

AquaEl UltraMax Canister Aquarium Filter – 25 to 185 Gallon
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- Calculated at checkout.
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AquaEl Manufacturer Warranty
Aquarium, livestock, and décor sold separately. Photos show packaging artwork for size and feature reference.
The AquaEl UltraMax is a quiet external canister aquarium filter for freshwater and saltwater tanks from 25 to 185 gallons. The canister sits out of sight in your aquarium cabinet, and the intake and return hoses run up through the hose holes in your TRUVU top. A large media capacity, a built-in prefilter and a self-priming start make it easy to set up and easy to live with. Choose the UltraMax 1000 for 25–80 gallon aquariums or the UltraMax 2000 for 105–185 gallon aquariums.
Features
- Built-in prefilter: a 0.6 liter sponge prefilter in the lid traps large debris before it reaches the main media, so you clean the canister less often. To rinse it, just lift the lid and pull the sponge. No need to unplug the filter or take it out of the cabinet.
- Multi-stage media baskets: stackable 1.9 liter baskets (3 in the UltraMax 1000, 5 in the UltraMax 2000) hold mechanical and biological media. Use the media AquaEl includes or set up the baskets the way your tank needs.
- Self-priming start: pump the priming piston 2 to 4 times and the canister fills with aquarium water. No siphon starting by mouth.
- Double ball valve system: AquaEl's patented valves close the inlet and outlet in both the lid and the hoses at the same time, so water stays in the lines when you disconnect for cleaning.
- Easy flow control: turn the small lever on the right valve to smoothly set the filter's output. It is clearly labeled and simple to use the first time.
- Very quiet: a carefully designed impeller chamber and a ceramic impeller shaft keep the filter running almost silently, even in a bedroom or office.
- Ready to run: supplied with mechanical and biological filter media and the accessories you need to get started, as packed by AquaEl.
- Freshwater or saltwater: AquaEl rates the UltraMax for both freshwater and marine aquariums.
Sizes & Specs
| Spec | UltraMax 1000 | UltraMax 2000 |
|---|---|---|
| Fits aquariums | 25–80 gal (50, 55, 65 and 75 gal tanks) | 105–185 gal (125 and 125L tanks) |
| Flow rate | 265 GPH | 530 GPH |
| Media baskets | 3 × 1.9 L baskets + 0.6 L prefilter | 5 × 1.9 L baskets + 0.6 L prefilter |
| Total media volume | 6.3 L | 10.1 L |
| Power | 20 W | 21.5 W |
| Max head | 63 in (160 cm) | 71 in (180 cm) |
| Hose size (ID / OD) | 16 / 22 mm (5/8 in ID) | 19 / 25 mm (3/4 in ID) |
| Size (W × D × H) | 10.6 × 11.4 × 15.5 in | 10.6 × 11.4 × 20.1 in |
| SKU | AE38003 | AE38001 |
Specs from AquaEl USA. AquaEl may update parts and ratings between production runs.
What's in the Box
- AquaEl UltraMax canister filter (size you select) with media baskets and prefilter
- Mechanical and biological filter media
- Hoses, intake and return fittings, as packed by AquaEl
- AquaEl instruction manual
Aquarium not included. Hoses and media included as packed by AquaEl; see manufacturer packing list.
FAQ
Which UltraMax size do I need for my TRUVU tank?
Choose the UltraMax 1000 (265 GPH) for TRUVU aquariums from about 50 to 75 gallons. Choose the UltraMax 2000 (530 GPH) for our 125 and 125L aquariums and other tanks from 105 to 185 gallons. Not sure which one fits your tank? Contact us before you order.
Will a canister filter work with a TRUVU acrylic closed top?
Yes. The canister sits inside your aquarium cabinet, and the intake and return hoses run up through the hose holes in the TRUVU top. There is nothing to clip onto the tank wall, so the closed top stays closed. Make sure your cabinet has room for the canister's height plus the hose connections on top.
Can I use it on a saltwater tank?
Yes. AquaEl rates the UltraMax for both freshwater and marine aquariums.
How do I start the filter?
Connect the hoses, open the valves, and pump the priming piston on the lid 2 to 4 times. The canister fills with tank water and you can plug it in. See the AquaEl manual for full setup steps.
What warranty does it have?
The UltraMax is covered by AquaEl's manufacturer warranty. Please see the AquaEl packaging and manual for details. TRUVU does not provide a separate warranty on AquaEl products.
Pairs well with

AquaEl UltraMax Canister Aquarium Filter – 25 to 185 Gallon

