Fluval AC30 Power Filter

Name: Fluval AC30 Power Filter
Brand: Fluval
SKU: 3978995
Price: 49.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 2.909090909090909 (11 reviews)

Fluval AC30 Power Filter removed from the wishlist

Fluval AC30 Power Filter - Carousel image #1

DETAILS

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

SKU	3978995
Primary Brand	Fluval
Days to Ship	Ships Next Business Day

ATTRIBUTES/ SPECIFICATIONS

Personalized Item flag	No

WARRANTY

Limited lifetime warranty.

DIRECTIONS

Refer to the included manual for full assembly instructions.

WARNINGS

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

Description

- 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

SKU	3978995
Primary Brand	Fluval
Days to Ship	Ships Next Business Day

Reviews

Rating Snapshot

Select a row below to filter reviews.

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Overall Rating

2.9

5 out of 9 (56%) reviewers recommend this product

Review this Product

Adding a review will require a valid email for verification

Most Helpful Favorable Review

Great Filter, now my go to filter!

macpappi

1 year ago

I got this a few weeks ago, I went with the AC30, mainly because I always go up ...

Show Full Review

11 PEOPLE FOUND THIS HELPFUL

Show Reviews:

and

Most Helpful Critical Review

Did not last 6 months.

Joanna

9 months ago

I bought this in August of 2025, and it worked as expected until today. As usual...

Show Full Review

5 PEOPLE FOUND THIS HELPFUL

Show Reviews:

and

Customer Images

Filter Reviews

Search topics and reviews search region

1 - 8 of 9 Reviews

2 Ratings-Only Reviews

I'm on my third one since December. The motor keeps breaking. The first one broke within a week and the store exchanged it for me right away. The second one broke on Saturday night at 7:15. I registered the product for the warranty and of course they aren't open on weekends. I went and bought a new one so my fish didn't die. I sent an email to Fluval and asked to be reimbursed for the new one since I had just bought it in December. I was told no. They don't reimburse and I should have waited to call them on Monday. They asked if I had the broken one which I didn't because I wasn't told I needed the broken on. I was told that I was out the $55 that I spent. I won't buy this filter again. It breaks too easily and they don't care.

No, I do not recommend this product.

Helpful?

Response from petco.com:

7 months ago

Customer Care

Hi, Michelle. We never want our guests to receive anything less than great quality. If you’d like to look into this further, please contact us through petco.com/contact-us.

I bought this a month ago, it didn't clear up tank, 1 week of 25% water changes didn't help I tried geting new filters nothing matched up correctly and zero help in store avaliable. I lost 5 fish. The filter bag lays like sloppy mess and it was the one in box it came with Half the water that comes out is one side thats not filtered so only filters half the water. The lid does not fit securely slightest bump down the back side of tank stand it goes. I regret this purchase and according to store just stuck with it. New pump plus ill fitting 2ndary filter and bag I wasted about 60 dollars on that plus cost of the 5 fish.

No, I do not recommend this product.

Helpful?

Response from petco.com:

8 months ago

Customer Care

We are truly sorry to hear about the loss of your pet. Our hearts go out to you during this difficult time. Please get in touch with us at petco.com/contact-us so we can look into this right away.

I bought this in August of 2025, and it worked as expected until today. As usual, I unplugged it to clean the intake tube, but it will not start back up when plugged back in. I tried various outlets to see if it was the outlet, but it wasn't. It won't even make a noise. 😔

No, I do not recommend this product.

Helpful?

Response from petco.com:

9 months ago

Customer Care

We never want our customers to be disappointed with a purchase. Please get in touch with us at petco.com/contact-us so we can help resolve this.

I currently use AC 30 on my 5.5 gallon fish tank's. These tanks are heavily planted and are used by guppies, cory doras, shrimp and nerite snails. I needed a filter that was very flexable in what it could do and what was needed to fix problems as they arrive. The AC filters meet that requirement.

Yes, I recommend this product.

Helpful?

The intake tube was too big & kept falling off. It seems very cheaply made. Would not buy again.

No, I do not recommend this product.

Helpful?

I got this a few weeks ago, I went with the AC30, mainly because I always go up a size in filters. I used it for a vintage Metaframe 10 gallon tank. It keeps the water crystal clear, it is super quiet and I like the fact you can adjust the water flow depending on the fish you keep. This doesn't use cartridges, that is the first thing to note, you only have to replace the media you need, like the carbon. I went with this because I have two AC50s, two other AC30s and an AC20 on a 5 gallon running on other tanks and they are now my go to filter for a hang on filter. I see some reviews where people say they are noisy and/or rattle... I am not sure what they are talking about, I now have 6 of these in different sizes, all are completely quiet besides the light sound of water going back into the tank. I can only assume they put something together wrong or didn't level the filter, which is super easy there is a adjustment wheel in the box with these.

Yes, I recommend this product.

Helpful?

The AC 30 is my my favorite HOB filter. I have three AC 20s, and an AC 50. Pair this with a baffle that you can get on Etsy for only 10 bucks and it is the best low flow filter for an aquarium in the 10 to 20 gallon range. I found the AC 20s adequate for my 10 and 12 gallon tanks, but the media basket always felt cramped for my own filter custom filter media. The AC 30 has a bigger sponge filter, is deeper, and has much more space for your own media. With media bags that you can get off Amazon, you can run double the amount of biomax that comes with stock and still have room for your charcoal, or Purigen. What was an amazing bonus is that you get 50% more flow than the AC 20 with less damaging currents. The wider spillway makes a significant difference additionally,When I attached my 3-D printed baffle from Etsy, there was practically zero current, which my beta fish and shrimp really appreciated. Supposedly this will self prime, but I added a few ounces of aquarium water anyway to lubricate up the motor and get started. This filter runs dead silent. If you have a 10 – 20 gallon aquarium. This is the perfect filter for you. If you got something bigger, look at the AC 50s and 70s. AC 20s are only for aquariums 5 to 10 gallons or require a very small form factor to save space.

Yes, I recommend this product.

Helpful?