Fluval Aquaclear Hang on Filter AC70 - 1135lph
Suits tanks
152–265 L
Flow rate
1136 L/h
Water type
Freshwater + Saltwater
Replace every
3 months
Warranty
3 years
Size
21.6 x 15.5 x 21.8 cm
Voltage
230-240V, 50Hz, AU plug
Media type
AquaClear Foam
Fluval Aquaclear Hang on Filter AC70 - 1135lph
A hang-on-back filter rated for 1,136 L/h that adapts to tanks from 152 to 265 litres. The Fluval AquaClear AC70 uses a three-stage foam, BIOMAX and carbon media basket with a patented refiltration slot, so water passes over the media more than once per cycle rather than skimming past it once. Built-in flow control lets you wind the output down for bettas, fry or a slow-current planted tank without changing the media load. Suits freshwater and marine setups alike.
Key features
- 1,136 L/h rated output – sized for aquaria from 152 to 265 L (40–70 US gal), the largest single-family AC-series unit before the AC110.
- Adjustable flow control – a built-in valve reduces output, useful for bettas, shrimp, fry tanks or anywhere a strong surface current isn't wanted.
- Refiltration design – a patented slot routes water back over the media a second time before it returns to the tank, instead of a single pass.
- Three-stage media basket – AquaClear Foam (mechanical), BIOMAX (biological surface area) and Activated Carbon (chemical/odour and discolouration removal), CycleGuard-treated to seed beneficial bacteria faster after setup or a clean.
- Large media capacity – Fluval states up to seven times the media volume of comparably rated filters, extending the interval between full media changes.
- No plumbing – hangs on the tank rim with a gravity waterfall return; nothing to glue, cut or seal.
Specifications
| Spec | AquaClear AC70 |
|---|---|
| Rated tank size | 152–265 L (40–70 US gal) |
| Rated flow | 1,136 L/h (300 US GPH) |
| Power (AU) | 5 W at 230–240 V, 50 Hz |
| Fresh or marine | Both |
| Media included | AquaClear Foam, BIOMAX, Activated Carbon |
| Mounting | Hangs on tank rim, no plumbing |
| Maximum water temperature | 35°C |
| Warranty | 3 years, extendable to 5 with registration |
Will it fit my tank?
The AC70 is rated for 152 to 265 litres. Below 152 L the flow is stronger than most stocking needs, and the built-in flow control can wind it back rather than force an undersized tank up to the next filter size. Above 265 L, or in a heavily stocked tank at the top of that range, step up to the AquaClear AC110 (500 GPH / 1,892 L/h) rather than running the AC70 at its ceiling.
Performance – flow across the tank range
Fluval doesn't publish a plumbed head-height curve for the AC-series, because these are gravity-return, hang-on-back filters with no hose or lift to work against – the 1,136 L/h figure is the filter's own rated output, media included. What does vary is how many times that output turns the tank volume over per hour, and that's the number that actually determines filtration quality:
| Tank volume | Turnover at rated 1,136 L/h |
|---|---|
| 152 L (bottom of range) | ≈7.5× per hour |
| 200 L | ≈5.7× per hour |
| 265 L (top of range) | ≈4.3× per hour |
Turn the flow control down and every figure in that table drops with it – useful for reducing surface current without swapping to a smaller filter.
What's included
- AC70 filter housing and motor unit
- AquaClear Foam, BIOMAX and Activated Carbon media, pre-loaded
- Intake tube and strainer
Not included
- Aquarium, stand or lid cut-out – check rim clearance before buying
- Spare or replacement media beyond the first fill
Suitable for, and not suitable for
Suits freshwater and marine aquaria within the rated volume, including planted and lightly stocked reef tanks where mechanical and chemical filtration is wanted alongside a sump or canister. Not a substitute for a protein skimmer on a heavily stocked marine tank, and the flow control should be backed off in bettas, fry-rearing and slow-current shrimp tanks rather than left wide open.
Care and maintenance
| Media | Fluval's guidance |
|---|---|
| AquaClear Foam | Rinse monthly in tank water; replace roughly every 3 months |
| BIOMAX | Rinse roughly every 2 months; replace roughly every 3 months |
| Activated Carbon | Replace roughly every 3 months – carbon stops adsorbing well before it looks spent |
Rinse media in removed tank water, never tap water, to protect the bacteria colony on the BIOMAX and foam.
Safety
- Indoor aquarium use only.
- Never let the pump run dry.
- Unplug before cleaning, and unplug all aquarium electrics before placing hands in the water.
- Maximum water temperature 35°C.
- 230–240 V AU supply – check the plug and lead for damage before use.
Goes well with
- AquaClear AC20/30/50/70 motor unit – the correct spare motor for this filter, also fits the smaller AC20, AC30 and AC50 and the Fluval C2–C4 clip filters
- AquaClear replacement foam, BIOMAX and carbon media – keep a spare set on hand once the first fill is due for replacement
Warranty and delivery
Fluval's manufacturer warranty is 3 years from proof of purchase, extendable to 5 years with online product registration within 30 days of purchase – in addition to, not instead of, your rights under Australian Consumer Law. Standard parcel delivery; no special freight handling required.
Common questions
Will the AC70 fit a 200 L community tank?
Yes – 200 L sits mid-range for the AC70, giving roughly 5.7 times tank turnover per hour at full flow, with the flow control available to wind that back if the current is too strong for the fish being kept.
Can I use the AC70 on a saltwater tank?
Yes, the AC70 is rated for both freshwater and marine use. On a reef tank it's best used alongside, not instead of, a protein skimmer.
How often does the media need replacing?
Fluval's own guidance is roughly every 3 months for foam, BIOMAX and carbon, with a monthly rinse of the foam and a rinse of the BIOMAX around the two-month mark in between.
Does the AC70 come with media installed?
Yes – the foam, BIOMAX and activated carbon all ship pre-loaded in the media basket, ready to run once primed.
What's the difference between the AC70 and the AC110?
The AC110 is the next size up, rated 1,892 L/h for 227–416 L tanks and running on a larger 14 W motor, against the AC70's 5 W. Move up to the AC110 if a tank is near or above the AC70's 265 L ceiling.
