Fluval Aquaclear Hang on Filter AC50 - 757lph
Suits tanks
76–190 L
Flow rate
757 L/h
Water type
Freshwater + Marine
Replace every
3 months
Warranty
3 years
Size
18.4 x 11.1 x 16.3 cm
Voltage
230-240V/50Hz (export rating; confirm against unit rating plate)
Media type
3-stage: foam
In the box
5 items
Fluval Aquaclear Hang on Filter AC50 - 757lph
A larger hang-on-back filter for 76-190 L tanks that need more flow and media than the AC30 offers.
The Fluval AquaClear 50 (AC50) is a hang-on-back power filter rated for aquariums from 76 to 190 L, with a maximum flow of 757 L/h (200 US gal/h). Note: Fluval's own spec sheet lists the AC50 at 76-190 L – if you've seen this filter listed elsewhere at 180-275 L, that range belongs to the larger AC70; the numbers on this page are taken from Fluval's published specification.
Key features
- Adjustable flow control – wind the output back from the intake lever without stepping down a model size.
- Refillable media basket – foam, activated carbon and BioMax ceramic rings in one basket, not a sealed throwaway cartridge.
- Three-stage filtration – mechanical (foam), chemical (carbon) and biological (BioMax) media in one pass.
- Handles a heavier bioload – the larger media basket suits established, well-stocked community and cichlid tanks in its size range.
- Fresh and marine safe – rated for freshwater and saltwater use, up to 35°C.
Specifications
| Spec | AC50 |
|---|---|
| Rated aquarium volume | 76-190 L (20-50 US gal) |
| Maximum flow rate | 757 L/h (200 US gal/h), adjustable down via the flow control lever |
| Filtration stages | 3-stage: mechanical (foam), chemical (activated carbon), biological (BioMax) |
| Dimensions | 18.4 x 11.1 x 16.3 cm (L x W x H) |
| Maximum rim/glass thickness | 2.4 cm (0.9 in) |
| Priming | Manual fill required; primes in 30-45 seconds once powered on |
| Water type | Freshwater and marine |
| Voltage | 230-240V/50Hz on export-market units – check the rating plate on your unit to confirm |
Will it fit my tank?
The AC50 is rated to 76-190 L, which covers most standard to large community tanks. Check your rim or glass thickness is under 2.4 cm where the filter hangs. If your tank runs above 190 L or carries a heavy bioload, step up to the AC70 or AC110.
Which AquaClear do I need?
All five AquaClear sizes share the same flow-control design and media layout – they scale up in flow rate and media volume as the numbers get bigger.
| Model | Max flow rate | Rated aquarium volume | Media set |
|---|---|---|---|
| AquaClear 20 (AC20) | 379 L/h (100 US gal/h) | 18-76 L | 1 x foam, 1 x carbon, 1 x BioMax |
| AquaClear 30 (AC30) | 568 L/h (150 US gal/h) | 38-114 L | 1 x foam, 1 x carbon, 1 x BioMax |
| AquaClear 50 (AC50) | 757 L/h (200 US gal/h) | 76-190 L | 1 x foam, 1 x carbon, 1 x BioMax |
| AquaClear 70 (AC70) | 1,136 L/h (300 US gal/h) | 152-265 L | 1 x foam, 2 x carbon, 1 x BioMax |
| AquaClear 110 (AC110) | 1,892 L/h (500 US gal/h) | 227-416 L | 1 x foam, 2 x carbon, 2 x BioMax |
Suitable for, and not suitable for
- Suitable for: freshwater community and cichlid tanks, planted tanks, marine setups, and any 76-190 L aquarium.
- Not suitable for: aquariums over 190 L, or tank rims/glass thicker than 2.4 cm at the mounting point.
What's included
- 1 x AquaClear AC50 filter housing and motor
- 1 x intake strainer with adjustable flow control
- 1 x media basket with foam insert, activated carbon insert and BioMax insert fitted
Care and maintenance
Rinse or replace the foam insert monthly. Replace the activated carbon roughly every three months. Rinse the BioMax every two months in tank water (never tap water) and replace roughly every three months, never all at once. Replacement media: BioMax insert (Fluval A1372F), foam insert 3-pack (Fluval A1394F), and activated carbon 3-pack (Fluval A1384F).
Safety
Operates on Australian 230-240 V/50 Hz mains. Run it through a residual current device (safety switch) and loop the power cord below the socket to stop water tracking down the cord.
Warranty and delivery
Fluval's standard warranty on AquaClear power filters is 3 years from purchase, extendable to 5 years total with online registration within 30 days – in addition to your rights under Australian Consumer Law. Standard parcel delivery Australia-wide.
Common questions
Is the aquarium volume on this page different from what I've seen elsewhere?
It may be. Fluval's published spec sheet rates the AC50 at 76-190 L; some older listings have shown 180-275 L, which is actually closer to the AC70's rating. We've used Fluval's own figures on this page.
Is the AquaClear 50 self-priming?
No. Fill the filter case with water before switching on, set the flow lever to its lowest setting for the first start, then allow 30-45 seconds for the siphon to establish.
Can I run the AC50 on a saltwater tank?
Yes. Fluval rates the AquaClear range for both freshwater and marine use up to 35°C.
How often do I need to replace the media?
Rinse the foam monthly and replace it as it breaks down; replace carbon roughly every three months; rinse BioMax every two months and replace roughly every three months, staggered so you never remove all of it at once.
What's the difference between the AC50 and the AC30?
Flow and media volume. The AC50 delivers up to 757 L/h against the AC30's 568 L/h, and is rated for tanks roughly double the size – 76-190 L versus 38-114 L.
