The AquaClear Power Filter draws water from the aquarium through the input siphon and strainer. The AquaClear motor then pumps the water out of the impeller chamber. The flow diverter directs the flow beneath the filter chamber. The unfiltered water is forced through the entire foam filter insert to trap suspended particles and then through the carbon insert to absorb liquified wastes. If the optional AMMO-RID insert is installed, excess ammonia is removed before the purified water is returned to the aquarium.

The AquaClear filter system uses the largest media volume of any comparable filtration system. The inserts completely fill the filter chamber with media, unlike cartridge systems which only use a limited fraction of the available space. AquaClear is designed to use the full available volume, there is up to SIX times more filter media volume in the AquaClear design than any cartridge filter can offer. This provides a much greater internal surface area. Unfiltered water contacts the expanded surface area of the different AquaClear filter media. This allows a much longer filtration period compared to cartridge systems, producing sparkling clear, debris free aquarium water.

Additionally, the large volume of media is independent inserts permits large beneficial colonies to develop throughout the media chamber. The bacterial population is sustained with a generous supply of oxygen from the high flow rate. The result is effective biological action which can be continuously maintained with proper insert replacement procedures. Separate instructions for proper insert maintenance to conserve the biological action are included on individual insert packaging.

Reduced flow is most helpful during feeding times, or when the input suction or output stream is too strong for small or delicate fish. When desired, the patented flow control can be set to less than full flow. This decreases the amount of water drawn from the aquarium or returned to it, however, full filtration is maintained. Even with the flow control set less than the full flow, however, the motor still pumps the rated output to the filter chamber. No blockage is created that would reduce the water supply to the impeller. Instead, the water is recirculated through the filter basket’s refiltration grid into the impeller chamber, providing ample input to the motor. Before the water reaches the refiltration grid, it is purified as it must pass through all the filter media in the filter basket.

The water return is designed to circulate water thoroughly within the aquarium. Water is directed into the aquarium at an angle by the AquaClear overflow return. As the purified water enters, the stream produces beneficial currents within the entire aquarium, ensuring total filtration. The overflow return design produces water surface agitation. This aids the escape of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere and stimulates oxygen absorption into the water, replenishing the supply used by the aquatic inhabitants.