JayP
Valuable Member
Yeah, I hadn't even thought about files that are already out there. There's a free one that looks a little more traditional on Maker World .
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Unlimited Power! Aquael Hypermax 4500 BT for a Waterbox 4820
- Thread starter BranchScape
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JayP
Valuable Member
Hey @BranchScape ,
Do you by chance have a digital caliper you could use to provide a precise inner and outer diameter of the pipe in mm to 2 decimal places?
Rough draft I just tinkered.
Edit: Oh wait, you have the skimmer on the outflow pipe. That makes things a little more complicated. I would also need to now the distance from the outer top edge of the pipe to the skimmer pipe. I assume the outlet is also angled. This might not be a good solution for those pipes.
Do you by chance have a digital caliper you could use to provide a precise inner and outer diameter of the pipe in mm to 2 decimal places?
Rough draft I just tinkered.
Edit: Oh wait, you have the skimmer on the outflow pipe. That makes things a little more complicated. I would also need to now the distance from the outer top edge of the pipe to the skimmer pipe. I assume the outlet is also angled. This might not be a good solution for those pipes.
Last edited:
- Thread starter
- #23
Priming video. I took this near the end.
I do not but I ordered one from amazon. I would only use this on the outflow with no skimmer. Thank you for looking into this.
JayP
Valuable Member
Did you intend to post a video?
Also, can you post a photo of the outlet pipe when you get those measurements since it's not the one with the skimmer.
- Thread starter
- #25
I tried but it's too big for the site, I will need to upload to Youtube. The video of it priming is funny. I will get some more videos as well to show noise and outputs.
I've had pretty good result with this
Compress Video Size Compressor - Apps on Google Play
Compress Video without quality loss. Convert Video, Change resolution & Bitrate
Plus or minus trimming to length as needed
VidTrim - Video Editor - Apps on Google Play
Edit your videos on the go with VidTrim.
- Thread starter
- #27
Thank you the compression app worked. One video is to capture the low volume of the filter and this is during startup when it should be the loudest. The other video is the tail end of it priming. Look at how low the water line got filling the thing. I couldn't film the whole prime as I used my hand to block splashing as it was pretty violent to start.
The Hypermax 4500 looks lovely, its such a beast. I currently have a Biomaster 600 + Ultramax 2000 on my 120 gal, I prefer the ultramax in every way, more silent, easier to work on, much cheaper... Honestly I dont understand why are the Biomasters so popular, I think if there wouldnt be such a good marketing with some high class aquascapers endorsing them, they would do much worse.
The only thing that the Biomaster has an advantage on is the looks, but then it is closed in the cabinet. If I would want a filter on a visible place, I would choose an ADA style filter instead. On the other hand the aquael is:
-2x cheaper here in europe (comparing similar ultramax vs biomaster models)
-totally silent - my biomaster makes more noise than my small airstone pump
-the prefilter is much easier to access
But for me personally 2 filters on a large tank have some strong advantages:
-2 Ultramax 2000`s cost less than 1 Hypermax, even 2 Ultramax BT`s are only 10$ more than 1 hypermax
-you dont have a single point of failure, if for example one of the pumps on my canister filters would decide to go, it wouldnt be a big deal until I would get a replacement, the second filter would be enough for a couple of days. With just one filter I would be nervous, probably having some key spare parts is important in such a case
-easier to clean 2 prefilter sponges than 1 large
-easier to manipulate 2 smaller canisters, I cannot imagine how heavy is the Hypermax full of water
-I can be more agressive with cleaning of the filter and biomedia, because I do that with some time between each filter so there isnt such a big disruption in the ecosystem
The hypermax has one big advantage tho - it looks so cool
The only thing that the Biomaster has an advantage on is the looks, but then it is closed in the cabinet. If I would want a filter on a visible place, I would choose an ADA style filter instead. On the other hand the aquael is:
-2x cheaper here in europe (comparing similar ultramax vs biomaster models)
-totally silent - my biomaster makes more noise than my small airstone pump
-the prefilter is much easier to access
But for me personally 2 filters on a large tank have some strong advantages:
-2 Ultramax 2000`s cost less than 1 Hypermax, even 2 Ultramax BT`s are only 10$ more than 1 hypermax
-you dont have a single point of failure, if for example one of the pumps on my canister filters would decide to go, it wouldnt be a big deal until I would get a replacement, the second filter would be enough for a couple of days. With just one filter I would be nervous, probably having some key spare parts is important in such a case
-easier to clean 2 prefilter sponges than 1 large
-easier to manipulate 2 smaller canisters, I cannot imagine how heavy is the Hypermax full of water
-I can be more agressive with cleaning of the filter and biomedia, because I do that with some time between each filter so there isnt such a big disruption in the ecosystem
The hypermax has one big advantage tho - it looks so cool
JayP
Valuable Member
Keep in mind, when the biomaster filters first came out, very few, if any, other filters had it's features of the prefilter and built in heater. That and strong online reviews, even from people that weren't paid brand ambassadors, allowed it to grow a large fan base. I researched thoroughly before choosing a 600 as my first filter and since it already had the updates that became the model 2, it worked great (and still is), and so I bought more for my other tanks so I could have common setups among all of them. After purchasing some older used biomasters, I've seen the issues others have complained about which is why I'm willing and interested to take a look at other options.
- Thread starter
- #30
All of that is true and fair. Which is why I bought one too, plus there was almost no info in the US on Aqauel. The Oase prefilter was revolutionary.
- Thread starter
- #31
First off, I agree on Aquael versus the Oase Biomaster. Unfortunately, Aquael products are harder to get here, and there isn’t much information available. The good news is they’re still cheaper than an equivalent larger Oase option. I’m incredibly jealous of the cheaper and superior options available in Europe. For example, I paid $1,500 to have an Ultrascaper 90 delivered with the new ultra‑thin light. That same setup would be under €1,000 with in‑store pickup in most of Europe—which is easy to do. The Polish price would make us Americans cry, the whole setup would be under $1k USD with a filter and that's a 65gallon UNS 90U competitor.The Hypermax 4500 looks lovely, its such a beast. I currently have a Biomaster 600 + Ultramax 2000 on my 120 gal, I prefer the ultramax in every way, more silent, easier to work on, much cheaper... Honestly I dont understand why are the Biomasters so popular, I think if there wouldnt be such a good marketing with some high class aquascapers endorsing them, they would do much worse.
The only thing that the Biomaster has an advantage on is the looks, but then it is closed in the cabinet. If I would want a filter on a visible place, I would choose an ADA style filter instead. On the other hand the aquael is:
-2x cheaper here in europe (comparing similar ultramax vs biomaster models)
-totally silent - my biomaster makes more noise than my small airstone pump
-the prefilter is much easier to access
But for me personally 2 filters on a large tank have some strong advantages:
-2 Ultramax 2000`s cost less than 1 Hypermax, even 2 Ultramax BT`s are only 10$ more than 1 hypermax
-you dont have a single point of failure, if for example one of the pumps on my canister filters would decide to go, it wouldnt be a big deal until I would get a replacement, the second filter would be enough for a couple of days. With just one filter I would be nervous, probably having some key spare parts is important in such a case
-easier to clean 2 prefilter sponges than 1 large
-easier to manipulate 2 smaller canisters, I cannot imagine how heavy is the Hypermax full of water
-I can be more agressive with cleaning of the filter and biomedia, because I do that with some time between each filter so there isnt such a big disruption in the ecosystem
The hypermax has one big advantage tho - it looks so cool
From a cost perspective, the Hypermax is significantly cheaper than running two Biomaster 850s and runs laps around them performance‑wise. I also think the Aquael Ultramax and Hypermax look better than Oase’s grey-and-blue design—it feels more like a tool and less like a toy. That said, for pure aesthetics, ADA is still king.
I’m currently selling my last Oase filter and don’t plan to buy another.
On the one‑filter versus two‑filter debate: you’re absolutely right on redundancy—that’s the one undeniable drawback of my setup. That said, it’s much easier to fit a single Hypermax in the cabinet than two Ultramax filters. It’s also more efficient from a power standpoint since I can fine‑tune flow on one unit. Maintaining one large pre‑filter is easier than maintaining two; in practice, cleaning the Hypermax sponge takes maybe two minutes longer than an Ultramax. One shutoff, one clean, done. I can also rotate hose cleanings—one set at a time every month or so—which ends up being a wash compared to running two filters. Plus I want a Ultramax BT so my current 2k can be a fail safe backup. Just drop in media and go.
As for disruption, in my experience it’s very hard to crash a tank by cleaning a filter unless you do something truly unwise. It’s never been an issue for me in 20 years.
Regarding the Hypermax size, the wheels make a big difference. If I’m doing a full clean, I can wheel it to the backyard, dump the water, and hose down the sponges. I tested it and it was very easy. Dry it off, wheel it back in. And if I really needed to lift it, I can manage a 60‑lb filter. It’s no more work than swapping out my Ultramax was.
At this point, I probably need to ask Aquael to start paying me for the free marketing.
That said, let’s re‑flag the one genuinely bad thing: the tubing is large, and you must make sure any pipework isn’t restrictive. Most lily pipe intakes are a no‑go. If you get this wrong, priming becomes painful and flow suffers badly.
This is basically the reason. Other filters you had to remove the entire filter head, or even worse, remove the entire filter media to clean the dirtiest part. Oase made is realize that cleaning a few easily-removed sponges every few weeks is far better than cleaning an entire filter every 3 months.
Now that filters like Aquael are on the market, hopefully we continue to get innovation and competition!
I want to see Aquael incorporate a heater like Oase has.
- Thread starter
- #34
Aquael did offer a heater in the Hypermax but then removed it. The heater was built into the head instead of a glass heater. Ultimately they felt it was a better idea to roll out a line o inline BT variable heaters that are more energy efficient than just on and off heaters.
I know this as I hunted down the US sales rep and asked questions about how can get what I wanted. He got fish tanks direct to carry some of what I need. I still need two of the BT inline heaters for the winter and then I am done. The Aquael gateway means I can see my equipment status from anywhere. But all of it should be on fish tanks direct soon then other spots. I have rewards credit to get the heaters free and maybe even an ultramax BT at half price so my old ultramax one can be a backup.
I've seen the inline heaters and I'm considering purchasing one this fall/winter. Not much need for a heater till then.
I think it was a good decision not to.have one built into the head, just.in case it malfunctions. I imagine that would be a PITA to replace.
Can you see any reason to not run an inline diffuser and inline heater together?
I run inline heaters and diffusers/reactors on all my tanks. Inline heaters have been the only type of heater I've ever tried, I highly recommend them! I use a Chihiros Pro inline heater, worked great for about a year now.
JayP
Valuable Member
So the heater didn't even have a separate power cord? Really poor design choice and it's good they dropped it. My concern with inline heaters is added flow restriction but I can't say for sure if it's anymore restrictive than the biomaster design.
Back around 2010, I was a beta product tester for Delorme (before they were acquired by Garmin). Got some nice free gps gear and was one of the first to get my hands on Spot/Inreach satellite tracking devices to test before they hit the market. You should ask the rep if they need beta testers in the U.S.
Well great. I want to thank you guys for adding another $100+ to my wish list for an inline heater. 
- Thread starter
- #39
Just make sure its the BT, that is the one with variable power level and Bluetooth connection, they should be easily available come winter. Get a gateway for $50 and you can access it via wifi when not home too. For flow in line heaters definitely lower flow but it depends on the heater and design. I would say the worst things outside of filter design are intake and small I/D tubing as Rocco noted when he upgraded.Well great. I want to thank you guys for adding another $100+ to my wish list for an inline heater.
I wish!.So the heater didn't even have a separate power cord? Really poor design choice and it's good they dropped it. My concern with inline heaters is added flow restriction but I can't say for sure if it's anymore restrictive than the biomaster design.
Back around 2010, I was a beta product tester for Delorme (before they were acquired by Garmin). Got some nice free gps gear and was one of the first to get my hands on Spot/Inreach satellite tracking devices to test before they hit the market. You should ask the rep if they need beta testers in the U.S.
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