I purchased the Hagen AquaClear Power Filter 150 after reading epinions and doing some comparison shopping at my pet store for my first aquarium set-up.

I decided I preferred a power filter based on the epinions about the 3 filter choices. My brand choices really came down to between the Penquin Bio-Wheel, Whisper, and AquaClear. Price and suggestions from the person who was helping me led me to choose the AquaClear.

The AquaClear Power Filter comes in 5 sizes: Mini (20 gallons), 150 (30 gallons), 200 (50 gallons), 300 (100 gallons), and 500 (150 gallons). Amounts in parenthesis denotes the highest gallon recommended for the filter. I chose to go with the larger filter for my tank (20 gallons) because I wanted to be sure to have a clean tank. It has a 2 year warranty on the motor only.

The manual includes fairly specific set-up directions. The filter can be a little confusing to set up the first time if you are setting up your first aquarium and are not familiar with all the terms. Plus, I had troubles getting the basket to sit properly in its place once the media was installed the first time. I haven't had any more troubles re-installing the media and basket in my weekly rinsing of the media.

The media is 3 different inserts, which I like. This allows for replacement of each media at a different time so you do not lose the large amount of biofiltration that the media has. The filter comes with the first two suggested inserts included: the foam filter insert and the activated carbon insert. The third insert, the AMRID insert (removes ammonia) is not a necessity in your filter, although you may choose to buy it as well. The foam insert needs to be rinsed weekly, but only replaced every month to 3 months. The activated carbon insert needs to be rinsed weekly and replaced monthly, cost $2.50. The AMRID insert also needs to be rinsed weekly and replaced monthly, cost $2.50.

I have found cleaning to be easy for this filter, although I haven't had it long enough to need to clean the motor as well. It is a little noisy before it cycles through the water after you have to turn it off for doing water changes and cleaning the filter.

It works well, keeping the water nice and clear, which keeps my fish happy. The filter itself cost $27 before the discount I received for purchasing all my "first time setting up an aquarium" equipment at one location. Overall, I highly recommend this product.

Recommended: Yes