Keeping your fish tank well-cleaned is one of the key ingredients to owning happy fish for a long time. Using a quality filter and correct media also stimulates the growth of good bacteria, which will work to your advantage and make the task of keeping your pets alive easier.
When looking at the Aquaflow AEF-302 External filter, we can see that they’re aware of this.
Aquaflow’s main claim to success is their offer of well functioning filters for a low fee. The deal is sweetened by the added media which are a real boon for beginning fish keepers who might not be completely up to speed yet.
Originally based in China, Aquaflow has had to adapt to the American market with high demands for their products. So far they’ve adapted to this demand wonderfully, without raising prices on their items.
What we want from a good filter? Visible and preferably fast results, good media compatibility, and a motor so quiet we worry the thing is even turned on.
That’s a tall order for one little filter to handle, and the AEF-302 looks, at first glance, like a lightweight.
So can this filter handle the bubbles and show us that quality can be gotten for a good price? Let’s check the details and we’ll tell you if this is the fish you really want to snag.
Contents
Aquaflow Technology AEF-302 External Filter System for Aquarium: The Details
Specs
- Weight: 8 pounds
- Dimensions: 9″ L x 9″ w x 15.5″ H
- Filter Capacity: 75 gallons, making it suitable for most aquariums except commercial ones.
- Flow Rate: 264 gph (1000L/hr)
- Media Stages: This filter does well with chemical, biological, and mechanical filters.
- Self-Priming or Standard: self-priming pump
Features
Three-Stages Canister
The trick to getting clean water in a consistent manner is by carefully managing your filter media. And if you can mix and match different types of media to your heart’s content, then things get so much easier.
More filter media also means you can go for longer periods of time without cleaning your tank, but be sure to take into account that some fish don’t deal well with certain types of filtration. It’s wise to do your research beforehand.
Figuring out filter combinations is also an excellent opportunity to introduce yourself in the community, so get talking and, before you know it, you’ll be able to help beginners choose their perfect filtration combinations.
Self-Priming Pump
Anyone who’s worked with a filter in the past is aware of how complicated they can be. However, there’s no need to start siphoning water back and forth just to get your filter started in this case.
Any filter bidding for the title of best canister filter needs to offer at least one feature to make life easier, and this is our preferred one.
The Aquaflow Technology AEF-302 transforms the set-up process into a relaxed venture, reducing frustration – which is always an advantage when you’re starting out – and making it easy to dive right in.
Your fish will get to enjoy their crystal clear water sooner than with other filters. In a win-win situation like this, it’s no surprise that this is one of our favorite features.
Flow Shut-Off
While this canister doesn’t have a flow control, it does have a complete flow shut-off option. This is a handy feature for when your media needs to be replaced.
Instead of pulling the plug on the wall, simply shut off the filter and wait a few seconds. Once the flow has stopped, you can take out your media without spraying half the contents of your aquarium over your floor.
And the less water you lose, the more chance you’ll keep the good bacteria floating around.
When possible, remember to not change all of your media in one go, since that will also help preserve the balance of your tank.
Fresh and Salt Water
There are very few filters that complain about fresh water, since it’s what most commercial filter manufacturers have decided as normal for aquatic creatures owned as pets.
Some of your friends might call for a saltier environment, which does change the chemical structure of your water quite a bit.
With the Aquaflow’s canister, there’s no need to compromise on which fish or turtles you want to keep. You can switch between fresh and salt water to your heart’s content!
Aquaflow Technology AEF-302 External Filter System Review
The Positives
Plenty of Filter Media
Not only do you get quite a bit of filter media with your purchase, the Aquaflow AEF-302 external filter is compatible with quite a few filter brands.
Poking around forums or asking nearby friends for which filters they use is the most surefire way of getting your hands on good filter media.
If you’re new, be sure to read up on different media combinations and why they would be a good match for the life in your aquarium.
Sleep With the Fishes
You might love to gaze at your fish lovingly before cozying down for a quick nap, but that love could be short lived if your fish are keeping you awake.
Well, maybe not your fish, since they tend to be pretty quiet. Filters, on the other hand, can sometimes sound as if heavy machinery is being operated next to your head.
The AEF-302 is quiet and barely hums while it’s plugged in, making that quick nap a possibility again.
If you do hear some noise, it might be a sign one of the media needs changing, but that’s just a decent way of knowing beforehand.
Great Flow
The AEF-302 might be a cheap canister filter, but it has great flow strength.
Considering it can keep 75 gallons of water clean while being of a medium size at the greatest, that is pretty impressive.
Some aquarium owners cheat and put this canister in bigger aquariums with lower maintenance fish, but that is of course their personal choice.
All you need to know is: with great flow comes quick and impressive results.
Fast Performance
Speaking of quick and impressive results, the Aquaflow AEF-302 works fast, making your aquarium crystal clear in no time.
You’ll know if this canister filter is performing the way you want it to sooner than later, and the quicker you know if you need to make an adjustment, the better.
Easy Cleaning
Yes, cleaning your filter can be daunting but it’s necessary for keeping happy pets and a happy tank. Fortunately, with the Aquaflow AEF-302, it won’t be too much of a pain.
You won’t have to fuss too much when it comes to cleaning or maintaining your filter. The process is relatively easy, and won’t take much time or frustration on your end.
Price
The fact that this filter is actually affordable makes a world of a difference for those not looking to invest a fortune in a canister filter.
And while the price is low, the quality is high, showing that this company is able to provide a functioning product that appeals to beginners and those on a budget.
We’re grateful for a product that can actually perform like an expensive filter at the fraction of the cost.
Even though the price of the Aquaflow AEF-302 beats out a lot of the competition, it’s still made sturdy with high grade materials.
The filter itself feels really put together showing that the company really cares about making a quality product.
The Negatives
Less Compatible With Turtle Tanks
The AEF-302 is small and powerful, but that might be a drawback for some turtle owners.
Turtle tanks need shallower water to make sure these pets don’t get into trouble, which might result in the filter not being submerged enough to work at its full potential.
No Warranty
There is no mention of a warranty or guarantee with the Aquaflow AEF-302. This can be a deterrent for those unsure of their decision, or hobby.
While this canister filter is definitely made to last, it’s always more reassuring when the company also backs its product with a warranty.
Alternatively, you can check with your retailer for their return policy should any issues arise.
Unclear Instructions
While the instructions that come with the Aquaflow external filter system are in English, customers have found that they are a little difficult to follow.
However, those who have experience with aquariums and filters find the Aquaflow AEF-302 pretty easy to set-up, with some customers getting their canister filter installed in minutes.
That being said, those who are beginners may get frustrated with the guidance provided in the manual and may need to seek extra help, or spend more time fitting the pieces together.
Overall Verdict
The Aquaflow Technology AEF-302 External Filter is the ideal canister filter for those who want a lot of value for very little cash.
Quiet and capable of keeping a fair amount of water crystal clear, it’s the kind of companion you dream about when you’re a fish owner on a budget.
The great compatibility with a variety of media brands is an added bonus, leaving both advanced owners and those new to the hobby plenty of room to get what they want.
The only pet owners who might not be completely satisfied with this canister are turtle lovers.
With the typically lower water that marks the territory of turtles, the normally quiet AEF-302 might end up sputtering. But any tank with ‘deep’ water, such as fish aquariums, is the perfect environment for the AEF-302.
If you’re looking for a good external canister filter that offers customization, then the AEF-302 Aquaflow filter might be the match for you.
Where to Buy the Aquaflow Technology AEF-302 External Filter System
Aquaflow has proven its place in the aquatics world by offering an affordable, long lasting product. For this reason, many pet and specialty shops boast this item on their shelves.
While the Aquaflow Technology AEF-302 is a top choice for those looking for an affordable filtration system, it can still be a little tricky to find in-store. It’s best to check in with your local specialty aquatic stores.
To start your search, check out the following online retailers.
- Royal Pet Place (from $54)
- Pets Paws Love (from $110)
And of course, this item is also available on Amazon.
That wraps up our review of the Aquaflow Technology AEF-302 External Filter System. Curious to give it a try?
Hi,,I have a AQUAFLOW -AEF 302.. I Need a n lg o-ring that goes between the tank & pump unit!!Help.Me out!!