Fluval AC20 Filter Media Maintenance Kit
The Fluval AC20 Filter Media Maintenance Kit provides the essential replacement filter media needed to maintain effective mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration in the Fluval AC20 Power Filter.
This convenient maintenance kit includes Bio-Foam, BIOMAX biological media, and two Activated Carbon inserts, giving aquarists the core media needed to help remove debris, support beneficial bacteria, improve water clarity, and reduce odors and discoloration.
Key Features
- Complete replacement media kit for the Fluval AC20 Power Filter
- Includes mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration media
- Contains 1 Bio-Foam insert
- Contains 1 BIOMAX biological media insert
- Contains 2 Activated Carbon inserts
- Bio-Foam traps particles and aquarium debris
- BIOMAX provides surface area for beneficial bacteria
- Activated Carbon helps improve water clarity
- Carbon helps reduce odors, discoloration, and impurities
- Suitable for freshwater and saltwater aquariums
- Designed specifically for the Fluval AC20 Power Filter
Product Information
- Brand: Fluval
- Product: AC20 Filter Media Maintenance Kit
- Item Number: 19690
- UPC: 015561196901
- Filter Compatibility: Fluval AC20 Power Filter
- Water Type: Freshwater and saltwater
- Product Type: Replacement aquarium filter media
What's Included?
- 1 × Bio-Foam Filter Media
- 1 × BIOMAX Biological Media
- 2 × Activated Carbon Media Inserts
Three Types of Filtration
The Fluval AC20 Media Maintenance Kit provides three important stages of aquarium filtration.
Mechanical Filtration – Bio-Foam
The included Bio-Foam traps suspended particles, uneaten food, fish waste, and other debris as aquarium water passes through the filter.
The porous foam also provides additional surface area where beneficial bacteria can colonize.
Biological Filtration – BIOMAX
Fluval BIOMAX provides a highly porous surface designed to support colonies of beneficial nitrifying bacteria.
These bacteria form an important part of the aquarium's biological filtration system and help process ammonia and nitrite produced by fish and organic waste.
Chemical Filtration – Activated Carbon
The Activated Carbon inserts help improve water clarity and reduce unwanted:
- Odors
- Discoloration
- Dissolved organic impurities
Activated carbon is especially useful when clearer-looking water and removal of dissolved contaminants are desired.
Designed for the Fluval AC20
This media kit is designed specifically for the Fluval AC20 Power Filter.
The AC20 is rated by Fluval for aquariums from approximately 5 to 20 U.S. gallons.
Always confirm the filter model before purchasing replacement media, as AC20 media is sized specifically for the AC20 filter basket.
Recommended Media Arrangement
In the Fluval AC20 media basket, the media is generally arranged so water passes through the mechanical media first, followed by chemical and biological media.
Follow the Fluval AC20 filter instructions when reinstalling or replacing filter media.
Filter Media Maintenance
Filter media should be inspected regularly because maintenance frequency varies depending on aquarium stocking, feeding, water quality, and overall waste production.
According to Fluval's AC Series maintenance schedule:
- Bio-Foam: Check and clean monthly; replace approximately every 2 months
- Activated Carbon: Replace approximately monthly
- BIOMAX: Rinse approximately monthly; replace approximately every 3 months
Actual replacement intervals may vary depending on aquarium conditions.
Important: Do Not Replace All Media at Once
Avoid replacing every piece of biological filter media at the same time.
Beneficial bacteria live on established filter media, especially porous biological media and foam. Staggering media replacement helps preserve bacterial colonies and reduces the risk of disrupting the aquarium's nitrogen cycle.
How to Clean Bio-Foam and BIOMAX
When cleaning reusable biological media, gently rinse it in water removed from the aquarium during a water change whenever practical.
Avoid aggressively cleaning biological media with untreated chlorinated tap water, because chlorine can damage beneficial bacteria living on the media.
When to Replace Activated Carbon
Activated carbon becomes exhausted over time as its adsorption capacity is used.
Fluval recommends replacing the AC20 carbon insert approximately once per month for normal use.
Carbon may also be removed temporarily when using medications that specifically instruct the aquarist to remove chemical filtration.
Freshwater and Saltwater Use
The Fluval AC20 Media Maintenance Kit can be used in both freshwater and saltwater aquariums equipped with a Fluval AC20 Power Filter.
Suitable applications may include:
- Freshwater community aquariums
- Planted aquariums
- Betta aquariums
- Small cichlid setups where appropriate
- Saltwater aquariums within the filter's capacity
- Quarantine and holding tanks
Frequently Asked Questions
What filter does this maintenance kit fit?
It is designed specifically for the Fluval AC20 Power Filter.
What comes in the kit?
The kit includes one Bio-Foam insert, one BIOMAX biological media insert, and two Activated Carbon inserts.
Does this kit provide all three types of filtration?
Yes. It provides mechanical filtration through Bio-Foam, chemical filtration through Activated Carbon, and biological filtration through BIOMAX.
Can I use this kit in saltwater?
Yes. Fluval lists the AC20 maintenance kit for freshwater and saltwater use.
How often should the carbon be replaced?
Fluval's maintenance chart recommends replacing the carbon approximately once per month.
Should I replace all of the media at the same time?
No. Stagger media replacement whenever possible so established beneficial bacteria remain in the filtration system.
Can I rinse the BIOMAX?
Yes. Fluval recommends periodically rinsing BIOMAX. Gentle rinsing is preferred so the biological media remains intact.
Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo
Fluval AC20 Filter Media Maintenance Kits are available at Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, when in stock.
Eligible dry goods are available for shipping.
Explore More Aquarium Products:
Low stock: 1 left
Couldn't load pickup availability
Explore Related Aquarium Products: