Optima Air pump
Airline tubing
Styrofoam float
2 ft. or half the
depth of the
Air Stone
pond
WINTER
IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: To guard against injury, basic safety precautions should
be observed, including the following.
1. For the complete enjoyment, use and understanding of this product
READ AND FOLLOW ALL
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
and all important notices on the appliance before using. Failure
to do so may result in damage to the unit.
2. Danger – To avoid possible electrical shock, special care should be
taken since water is employed in the use of pond equipment. For
each of the following situations, do not attempt repairs yourself;
return the appliance to the manufacturer for service or discard the
appliance.
A. DO NOT immerse the pump in water. If the appliance falls in
the water, DON'T reach for it! First unplug it and then retrieve
it. If electrical components of the appliance get wet, unplug the
appliance immediately. (Non-immersible equipment only)
B. Carefully examine the appliance after installation. It should not
be plugged in if there is water on parts not intended to be wet.
C. Do not operate any appliance if it has a damaged cord or plug,
or if it is malfunctioning or if it is dropped or damaged in any
manner. The power cord of the pump cannot be replaced: if the
cord is damaged, the appliance should be discarded. Never cut
the cord.
D. To avoid the possibility of the appliance plug or receptacle get-
ting wet, position the air pump to one side of a wall mounted
receptacle to prevent water from dripping onto the receptacle
or plug. A "drip loop" (see illustration) is that part of the cord
below the level of the receptacle, or the connector if an exten-
sion cord is used, to prevent water travelling along the cord and
coming in contact with the receptacle. If the plug or receptacle
does get wet, DON'T unplug the cord. Disconnect the fuse or
circuit breaker that supplies power to the appliance, then
unplug and examine for presence of water in the receptacle.
Optima Air pump
Airline tubing
Styrofoam float
2 ft. or half the
depth of the
pond
Air Stone
SUMMER
3. Close supervision is necessary when an appliance is used by or
near children.
4. To avoid injury, do not touch moving parts or hot parts such as
heaters, reflectors, lamp bulbs, and the like.
5. Always unplug an appliance from an outlet when not in use,
before putting on or taking off parts, and before cleaning. Never
yank cord to pull plug from outlet. Grasp the plug and pull to dis-
connect.
6. Do not use an appliance for other than intended use. The use of
attachments not recommended or sold by the appliance manufac-
turer may cause an unsafe condition.
7. Do not install or store the pump where it will be exposed to weath-
er or to temperatures below freezing.
8. Make sure the pump is securely installed before operating it.
9. Read and observe all the important notices on the appliance.
10. If an extension cord is necessary, a cord with a proper rating
should be used. A cord rated for less amperes or watts than the
appliance rating may overheat. Care should be taken to arrange
the cord so that it will not be tripped over or pulled.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
INSTALLATION:
NOTE: The pump should be placed in a location which is dry and rel-
atively free from dust. Do not place the air pump on carpet, as fibers
might collect on the pump and clog free-flowing air from entering
the pump. This will reduce the air output and the service life of the
pump.
The air pump should be installed
by following either of the two
recommended methods:
1. Place the air pump on a surface
lower than the water level of the
pond. Important: It is recom-
mended to always use a Check
Valve (sold separately) in the air
line between the air pump and
the pond. The Check Valve will
help prevent water from siphoning out of the pond through the air
hose and into the pump in the event of a power failure, or when
removing filters and other air-driven accessories from the pond.
2. Place the air pump on a surface
higher than the water level. The
surface should be at least 12
inches (30 cm) higher than the
water level of the pond, but not
be positioned directly above the
pond. The surface should have a
raised edge to prevent the air
pump from sliding off. Use a
Check Valve (sold separately) in
the air line between the air pump
and the pond to prevent back-
siphoning.
Once the air pump has been installed, do the following:
1. Attach one end of the air line tubing to the air outlet on the air
pump.
2. Run the air line tubing through the styrofoam float and then attach
the air stone to the end of the tubing.
3. Put the air stone in the pond and adjust the length of the tubing so
that the air stone floats at a depth of 2 feet (61 cm) or at half of the
depth of the pond. Ensure that the tubing has no kinks or restric-
tions.
4. Plug the air pump into the electrical outlet or wall receptacle. Be
sure to allow for a "drip loop" (see illustration).
CAUTION:
Care must be taken during installation to ensure that water cannot
siphon out of the pond through the air hose and damage the air
pump. To prevent back-siphoning when removing the air stone from
the pond, do the following:
1. Install a Check Valve (sold separately)
2. Leave the pump running while you disconnect the tubing from the
pump. Disconnect the tubing and put this end of the tubing in the
pond.
3. The air stone can now be safely removed from the pond.
AIR FLOW ADJUSTMENT
The OPTIMA air pump incorporates a rheostat to control air output.
Turning the knob clockwise increases the air flow and counter-clock-
wise reduces the air flow. Proper use of the rheostat reduces harm-
ful back pressure and lengthens the service life of the pump.
In order to achieve correct airflow, a balance between the valve set-
ting and the pump output is necessary. The ideal setting is obtained
by minimum back pressure or nonrestriction of flow of air. Never
physically restrict the output of the pump. Restriction causes damage
to the diaphragm. (SEE BACK PRESSURE). Adjust air valve output as
required.
BACK PRESSURE
Back pressure is the buildup of pressure on the diaphragm due to
restricted air flow. This occurs when excess air is produced by the air
pump, or when the air channels are inadvertantly blocked. Back
pressure over time resulting from a clogged air diffuser or other air
system blockages and restrictions will cause the diaphragm to
expand or rupture. An expanded diaphragm leads to a loss of air
volume while a rupture results in the total loss of air.
MAINTENANCE
(EXTERNAL APPEARANCE)
Remove dust and grime with a soft, damp cloth. Do not immerse
pump in water.
AIR STONE AND AIR LINE
The pump requires no regular internal maintenance during its life. The
rest of the air system should be periodically checked and cleaned.
• Air lines should be carefully inspected whenever standard pond
maintenance is performed. Adjust, or if required, replace all sec-
tions which are pinched, kinked, or otherwise damaged.
• All attached air-driven pond accessories should be regularly main-
tained. Algae growths should be removed from moving parts and
kept as clean as possible. Internal air tubes should be cleaned.
• Air stones should be kept clean and free of debris or algae build-up.
The ideal situation is to replace them every month.
Clogged air stones and air-driven pond accessories will lead to low
air pressure output and also reduce the life of the diaphragms.
TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS
If the air pump fails to produce air, check the following:
1. Ensure that the air pump is plugged in.
2. Ensure that there are no blockages in the air hose assembly and
that all valves allow air passage. If no air is produced by the air
stone, remove the air line from the pump and ensure that air is
being produced.
3. If the air pump produces no output, the most common problem
encountered with any air pump is a ripped or weakened
diaphragm. Inspect the diaphragm for tears or rips. Any opening
in the diaphragm will make it impossible for the pump to produce
air for aeration purposes.
Always inspect the diaphragm first
before replacing other parts in the pump.
REMOVING THE PUMP
Whenever the air pump must be shut off and removed from the
aeration system, always take off the air line before the pump is
unplugged. This will prevent water from siphoning back into the
pump. If the air line cannot be removed before unplugging the
power cord, raise the pump above the water level.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Repair parts are available at your local Laguna pond supply store.
Failure of the air pump's electrical coil, or any other electrical part
requires proper service, and should be returned to the manufacturer
for repairs or replacement (see warranty for full details).
Art. #PT-1632: Laguna Air Stone 1" (2.5 cm) cube
Art. #PT-1633: Laguna Air Stone 12" (30.5 cm)
Art. #PT-1634: Laguna Replacement Air Line Tubing (20 ft / 6 m)
Art. #PT-1635: Laguna Check Valve
Art. #PT-1636: Laguna Optima Repair Module
WARRANTY
The Laguna Aeration Kit is guaranteed against defects in material
or workmanship for a period of 3 years from date of purchase,
under normal usage. The Laguna Aeration Kit will be repaired
or replaced at manufacturer's discretion, free of charge. This
warranty does not apply to any Laguna Aeration Kits which have
been subjected to misuse, negligence, tampering or accidental
damage. No liability is assumed with respect to loss or damage
to livestock or personal property irrespective of the cause thereof.
This warranty does not affect your statutory rights. Failure
caused by misuse is not covered by this warranty.