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Description

The AC Series takes power filtration to the next level. Built on a best-selling platform with a 40-year reputation for exceptional quality, reliability, and convenience, this series has become a standout choice that aquarium enthusiasts know and trust. Along with its proven multi-stage cleaning, CycleGuard beneficial bacteria support, and patented refiltration system, the latest clip-on generation sets a new standard for cleaning performance, media efficiency, quiet operation, and durability with several notable upgrades. Experience the unmatched cleaning power of Fluval AC Series!

  • - CycleGuard preserves the biological balance of your aquarium through independent media replacement, which avoids disrupting the nitrogen cycle and is essential for maintaining clean and healthy water
  • - Patented refiltration system prolongs media contact time for a cleaner, healthier and more biologically stable aquarium
  • - Direct access to chemical media - no need to remove basket from filter (less mess)
  • - Pre-filter intake strainer keeps algae filaments and debris away from pump for consistent water flow
  • - High-porosity 30PPI mechanical foam for improved filtering capability
  • - Adjustable flow control for precise adjustment
  • - Quick and easy maintenance - reconfigured media basket design offers a dedicated space for each cleaning stage, allowing for faster and simpler changes

Please note that the product information displayed is provided by manufacturers, suppliers and other third parties and is not independently verified by Petco.

Specifications

SKU3978821
Primary BrandFluval
Days to ShipShips Next Business Day
Personalized Item flagNo

Limited lifetime warranty.

Refer to the included manual for full assembly instructions.

This appliance is not a submersible aquarium filter-pump. Never use soap or detergent to clean your aquarium and/or accessories.

Description

The AC Series takes power filtration to the next level. Built on a best-selling platform with a 40-year reputation for exceptional quality, reliability, and convenience, this series has become a standout choice that aquarium enthusiasts know and trust. Along with its proven multi-stage cleaning, CycleGuard beneficial bacteria support, and patented refiltration system, the latest clip-on generation sets a new standard for cleaning performance, media efficiency, quiet operation, and durability with several notable upgrades. Experience the unmatched cleaning power of Fluval AC Series!

  • - CycleGuard preserves the biological balance of your aquarium through independent media replacement, which avoids disrupting the nitrogen cycle and is essential for maintaining clean and healthy water
  • - Patented refiltration system prolongs media contact time for a cleaner, healthier and more biologically stable aquarium
  • - Direct access to chemical media - no need to remove basket from filter (less mess)
  • - Pre-filter intake strainer keeps algae filaments and debris away from pump for consistent water flow
  • - High-porosity 30PPI mechanical foam for improved filtering capability
  • - Adjustable flow control for precise adjustment
  • - Quick and easy maintenance - reconfigured media basket design offers a dedicated space for each cleaning stage, allowing for faster and simpler changes

Please note that the product information displayed is provided by manufacturers, suppliers and other third parties and is not independently verified by Petco.

Specifications

SKU3978821
Primary BrandFluval
Days to ShipShips Next Business Day

Reviews

Rating Snapshot

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5 stars

25

4 stars

2

3 stars

0

2 stars

0

1 stars

2

Overall Rating

4.7
12 out of 13 (92%) reviewers recommend this product

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Most Helpful Favorable Review

The best filter of all time for 5 to 15 gal

AbeM

1 year ago

The AC 20 is by far my favorite filter of all time. I had the OG AC20 and it wor...

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18 PEOPLE FOUND THIS HELPFUL

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5

and

4

Most Helpful Critical Review

Stopped working after 3 weeks

Fish Owner

1 year ago

3 weeks after installation, it started making a weird clicking noise after a wat...

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8 PEOPLE FOUND THIS HELPFUL

Show Reviews:

3

2

and

1

Customer Images

Filter Reviews

1 - 8 of 17 Reviews

12 Ratings-Only Reviews

Awful in every possible way

Fluval sucks

3 months ago
Doesn’t constantly suck in water. It spits plastic derby back into my tank. Goes at a slow trickle even at the highest output of water flow. Complete nightmare when changing water in tank and the flow is complete crap too. Just because it cost more doesn’t make it better.

No, I do not recommend this product.

Helpful?
Response from petco.com:
3 months ago
Customer Care
Hi, we’re sorry this wasn’t the experience you hoped for. If you’d like us to take a closer look, please contact us at petco.com/contact-us.

Quiet Quiet!

Jenn

6 months ago
The best! Easy to install and super quiet! Wish I would have tried this product years ago.

Yes, I recommend this product.

Helpful?
Response from petco.com:
6 months ago
Customer Care
Thank you for your review. We are pleased to know the product was easy to install and performed quietly as expected.

GterGG

9 months ago
I have a Fluval Edge, a tank they haven’t made in at least 12 to 15 years. But I love mine. I’ve kept it pristine, and it’s still beautiful. My filter went out this month, and I was glad to find this filter, the Fluval AC 20. It does fit my Fluval Edge. Perfectly. My only complaint is that it’s $4 cheaper if you buy it at PetCo.com, not at the store. Do I need to order stuff online first, then pick it up at the store?

Yes, I recommend this product.

Helpful?
Response from petco.com:
9 months ago
Customer Care
Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re glad the Fluval AC 20 filter worked perfectly with your Fluval Edge and helped keep your tank looking great. Regarding pricing, online and in-store prices can sometimes differ due to promotions. Ordering online for in-store pickup is a great way to take advantage of online pricing while still getting the convenience of local pickup. We appreciate your feedback!

Fuval

Freshrishfan

1 year ago
These are very good filters. Very happy to be able to pick another one up. But being able to purchase other accessories has not been so simple.

Yes, I recommend this product.

Helpful?

Fluval Aquaclear AC20

Cheryl

1 year ago
I love this filter. I have a 20 gallon long aquarium. I put 2 of them on it. I have Peppered Cory Cats and various tetras in it with sand bottom.

No, I do not recommend this product.

Helpful?

my cleaning and care partner

ms diana

1 year ago
wont let me voice my opinion , its good needed more power filtering

No, I do not recommend this product.

Helpful?

The best filter of all time for 5 to 15 gal

AbeM

1 year ago
The AC 20 is by far my favorite filter of all time. I had the OG AC20 and it worked amazing. The new 2024 version is definitely an improvement. at full speed, this filter can really move a large volume of water. Pair this with a baffle you can get off Etsy, it is dead silent, and is an excellent filter for any fish or aquatic species that needs a very low flow environment (Betta fish/shrimp). I recommend this filter for anything 5 to 15 gallons in size. It’s a very small form factor/footprint for the amount of filtration that you get. Due to a small size, it works great for those tall skinny aquarium for your nightstand or desk as well. Again, I cannot stress how important getting a baffle for the filter. It’s a game changing hack, you can run your AC 20 at full speed and really be able to polish/oxygenate your water and the small 5.5 to 15 gallon aquariums to the point where you need nothing else( air stones etc.) I don’t recommend this filter for a 20 gallon tank unless you’re worried again about the form factor and size. An AC 30 is a superior filter, has a much smoother outflow due to the wider spillway, and has more volume for customizable media bags.

Yes, I recommend this product.

Helpful?

Flexable HOT filter!

1 year ago
This is a decent HOT filter, and I liked it because it would accept my Fluval Edge filter media. It also would work well to just have the bio filter expanded without using the carbon insert

Yes, I recommend this product.

Helpful?
1 - 8 of 17 Reviews

Questions

1 - 4 of 4 Questions

What is the width of this filter? My filter won’t fit my hood. I only have close to a 7” width.

  1. 5 1" wide



Can you use in a glo fish tank?

  1. I have glo corys in a 5 gallon tank & this is the perfect filter



How do you tell which is the new Fluval model and which is the older model?

  1. Previous model - media is inserted vertically New model - media is inserted horizontally



Does this work for saltwater tanks?

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