Hang-on-Back Filter

Performance & sizing

Core numbers for matching this unit to your tank and electrical plan.

Power

7 W

Flow rate

757 L/h

Noise

—

Dimensions

18.4x11.1x16.3

Price range

$$

Tank fit (L)

76–190 L

Running cost (electric)

At continuous full load (7 W), approximate draw is ~5 kWh per month (24/7). Actual use depends on dimming, duty cycles, and thermostat control.

Convert to currency in Tools → Cost.

Consumables & maintenance

Rinse mechanical media on a regular schedule; replace biomedia and cartridges per the manufacturer (often many months apart).

Description

The AquaClear 50 is the 20-50 US gallon (76-190 L) size in the hang-on-back range Fluval now sells as the AC Series - item #19610. Fluval's spec table gives 200 US GPH (757 L/H) maximum flow from a 7 W motor at 120 V, in a body 18.4 x 11.1 x 16.3 cm. It ships with the media it needs: one Bio-Foam, one carbon insert, one BIOMAX bio-media insert and an intake sponge. Two design details are the reason this filter keeps getting recommended over cheaper HOBs. The first is what Fluval calls CycleGuard - the basket takes three separate media inserts and is meant to have one changed at a time, so a media swap never strips the whole bacterial colony at once. Cartridge-based HOBs throw out mechanical, chemical and biological filtration together every time you replace the cartridge, which is what causes a mini-cycle after maintenance. The second is the patented refiltration system. Turning the flow down on most filters means less water gets treated; Fluval's design instead recirculates up to 50% of the water through the chamber several times when flow is reduced. That matters for shrimp and for long-finned or slow-swimming fish, where you want gentle current without giving up filtration. Practical notes: the stepped filter-to-tank interface is self-levelling in most installs and is meant to prevent spills, a sound-dampening cover covers the pump, and a surface skimmer attachment is sold separately - it fits both the AC and the older AquaClear generations. Warranty is three years, extended to five free on registration. If you are choosing sizes, the AC30 covers 38-114 L and the AC70 covers 152-265 L; overlapping ranges mean tank volume alone does not decide it, stocking level does.

Source

• fluvalaquatics.com — https://fluvalaquatics.com/us/shop/product/aquaclear

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