BiomesInaBox

Tag: fluval

  • Fluval M Series Heaters – Specs, Dimensions, etc.

    Fluval M Series Heaters – Specs, Dimensions, etc.

    Fluval is one of many companies that provide heaters, aquariums, lighting, and other products for the aquarium keeping hobby. The company has been around since 1975 and continues to release products for all to enjoy. This article will specifically discuss the many different-sized M Series Heaters made by Fluval. We will begin with the small Fluval M50 Heater, and make our way to the largest of the series, which is the Fluval M300 Heater.

    General Fluval M Series Heater Information

    Before we move onto the details of each heater, let’s discuss some of the features that the heaters share between them. The following are features that this heater series contains.

    Mirrored Finish & Fully Submersible Design

    A very interesting feature that can be seen with each of these filters is that they all have a mirrored finish. The goal of this mirrored finish is to allow the heater itself to blend into the surroundings. It does this by reflecting the aquarium’s colors to camouflage itself.

    Fluval M Series Heaters are designed to allow full submersion. This is a fantastic feature because it allows you to hide them behind decor a bit easier. An added bonus to this is that you can also position this heater series horizontally. The only flaw to fully submerging your heater is that you’ll have to dip your hand into your aquarium to change the temperature.

    Computer Calibrated Thermostat & Temperature Control Dial

    This heater series comes equipped with a computer-calibrated thermostat. This makes fish-keeping a little easier because the thermostat should sense when the water hits the desired temperature and shut off. Once the water temperature drops, the heater should fire back up and bring the temp. up again.

    The Fluval M Series heaters come with a fairly straightforward control dial that allows you to adjust your temperature to your needs. You can adjust and turn your dial to a wide range of temperatures. On the low end, you can set your temperature to 66° F, and 86°F on the high end. This provides you with a large range of fish of different species.

    Fluval M50 A781

    The Fluval M50 Submersible Heater is the smallest in this series of heaters. It is a 50 watt heater that is made to be used for aquariums up to 15 gallons (57 Liters). This heater has a fairly small footprint. It has a footprint of 11″ x 1″ x 1″. This may be a little large for Nano-fish tanks but should work very well for 10-gallon aquariums. Be sure to check out the Fluval M50 on Amazon!

    Fluval M100 A782

    Next, regarding size is the Fluval M100 Submersible Heater. This 100 W aquarium heater is an excellent choice for fish tanks up to 30 gallons (100 Liters). Although it uses twice as much wattage and can heat more aquarium water, Fluval M100 Heaters still has the same footprint as the M50. The M100 footprint is 11″ x 1″ x 1″. If you can afford a larger heater, I would recommend picking this one up over the Fluval M50 Heater. Before we move ahead, consider checking out the Fluval M100 on Amazon!

    Fluval M150 A783

    The Fluval M150 Submersible Heater is rated for aquariums up to 45 gallons (150 Liters). This model in particular uses 150 watts which is a bit more than the M50 and M100. The M150 Heater is also the first that is a little larger. It has a footprint of 13″ x 1″ x 1″. Not much larger, but it can make a difference. Overall, it is a good heater but you will likely need to get the larger M200 for something like a 55-gallon fish tank. You can pick up the Fluval M150 on Amazon!

    Fluval M200 A784

    The next heater on this list is the Fluval M200 Submersible Heater. This heater is rated for fish tanks up to 65 gallons (245 Liters). This is a 200 W heater that shares the same dimensions as the Fluval M150. Those dimensions are 13″ x 1″ x 1″. This heater is an excellent candidate for 55 gallons aquariums but falls short as a recommendation for 75-gallon aquariums or larger. For larger aquariums, I recommend the Fluval M300. Be sure to check out the Fluval M200 Heater on Amazon!

    Fluval M300 A787

    The final and largest heater in this series is the Fluval M300. This submersible heater is rated for aquariums up to 80 gallons (302 Liters). This heater uses 300 W to warm your fish tank so it packs a punch. As stated above, this is the largest of the M Series heaters in both wattage and length. The Fluval M300 Submersible Heater measures 15″ x 1″ x 1″. Large aquariums should easily hide this heater regardless of size. At the time of writing this, the Fluval M300 is not available on Amazon, but be sure to check it out on the FluvalAquatics website!

    Final Notes

    The Fluval M Series Submersible Heaters are just one of many types of heaters available to purchase. I have personally used these heaters for both freshwater and saltwater aquarium and am consistently happy with the results. If you have any experiences or comments about this heater series please share them with me! If you’re looking for heaters from different brands, take a look at the 6 Best Aquarium Heaters for Freshwater & Saltwater Fish Tanks!

  • Fluval Aquaclear HOB Filter – Specs, Dimensions, etc.

    Fluval Aquaclear HOB Filter – Specs, Dimensions, etc.

    Aquaclear Hang on the back Summary

    The Aquaclear Power Filter series is a fantastic filtration system with all shapes and sizes for most standard aquariums. It is one that I have used in the past and plan on using for future aquarium builds. It provides biological, chemical, and mechanical filtration for your fish tank and has an entirely customizable media basket. This article will go into detail about each Aquaclear HOB Filter. If you have used Aquaclear Filters and are interested in other brands, check out the 7 Best Hang-On Back Power Filters for Freshwater Aquariums, otherwise continue reading!

    Table Of Contents
    1. Aquaclear 20 A-595
    2. Fluval AquaClear 30 A-600
    3. Fluval AquaClear 50
    4. Fluval AquaClear 70 A-615
    5. Fluval AquaClear 110
    6. AquaClear Instructions & Installation
    7. Final Notes

    Aquaclear 20 A-595

    The Aquaclear 20 Power Filter is rated for fish tanks between 5 and 20 gallons. You can check it out on sale at Amazon by following this link. Out of the box, this power filter comes with foam sponges, activated carbon, and BioMax. The AquaClear 20 filter flow rate is roughly 100 gallons per hour (378 liters per hour) at its maximum. You can adjust the flow of this filtration system to fit your needs. The minimum flow rate is 33 gallons per hour (125 liters per hour). This HOB filter has a media basket that allows you to easily swap out filter media. AquaClear branded media is available to make switching out filter media incredibly simple. This model’s filter media will have a large 20 labeled on the box.

    I would recommend purchasing bulk media such as activated carbon and foam sponges. Those are things that will more than likely need to be switched out over time. You may not require ammonia remover if you have an established fish tank. An established fish tank should not have increased levels of ammonia. If you own loose filter media, you can purchase AquaClear 20 Nylon Bags to add your filter media.

    AquaClear 20 Dimensions

    This filter is small and compact but still provides plenty of power to keep your fish tank clean! The AquaClear 20 dimensions are 4 7/8″ x 4″ x 5 3/4″ (LxWxH). If you’re using the metric system to measure the dimensions they are 11.75cm x 10.25cm x 14.75cm. Most of the filters will hang on the outside of the aquarium. The only piece inside the fish tank will be the intake tube. This allows you to have plenty of space for aquascaping!

    How Much Electricity Does AquaClear 20 Use?

    The AquaClear 20 does not use much electricity at all. When running this little filter will use 6W. This isn’t too much energy considering a filter is a fairly important tool we use in fishkeeping.

    Fluval AquaClear 30 A-600

    The AquaClear 30 Hang-on Filter is rated for aquariums up to 30 gallons. You can check out the Aquaclear 30 on Amazon. This model comes included with a Foam Sponge, Activated Carbon, and BioMax. The AquaClear 30 Power Filter has a little more power to it than its smaller counterpart. The AquaClear 30 flow rate will max out at 150 gallons (568 liters) per hour and has a minimum flow rate of 50 gallons (190 liters) per hour. Similar to other AquaClear filters this one has filter media specifically designed to fit its media basket. You will see a large 30 on filter media boxes rated for the AquaClear 30.

    This HOB filter also has a media basket that allows you to mix and match different filter media. There are AquaClear branded media available to purchase to make your life easier. The filter media is appropriately sized to easily fit into your filter. This model’s filter media will have a large 30 labeled on the box.

    AquaClear 30 Dimensions

    This filter has a little larger footprint compared to the AquaClear 20. The only difference in size between AC20 and AC30 is the length. The AquaClear 30 dimensions are 6″ x 4″ x 5 3/4″ (LxWxH). For anyone using the metric system, that is 15.25 cm x 10.25 cm x 14.75 cm. This is a filter that is just a little larger but benefits from an increased flow rate and more space for filter media.

    How Much Electricity Does AquaClear 30 Use?

    It might be surprising, but like the AquaClear 20, the AquaClear 30 also only uses 6W of energy. With this filter, you get more surface area for biological, chemical, and mechanical filtration and more water flow.

    Fluval AquaClear 50

    The AquaClear 50 filter is designed for aquariums of up to 50 gallons. Check it out on Amazon here. This filter model will come included with AquaClear Foam Sponge, Activated Carbon, and BioMax. The AquaClear 50 flow rate will max out at 200 gallons (757 liters) per hour. On the other hand, it can be dialed down to have a minimum flow rate of 66 gallons (250 liters) per hour. So far each filter increases the max flow rate by intervals of 50 gallons per hour. The pump will intake water which will feed through the filter housing. Like the other AquaClear hang-on filters, the housing will have a media basket that will help provide mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration.

    AquaClear 50 Dimensions

    AquaClear 50 dimensions will remain roughly the same as the smaller models. The only thing larger with this model is the length. AquaClear 50 Power Filter is 7″ x 4″ 5 3/4″ (LxWxH). If you prefer seeing these measurements in centimeters, they are 17.75cm x 10.25cm x 14.75cm. Overall, it is not much larger than the AquaClear 30 but benefits from providing more flow and more surface area for filter media.

    How Much Electricity Does AquaClear 50 Use?

    Similar to the smaller hang-on-the-back models, the AquaClear only uses 6W of energy. This filter might be a little overkill for smaller fish tanks, but it may still be great for 20 or even 30-gallon aquariums.

    Fluval AquaClear 70 A-615

    The AquaClear 70 is rated for aquariums up to 70 gallons. Pick it up on Amazon by following this link. However, if I have an aquarium this large with a well-stocked fish tank I would consider using a canister filter and maybe supplement the fish tank with this filter. Heavily planted aquariums will probably get by with an AquaClear 70 but fish tanks with high-bioload fish will, in my opinion, require something more.

    Anyway, the AquaClear 70 flow rate will max out at about 300 gallons (1135 liters) per hour. You can adjust the flow and at its minimum, this filter will pump water at about 100 gallons (380 liters) per hour. This filter increases the flow rate in the aquarium by 100 gallons per hour, compared to the AquaClear 50.

    It comes included with Activated Carbon, Foam Sponges, and AquaClear BioMax. When hunting for filter media replacements look for AquaClear boxes with a large 70 labeled on them.

    AquaClear 70 Dimensions

    We see an increase in length, width, and height for the AquaClear 70 dimensions. The AquaClear 70 is 8 1/4″ x 6″ x 8″ (LxWxH). For our friends that use the metric system, the dimensions are 21cm x 15.25cm x 20.5cm. That is a fairly large increase in size which will help your aquarium become filtered successfully. Remember, you can’t over-filter your aquarium!

    How Much Electricity Does AquaClear 70 Use?

    The AquaClear 70 only uses 6W of energy. It’s a little much for smaller aquariums but great for 40, 55, or 75-gallon fish tanks. If the flow is adjusted, it may work on a 30-gallon aquarium.

    Fluval AquaClear 110

    We have finally gotten to the largest AquaClear Power filter. The AquaClear 110 Filter is a behemoth. You can pick up the AquaClear 110 Filter on Amazon! It is rated for aquariums up to 110 gallons. The AquaClear 110 flow rate will max out at 500 gallons (1890 liters) per hour! At its minimum, this power filter will output water at 166 gallons (630 liters) per hour. As stated above, I would personally choose a canister filter if I have a large bio-load over a power filter of this size. Luckily, in this hobby there is no single correct way of doing something right, so do what works best for you.

    This power filter model will come included with Activated Cabon, BioMax, and Foam sponges. When shopping for filter media, replacements for the AquaClear 110 will have a large “110” label on the box.

    AquaClear 110 Dimensions

    The dimensions for the AquaClear 110, are larger than all of the other models. This hang on the back filter is 13 1/2″ x 6 3/4″ x 9″ (LxWxH). For metric system visitors that translates to 34.5cm x 17.25cm x 23cm. This provides plenty of space for filter media and plenty of surface area for beneficial bacteria.

    How Much Electricity Does AquaClear 110 Use?

    The AquaClear 110 power filter uses a little more electricity compared to the other models. This model uses 14W of energy. It is not incredibly more but just know that it does consume a little more electricity.

    AquaClear Instructions & Installation

    The AquaClear hang-on filter is incredibly easy to install. After opening the box, you can remove the filter media from inside the housing. Make sure that all plastic wrapping is removed. I have known new aquarium keepers that tried running the filter with media still wrapped in plastic packaging. You can start putting the filter together. Here is how I would recommend installing your AquaClear filter:

    1. Prepare Filter Media inserts (rinse carbon, transfer BioMax, etc.)
    2. Install filter media inserts in the media basket and place the media basket into filter
    3. Attach the Intake U Tube to filter
    4. Attach the Leveling device
    5. Mount power filter onto aquarium & adjust leveling device
    6. Add water into Power Filter Housing, and fill the housing with water
    7. Plug the power cord into the electrical outlet

    Here is an AquaClear manual that shows the specs, parts list, and instructions for AquaClear filters. The manual also provides a list of replacement parts and troubleshooting information at the end, including tips on what to do if your AquaClear filter is not working.

    Final Notes

    Hopefully, this article helps give you a rundown on the different AquaClear models and you can decide which will work best for you. Overall, I think the AquaClear brand is fantastic and very reliable. I love the media basket because it gives you a little more versatility and control over what you can add and use. If you have any experience with AquaClear filters let me know! Already have a filter and looking for a heater? Check out this guide that discusses some of the best heaters available in this hobby!