This is an awesome filter for a 10 gallon tank with two goldfish and one snail. I had an Aquean Quietflow 10 in the tank before and it was not doing anything I could see to clean the tank out. Bought this one, which has 3 filter medias and I actually added a 4th (ammonia reducer) and dang, fantastic job. Before when I would siphon the water all kinds of left over food etc would get siphoned up, and I mean a lot of it. Now it's hard to get any left over bits sucked up. Pretty clear water too now. The only issue I've had is when we lost power, the pump wasn't able to self prime to start filtering, I had to pour a glass of water into the pump to get it to prime back and run. But very happy with this pump and the 3pk of replacement filter medias.

I am in love with this filter! It's been amazing, so easy to maintain and quiet - I can't tell you how many times I almost wrenched something doing filter maintenance on my 406 and the 406 is becoming such a hassle as it gets older parts breaking/warping and reduced GPH - Boo! I paid so much for it too and it went to trash in just a couple of years! I wish this filter would self prime after power outages like the Aqueon does, but other than that I am more than pleased! I was worried about the filter being clunky visually but far from, I keep the top off and grow moisture tolerant plants in the out flow so it's turned into a very functional planter.

Model: 110. Tank: 90 gallon saltwater FOWLER tank.
I run the 110, along with two hang-on Aqua-C Remora protein skimmers (the original, medium size model). I have two 8-9 inch long fish, both purchased in 1988 and thus now 30 years old. I have limited mobility in my right leg, so under-tank sumps would be tough for me to manage. Instead I rely on large hang-on (HOT) products that I can reach. I believe the 110 has the highest flow rate of any HOT filter on the US market.

I use the included sponge filter and ceramic media, and add a mesh bag with PhosGuard to absorb phosphates. Nitrates run 20, so my skimmers are cleaning up adequately after two BIG fish, and the AquaClear keeps particulates down and the water clear. I only clean it when flow rate slows, which is every four to six months.

Because replacement parts are not stocked at my local fish store, I bought a second 110 unit to use for parts if needed. So far, after five years of use, the only non-original part presently operating in the filter is the U-shaped siphon tube, which broke because I dropped it (not a defect). You can buy some individual parts online, but the cost adds up, and for me, buying a whole complete unit (albeit sitting in the original box in the garage) made sense, since you have instant access to any needed part. The cost of a 110 at the time I bought unit #2 was $20 below today's cost, so for me it was a bargain.

I've had several tanks over the years ranging from 2.5 gallons to my current 40. And have always used Aqueon QuietFlows, which were never really quiet. My newest QuietFlow broke after 2 day so, going from the reviews, I decided to try the AquaClear 70 and I am blown away at how much better I like. It's very quiet except for a minimal hum, you can't hear the water splashing into the tank, the stream is strong but not so strong that it moves the sand around and it seems to be doing a great job of filtering my 40 gallon. The cover fits very snug and there is no rattle. Absolutely worth every penny!

After the filter broke in my starter kit, I finally had an excuse to get an AquaClear! Perfect for what it does and simple. To optimize the filter I suggest getting a pre-filter sponge to cover the intake (reduces cleaning and little fish getting sucked in); replace the Carbon media with the Ammonia Remover media (set the Carbon aside to remove medications, heavily clouded water, etc); and leave the top off and put in semi-aquatic plants like Bamboo in the propeller area, and Pothos (with the roots under the Bio Max bag).

All you have to do with this setup is perhaps clean the intake pipes whenever you see it a little dirty and make sure the roots don't clog the propeller. Only clean the sponge and media if the filter starts smelling too bad and looking too dirty to preserve the bio needed for your tank. Might happen maybe once or twice a year. Lol