Fluval AC20/30 Clear Carb Insert 1 Pack
Suits tanks
18–114 L
Water type
Freshwater + Marine
Fits
Fluval AquaClear 20, Fluval AquaClear 30
Part no.
19626
Replace every
1 months
Media type
Activated carbon and Clearmax chemical media blend
Fluval AC20/30 Clear Carb Insert 1 Pack
Clears odour, discolouration and leftover medication from the water.
Fluval's Clear-Carb insert for the AquaClear 20 and AquaClear 30 blends activated carbon with Clearmax chemical media in one 55 g pad, sized to drop straight into the basket. Fluval lists it as reducing odour, discolouration, toxins, phosphate, nitrite and nitrate. It suits freshwater and saltwater AC20/30 owners who want a general chemical-polishing stage, and anyone clearing a tank after a course of medication.
Key features
- Carbon plus Clearmax blend – combines activated carbon with a chemical media Fluval markets under its own Clearmax name, in one insert.
- Fits AC20 and AC30 – one 55 g pad, sized for either basket.
- Fresh and saltwater safe – the same insert works across both water types.
- Sold as a single insert – replace on Fluval's four-week cycle.
Specifications
| Fluval item | 19626 |
|---|---|
| Media type | Activated carbon and Clearmax chemical media blend |
| Weight | 55 g |
| Fits | AquaClear 20, AquaClear 30 power filters |
| Pack | 1 insert |
| Replacement interval | Every 4 weeks |
| Water type | Freshwater and saltwater |
Will it fit my filter?
| Filter | Aquarium size | Flow rate |
|---|---|---|
| AquaClear 20 | 18–76 L | 379 L/h |
| AquaClear 30 | 38–114 L | 568 L/h |
Sized for the AC20/30 basket only. Fluval sells a different, larger Clear-Carb insert for the AC50, and another again for the AC70 and AC110.
Suitable for, and not suitable for
Suitable for general chemical filtration in a freshwater or saltwater AC20/30 tank, and for pulling residual medication out of the water once a treatment course has finished. Not suitable as the only stage in the basket – it works alongside, not instead of, the foam and Biomax stages.
Safety
Carbon-based media adsorbs dissolved medication along with odour and discolouration. If you're actively dosing a treatment, remove this insert first – running it during treatment will pull the medication out before it can work. Fluval's own guidance is to put a fresh insert back in afterwards to clear the tank.
Care and maintenance
Replace every four weeks. Chemical media doesn't recharge once its capacity is used up, so leaving an old insert in place past that point does nothing further.
Goes well with
- Biomax Insert 42gm – the biological stage that keeps running while this handles chemical polishing
- Ammonia Remover Insert – for freshwater tanks that need ammonia control specifically
Warranty and delivery
Sold as genuine Fluval filter media. Your rights under the Australian Consumer Law apply in full and nothing here limits them. Ships as a standard small parcel anywhere in Australia.
Common questions
Should I remove this before adding medication?
Yes. It contains activated carbon, which will adsorb most medications and reduce how well the treatment works. Take it out before dosing and put a fresh insert in once the course is finished.
Does it fit the AquaClear 50?
No. Fluval sells a larger Clear-Carb insert specifically for the AC50, and a different one again for the AC70/AC110.
Can I use it in a saltwater tank?
Yes, Fluval lists this insert as suitable for both freshwater and saltwater AquaClear 20/30 filters.
How is this different from plain activated carbon?
Clear-Carb blends activated carbon with Fluval's Clearmax chemical media in one insert, rather than carbon on its own, which is how it's able to target phosphate, nitrite and nitrate as well as odour and discolouration.
How often do I need to replace it?
Every four weeks, per Fluval's guidance for this insert.
