Hagen AquaClear Power Filters

Superior filtering capabilities through triple filtration: biological, mechanical, and chemical. The size of the foam and carbon inserts offers large surface area to increase filtration capacity. The foam block can also be easily rinsed and reused to preserve the biological bacterial colonies. Patented flow control feature and media basket allow custom filter performance. Includes foam, carbon, and BioMax media. Foam media is custom cut to fit precisely, trapping dirt and debris. Carbon effectively removes dissolved organic compounds, medications, and dyes. BioMax allows growth of bacterial colonies to convert ammonia and nitrite to nitrate. 2-year manufacturer's guarantee.

Also available: Amrid, aids in new aquarium set up or aquariums with constant ammonia problems (for use with freshwater only). AquaClear Media Bags hold media of your choice. Fine mesh bag safely holds granulated carbon, peat fiber, pellets, and resins.

AquaClear Media sold separately. Or, for an economical alternative to AquaClear media, try Imagine® filter media for AquaClear power filters. Available in foam inserts, carbon inserts, ammonia remover inserts, and BioModules.

Downloadable Hagen AquaClear Power Filter Instructions PDF.
(Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0 or later - get it here for free)

Please click on "More Information" for installation instructions.

• Inspect filter for visible damage
• If motor does not start, make sure the impeller blades are moving freely on the magnet assembly.

Filter Insert Installation
A - FOAM INSERT
The AquaClear Foam Insert must be installed in the media basket first. The foam block should totally fill the bottom of the basket and fill the chamber completely to the sides. There should be no space anywhere between sides and foam. Be sure to rinse the insert thoroughly before installation.

B - CARBON INSERT
The AquaClear Carbon Insert is packaged in a nylon porous pouch over wrapped with a protective plastic dust sleeve. Remove dust sleeve, and rinse the insert to remove any carbon dust particles. To properly install the Carbon Insert, flatten the insert on top of the Foam block already placed in the filter basket.

C - AMRID AMMONIA REMOVER INSERT
AMRID removes harmful ammonia before it has a chance to build to toxic levels and stress aquatic inhabitants. AMRID can reduce some poisonous ammonia build up in a newly established aquarium, before nitrifying bacteria have populated enough to remove it naturally. Excessive feeding, overpopulation, and failure to remove decaying organic matter also promote the rise of toxic ammonia within the biosphere. Chloramine used in municipal water is a hazard for many fish. When chloramine is removed with a dechlorinator, ammonia is released into the water. AMRID helps to remove ammonia whenever properly conditioned new tap water is added to an aquarium during water change or top-up procedure.

To install the AMRID insert (C - graphic on previous page), rinse bag well to remove any fine dust created by shipping and handling. Flatten the insert and lay it directly on top of the Carbon insert in the filter basket. As with the Carbon insert, be sure that the entire surface area of the filter basket is completely covered by the insert.

Insert Maintenance
The AquaClear Foam, Carbon, and AMMO-RID inserts should be changed alternately in order to maintain continuous biological activity.

Never replace all filter media in any AquaClear filter at the same time.

Follow individual packaging instructions for proper replacement intervals. When rinsing an insert, it is best to rinse only in used aquarium water or lukewarm dechlorinated tap water to protect the bacterial population. This will ensure the least amount of disturbance to the biological filtration during standard filter maintenance. The filter inserts initially require several days to commence full mechanical filtering action. Bacterial cloudiness may occur during the first week of a new aquarium set up. Biological balance of a new aquarium should occur within the fourth to sixth week of operation. Established aquariums will accomplish biological filter balance within the second or third week of operation.

Operating Instructions

A) Inspect filter for any visible signs of shipping damage and verify that motor is securely fastened to filter case.

B) Install Filter Inserts.
NOTE: Be sure that the filter basket sits evenly on the supports at the bottom of the filter case.

C) Mount filter in the desired location on the aquarium, most often a power filter is installed at the rear of an aquarium. AquaClear MINI, 150 and 200: Filter must be level. If it is not, carefully cut the integrated leveling device protruding from the motor until the filter is vertical to the floor. AquaClear 300 and 500: Insert leveling device pin into provide opening on bottom of filter case. Adjust leveling device by turning to the required setting in order that the filter is level.

D) Install intake stem (adjustment control above impeller) and attach integrated strainer/siphon tube on aquarium side of intake. Add more than one intake tube if tank is deep. (Extra extension tubes may be ordered separately from their respective parts list.)

E) Fill AquaClear case with sufficient water to completely submerse the impeller cover.

F) Plug power cord into electrical outlet. Priming will take 30 - 45 seconds.

G) To change water flow rate, move adjustment control on intake stem to reduce or increase water intake.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT RUN FILTER DRY

Filter Maintenance
For optimum filter operation and efficiency, regular cleaning of the filter and its parts is recommended every two weeks. Media maintenance should follow individual packaging instructions of the separate media. If the filter is left unattended for too long, the filter materials become clogged with debris. In extreme cases, the filter basket may be forced up from the filter case due to the pump pressure. This is an indication that the efficiency of the filtration is very low and that the media requires immediate rinsing or replacement.

To clean the unit, unplug the filter. Remove cover. Remove filter basket and dump water remaining in case. Rinse collected debris from filter case, flow diverter, impeller and impeller well in clean lukewarm water. Soap or detergents are NOT recommended for filter maintenance.

Every three months the motor should be removed from the case and thoroughly cleaned. Remove motor by twisting it in the direction of the arrow on the motor. The motor should rotate 90 degrees. Pull motor gently down to prevent damage to filter case or motor guide.

The impeller shaft is permanently installed. Pull impeller out of impeller well. Rinse impeller and impeller well of accumulated slime deposits.

To prevent kinked seal ring, wet motor seal ring before inserting into filter case.

Filter Maintenance
Filter inserts should be changed at the intervals recommended on the individual packaging instructions. Rinse filter basket and inserts being reused. Never discard the entire contents on the filter basket. Alternate introduction of new media allows the established bacteria to migrate from the reused media to the new insert(s). This permits the biological filtration capacities of the AquaClear filter to continue to operate uninterrupted. The intake stem and extension tube can be cleaned with a filter stem brush to remove any buildup of deposits. After all parts have been cleaned and thoroughly rinsed, reassemble filter and replace in position an aquarium. Follow operating instructions to prime and restart filter.

NOTE: Do not use harsh detergents. Rinse well to avoid toxic residue.
IMPORTANT:

• Disconnect the plug of all the appliances inside the aquarium before putting any hand into the water.
• The supply cord of this appliance cannot be replaced; if the cord is damaged, the appliance should be discarded.
• This appliance has no user serviceable parts.

Linda M
Sparta, TN

I have 3 AquaClears running on 3 of my 10 tanks and am in the process of putting them on the rest immediately. These are simply the BEST filters ever. They do bio, mech, and chem. filtering in such a simple and ingenious way. Low maintenance, crystal clear water, media versatility, low cost maintenance, and such an unbelievable low price for the greatest filter! This is a no brainer. They could price these a lot higher...and I would STILL buy them. Hagen is #1! My fish thank you!

Donald G
East Hartford, CT

I have an AquaClear 300 that I bought over twenty years ago. Without a doubt it has outlasted and outperformed all the other filters I have used.

Michael D
Wildwood Crest, NJ

This filter is simple, effective, and quiet. You can use any media you want, for any specific needs your tank has or conditions it requires. A great addition to any tank!

K. King
Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Hagen AquaClear Power Filters are simply the best. They provide excellent biological filtration with the most GPH you can buy. Not to mention easy maintenance. This is a must for any aquarium lover! 

Eric C
Panama City, FL

Well, Hagen has done it again! The Hagen AquaClear filters are great. They have the best output that you can get on a hang on filter, and they are really easy to clean. You can see when it needs to be cleaned and due to the clear outside you can see if there is a problem. If you want a great filter for a great price then go with the AquaClear!!

Mike B
Edwardsville, IL

I haven't found a better filter in more than 11 years of tending my aquariums. The best part about these filters is that the replacement of materials is limited to a sponge and a charcoal bag a couple of times a year. The Hagen AquaClear Power Filters are very easy to clean and very reliable, and you can't go wrong with them for a home aquarium.

Alexis S
Gladwin, MI

This is my favorite filter so far. I'd like to mention that it is much quieter than other filters I've owned and definitely easier to maintain/clean, and I love how customizable it is. If I keep larger cichlids and need more mechanical filtration, I can fit two sponges as well as the carbon. I have also found the extra media bags helpful also when I have needed to include peat, or a little crushed coral in my tank.

Lisa W
Connoquenessing, PA

I use 2 AquaClear 500's on my 75 gal Oscar tank. I use the sponge and a de-nitrate media. Works great, even with large fish and is the simplest to operate and maintain. Works even better then the expensive canister filters!

Aaron L
Rock Hill, SC

Excellent filters! I have two 500's on my 55 gallon.The great thing about these filters is the various media that you can use.You can put about anything in there.One of my filters is set up with the sponge,and carbon that is included,and a bag of amrid on top of that.The other I just filled up with ceramic bio media, with the sponge on the bottom.In my opinion no other filter will be able to touch this one until the get away from the whole "cartridge" idea, these filters are much more useful.

Wendy Y
Gahanna, OH

I've owned all types of canister filters, internal submersible filters, hang on power filters, etc. To date, the Hagen AquaClear Powerfilters (any size!) is THE ABSOLUTE BEST! I got a couple used from a friend, and ordered some replacement parts/media from Drs. Foster & Smith. Tried them, and WOW! I'm getting rid of most of my other filters, and going to 90% AquaClear brand! (I still need my big canister for my giant tank.) The ease of cleaning, consistant crystal clear results, and total control over media you can use in them, makes them the best. It seems like they combine the BEST of the canister filters (with choices of media and layering), hang on power filters (easier to clean than my other brands), see through design (most times, I can see that the media needs maintenence), easy priming, etc. Biological filter media is tops. 3 stage filtration in the most economical and user friendly product. I'm purchasing 3 more today, different sizes, to use on some other tank set ups I have. HELPFUL HINT: I've used the 501 turtle filter sponge insert as an excellent PRE-filter! (purchased also on this site) It fits the intake tube perfect, and saves the media, and increases the biological filtration capacity! AND... it also helps in my baby fry tanks, without the baby fish being sucked into the filter. I do not have to sacrifice excellent filtration in my fry tanks because the 501 replacement sponge and the Aquaclear filter stops loss! Buy one today, you will NOT be dissappointed.

Kevin P
[City Not Selected], IL

I have an AquaClear 30 for my 20 gallon fry tank in my bedroom. I had a different filter in that tank, but the water quality wasn't good. So I bought an AquaClear and my water is crystal clear. I just love the AquaClear, it's quiet and the best filter I ever had.

M. Triplett
Spokane, WA

I have 2, 50's sitting on my 40 gallon ornamental goldfish tank and I just love those filters, since everyone knows that goldfish are really dirty, my tank is super clear due to these filters. Super easy to maintain and the price is right. I have a 5 gallon I am about ready to buy an AquaClear for because the one it came with doesn't perform and I have had more problems due to it than anything in that little tank. But these AquaClears are the best and so easy to set up and get going. I had my power go out one day when no one was home and as soon as the power kicked back on they started themselves right up and I had not even known that the power had been off until later in the day. Well worth it!

Daniel H
Johnston, RI

I have owned many tanks over the last 25 years and I have found hagen aqua clear the best and most efficient filter on the market available. I will continue to use this brand. Good job, hagen, my hats of to you.

Will T
Painted Post, NY

I have 2 of these filters and they are incredibly quiet and work great. They're large capacity and high flow rate make them great for creating flow coupled with amazing filtering. Great for freshwater and saltwater.

Anthony N
Shirley, NY

I have four AquaClear filters on my two tanks. I have 110 and a 70 on my 75g tank and the water is like glass, looks like the fish are floating. The filters are great in that you are able to take different levels of the filtraion out if you needed too. It's easy to clean all parts, come out and go back in easy.

Stanley R
Thompson Falls, MT

Running AquaClear at home and a canister filter at work. AquaClear is hands down the better filter. Waaay easier to maintain, no bio-wheels, tubing, etc. Don't even think about getting any other kind!

Kristin S
Rochester, NH

I have had the same Aquaclear 300 (now 70) filter for about 15 years now. I have had just about every other type of filter, from canisters to internals and everything in between, and I always go back to this one filter. It has never given me an ounce of trouble. This filter is a workhorse!