well it's a power drain and the aquaclear provides the best mechanical and bio filtration system in the industry. Filters catch poop and food, and house bacteria. if you are catcing more food/poo then the aqaclear can keep up with you are over feeding. :
Good job on picking the aquaclear it's the BEST
btw when your sponge pops up that means it needs rinsed, and you should be able to go nearly a decade wo replacing it. Also don't use the carbon bags unless you are removing medicine from the tank, it becomes inert after 48 or so hours.