Social Feed

I really, really value optionality in flow, along with high overall turnover on all of my tanks and the ability to easily adjust flow up or down as the system evolves.

My tank is currently running an Aquael Ultramax 2000, a Sicce surface skimmer, and a small Sicce wavemaker. The setup is absolutely up to the task as‑is, but my goal is to consolidate everything into one primary piece of equipment driving all flow and filtration into the tank. I will be re-using the filter and skimmer on a new tank. I hope to draft a journal for that shortly.

The Hypermax, with its 2×2 inlet/outlet configuration, is effectively ideal for this. It provides:

• Extremely high potential flow
• A high degree of flexibility in inlet/outlet placement
• Enough headroom to absorb real‑world flow losses from running inline CO₂ and inline heaters (one heater on each outflow line)

I will be running Week Aqua stainless steel 20 mm lily pipes, with one outflow incorporating a surface skimmer, which eliminates the need for a dedicated, standalone skimmer. I’m particularly curious to see where the final operating flow rate lands after accounting for real losses. By comparison, my Ultramax experienced roughly a 30% reduction from rated flow. A bucket test showed about 350 GPH from a 500 GPH rating, which reinforced that the key constraint is not restricting the filter inlets—hence Aquael’s included (admittedly unattractive) radiator-style intake guards. I do worry a bit about the Week Aqua inlets, and can pivot to a different stainless intake that has a wider inlet.

Filter Impressions​

Simply put, this filter is a monster. The media capacity dwarfs anything I’ve used before. Aquael includes an almost obscene amount of ceramic rings and activated carbon. I won’t be using either; instead, I’m reusing the established biological media from the Ultramax, along with the included sponges, plus one additional basket dedicated entirely to sponge. The prefilter basket is also about the perfect size and very well thought out.

My major drawback so far is head removal and reassembly. Aligning the baskets correctly, seating the head, and locking it all in place is somewhat finicky. The first attempt took me close to 10 minutes. I expect that to drop to ~2 minutes with familiarity, but it’s still more effort than ideal. Closing the clasps also requires a surprising amount of pressure.

That said, the saving grace is that the prefilter is extremely easy to access, and realistically, it should be the only component requiring regular maintenance every couple of weeks. That significantly reduces how often the full teardown will be necessary.

Inlet and Outlet Placement​

Filter inflow and outflow placement is below(Advice is welcome).

Back glass

Left Corner is filter intake 1
Right corner is filter intake 2
Right corner is filter output 2 that has the surface skimmer.

Front Glass
Left corner is filter output 1

The goal of outlet one to do uplift and inject C02 and some circular push. with outlets 2 skimmer doing some surface rotation and the more horizontal flow and in the future run the heater and mix the heated water when I use it in winter. I didn't want opposing jets as my tank has a large spider wood construct creating a front and back swim lane. For intakes I believe they will both be on debris paths. Happy for any clear feedback and if I may have made a mistake.


Will share early photos via an edit from my phone. Plus an update once installed.