outage, my AQ's won't reprime, have to do it manually on some. The Tidal's are equipped with Sicce pumps that automatically reprime. Makes a huge difference. Well done as usual Richard, and I didn't think you kept ducks indoors??? lol

Take the original coarse foam from the media tray, cut a hole in it, and you now have a great pre-filter sponge for the intake.

That is an old school filter set up, reminds me of some 70s or 80s type thing in mind

These are indeed the best hang on filters. I have 5 aqua clear 110 3 on my 125 gallon 2 on the 90 gallon Been setting them up the same way in your video for the last 7 years with one slight difference, the (quilt batting) "white pad in your video" I cut it 2 inches longer and 2 inches wider, put it on top of the other sponges "pads" and stuff it in from all sides .

I used to have such an aquaclear filter before too. On my 60l cube. But i got annoyed by the back part with all media stuffed in one place. Annoying to clean the lower parts, you have to take apart whole filter. If you put in material without filterbags, all is flying around. So i changed. Got a pretty good deal on a hang on filter by fluval, the C2. You can still pimp the filtermaterial inside, but with its seperate chambers its way easier to clean and to maintain! Great video. Love watching you pimp the filter, as i do it exactly the same.... hoooow much media could i fit in to get the maximum out of the filter?!

Hi I`ve been having an B filter,I use 2 aquaclear 50`s wich I stopped using the media they sell and try to get you to change 1 of the 3 the 50 is for 20 to 50 gallons nd they`ve changed the name about 10 years ago to fluval but in Canada we know it`s aquaclear and they are the best,I`ve had my 2 for around 35 years know and use 1 for back up if needed as well as you can order parts or just buy a used one for parts.I took a saw and took off the bottom of one of the endcerated pointy bottom as fry always get up there,when it first came out I bought the bottom fluva absorbs dscoulour and inpuritdge prefiltersponge but use netting instewrapped around the bottom letting more water pass thew ,Aquaclear likes you to believe you need the 3 filtersold single or in a box of 3 the bottom foam then carbon and the biomax is to expand capasityof aquarium filters as the box says.the carbon that I stopped using 30 years ago says itabsorbs odrors discoloration and inpurities but a lot of people say that carbon is only good for after medication,then the biomax goes on the top,they want you to change the foam every 2 months and the the carbon and biomax every 2-3 months.they sell pkg.of all 3 for around $20.00 or pkg,of 3 carbons,or 3 biommax and of course pkg,of 3 foam I saw yesterday for $10.you can by them single as well.for like $3 1 foam $6 For the carbon and a bit more for the biomax.I`ve had my biomax for over 4 years and would love to get some of the biohome(plusmini.I useually use a thick foam I cut myself for around $10 for around 20 foams and a new poly free from dyes and everything pillow that was $3,and I have about less then a quartyer used and then put my biomax wich is getting old on top.So I love your video`s and learning whats out there,I did buy the 2 foam stick on the inside of the aquarium and the water comes from the top I clean the foam 1 at a time,as a Ojibway Indian as a kid I always loved my aquarium that my adopted father brought home for me his boss had build it as a teen ager and I had a goldfish that grew into a carp but at 10 no one really knew how it worked and the cool thing is when I found out my father was fish clan (STURGEN) wich is the #1 fish there right under turtle clan ,followed by all the other fish.The clan system is like the irish clan system we can`t eat or marry our clan even if it`s another tribe.I saw a stergen once he must have been around 200 lbs just hudge my teacher a 110 year old man in Alberta told me some real crazy stories.So I`d love to get me a small amount of that small biohome (plus mini) you spoke of in one of your video.Thanks and many blessings To you from across the river from Detroit in Windsor Ontario Canada.Tami MacGuigan,519 915 9610

I’m ordering one of these today saw a way to make a refugium out of it. One downside it’s got to be shipped from Germany.

Better out than in 😉

Rich....these are on the UK Fluval Edge....only the smaller Aquaclear...

Hey I was wondering if you could do a video on how to manage a pond during winter?

Some notes and thoughts. Generally in the USA, the default setup that these comes with is sponge (bottom layer), Media (ceramic based I think, middle layer) and Carbon (top layer). They advertise as having all three major forms of filtration. Other than that, I wonder if a nice large coarse inlet filter would replace the need for some sponge based filtration inside the unit? Maybe coarse outside, medium or fine on the inside.

!!! Yes !!!

Right On Point!!!!!!

PSA: dont put the fine floss in any Aquaclears. the pump isnt powerful enough and it clogs it up fast. i use coarse and medium sponge and media

that's a neat filter... and slight chuckle at the end there. BTW my LFS finally stocked up on BioHome products. Bough myself 1kg of BioHome Plus. they dont order in BioHome ultimate. oh well it was 30% cheaper than buying it online. then i noticed a new product that they have; its called Anaerobic Balls made by JBJ. it cost like a fraction of BioHome... wonder how effective it is? there are additives it list that will slowly leach into the water like potassium, iron, sodium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper...and "other minerals" it feels very light while being uncrushable( its 20mm wide cylinder shape), and i did that water wicking test ... its just as fast as BioHome. its appearence looks like Rice crispies bonded together. looks like it was bonded together while being extruded into rods. and chopped into small cylinder after it has hardened. and at the egdes where they cut it into smaller pieces, i can see that each "rice crispies" pellet is hollow. i tried to be as detailed as possible. i wonder if I should send you a small pack of it... though it will be snail mail from singapore. or maybe i should do a short video using my mobile phone

Morning Richard, Wondered why you don’t use a fine foam instead of the white fine pad.? Really do enjoy pimp my filter. All the best Aengus

An absolutely great HOB filter. Fluval ruined it with it's most recent update 😭. Pimped my Aquaclear 20 for my 10 gallon and it works truly great. Thanks again Guru

I think I'll add some different sponges to my 25. Thanks.

Do seachems tidal series . Great filter

Someone should send you one of the Seachem HOBs. I have the Tidal 55 on a modified Fluval Flex and managed to stuff 710g of biogravel in it with a coarse, medium and fine pad. Affected the flow a bit, but still decent enough to keep the surface moving. Suitable for 55 gallon tanks my arse though.

Another great video. Can you do a pimp my API XL series canister?

Can you do a review of the fluval C4 filter and how to pimp it out for best filtration. As well as how it compares to Fluval Aquaclear, a favorite in the hobby. I just haven't seen anyone really say much on that filter good or bad, wonder if it's a hidden gem.

This fella really knows his stuff, love the vids. Any ideas how to improve the filter on the fluval edge 47 litre tank? The filter seems to have various names. Not sure whether just to stick a canister filter on it? It would be nice to find a filter which fits on the back like the stock one but with a bigger media tray and there just isn’t anything out there.

in the hang on back filters, particularly top fin pf40 power filter, do i have to put some foam in the section where it takes in water? like i put the circular foam at the intake that is inside the aquarium, but inside the filter body where the intake rod attaches, there is a hollow space above it, should i put some foam over there also or leave it blank?

Like a Volvo!! Boxy. but good!

I have the fluval50 and it work really well to keep the water clear. And fluval 50 aka aquaclear50. Anyway good vid now im thinking about donating a few to you to give away.

I have a side question, just wondering if you can put a bag of carbon or a bag of ammonia remover in the corner of the tank or does it have to be in the filter. Only asking because I seen some aquarium stores doing it just wanted your opinion about it.

Where do you get your filter media bags? I’m having trouble finding any that aren’t super large

when doing upgrade can you say if ok for marine as well I do like your programes well done

They make a Pre filter but it's much much bigger that one you have you will have to clean it all the time I use the same filters in my fish rooms for years they are extremely Efficient

Do u think u could make a filter that u could use to drink river water through safely 🤔 if u had 2

Hi Mate nice video ...ive ordered one for my 60L Fluvel nano tank and going to use as a Refugium ...i was wondering do you know the filter tank Width dimensions , online says 15.2 cm, but im guessing that is total width .... Im trying to estamite how much space is needed between the tank and the wall.

Those intake sponges are WAAAY to fine, needs service 2 times a week.

Love e your videos , I have tons of fluval filter , do you have any ideas for my fx4 fluval ☺️, I have'nt got it set up yet , but was looking for some go ways to do so,,,,,

Can you advise us on this tank filter. With the in-tank section addin. Fluval 10531A1 SEA EVO XII Aquarium Kit, 13.5 gal

I wonder if you've tried to pimp out the tetra whisper hob filters?

heres a challenge. what can i do with the filter part of a fluval flex 57L as it only really has a foam with 2 holes in it.

I have a Juvel Primo 60 aquarium and an Eheim Experience 150 filter with about 1 kilo Biohome plus. The filter is running more than 6 month, but I still have Nitrate, between 20 and 40mg/l. What's wrong here?

Setting up 40 gallon breeder mbuna. Recommendations for economic filter

Also known as a Fluval Edge Replacement Filter & Pump A595B

I wish they made bars that attached.

IMO, the best HOBs on the market. I have 3 set up, (minus the carbon) almost exactly the same as this. I grow Pothos out of all of them.

Just need some advice, i brought a 200litre jewel tank and it came with a external marina fx80 filter, as a newbie i would really like to know what to put in each layer theres 4, and i have a tropical tank. Thanks

Can you pimp an overflow? Kinda hard for me to send you my entire tank with the overflow though

I have to add algone packets to my AC70...where should I put them?

Is the 70 an option for a 60 liter tank or is the 50 the better choice?

Love these, essentially hang on sumps.

Beast. Two on the back of my fifty gallon Amazon. May have to manually prime on power outages. Great video!

I setup my filter just like you showed. I think there may be an issue with this though. After a month I pulled it apart and found that there was no muck or really nothing 'dirt' at all in the lower foams. The bio media was almost completely gunked up. The carbon was also, very much blocked up. It seems that the water may actually be passing in from the sides, rather then from the bottom. Very odd. I'm not sure how I'm going to change things around but I may try stacking them from the sides towards the middle. Or maybe taping off the side vents instead, to see if that has any positive effect. I would genuinely appreciate any further thoughts you may have on this one. I also have a Marineland canister that I setup like you showed in another video and that one is working great!

I have a 30 for my new 10 gallon saltwater. Dont have corals yet, just 2 clownfish juveniles. I just put a 50 but it is to powerful. Also using a nano powerhead. I wanted the xtra space, but even to strong on low I think I will return it and go back to 30. I am using purigan. a poly filter, Right now standard carbon or charcoal that came with it and once I get corals I will use the chemipure elite. I think that has GFO and carbon. I didn't realize it has a phosphate reducer in the elite. Thats the reson I got the 50 because I thought i would need room for phosguard. I also have seachem matrix mixed with some of the bio media that came with it. So purigan, chemi elite, poly filter and seachem matrix. Do you think that is good for a saltwater reef or overkill? We were having a hardtime getting ph to 8.0 which is recommended for clownfish so trying to add xtra flow, also lost a fish due to filling to the top so no drop off to the water. I didnt have powerhead hooked up so I suppose I dint have enough oxygen in water! Total newbie..lol. Our other tank cracked so we bought a new aqueon ascend that has a higher back than front (to hide water line) so a big drop now even when filled! I really enjoy your videos!

how do we turn this hob to nitrate filter? any tips? how do we reduce the flow?

May I ask if a hob filter can suck up all fish poops or just the poops near the intake?

Were can I find the 3 types of pads