Bracket (M1) using the 4 Retaining Rings (M2). If the application suggests, the Hose Elbows (S) can be used instead of the
2 Retaining Rings of the hook area. NOTE: Position the Output Nozzle in front of the hosing bracket at the
desired depth. It is recommended to place it at or slightly below the water surface. It can be rotated
horizontally to ensure the output is pointed where current is required.
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Place the Hosing Bracket (M1) back to the aquarium in the previously located position. Gently press the
suction cups to adhere them to the tank.
NOTE: For larger rimmed aquariums use Hose Elbows (S) Option B.
Option B: For larger rimmed aquariums the Hosing Bracket can be rotated 90° and will be positioned on the
outside of the aquarium.
STARTING THE FILTER
NOTE: An empty bucket or container should be handy in case
it is needed for inadvertent leaks while working with the filter.
In order to start the water flow, ensure that the
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Output Nozzle (O) is above the water surface.
Make sure that the valves are open - the grey lever on the
Aqua Stop should be in the 'down' position.
Pump the Self-Primer (T) several times vigorously (use a fully
extended 'UP' and 'DOWN' motion). Keep pumping the Self-
Primer until you hear the water being drawn into the unit and filling it. By pumping
the Self-Primer, water is pulled into the unit through the Intake Stem. As the unit fills
with water, the pressure forces the air out of the unit through the output hosing.
Return the Self-Primer to the 'DOWN' position. Once the unit has filled, you can
plug it into a power source. Water should then flow in a steady stream from the
Output Nozzle. If it doesn't, check that there are no kinks or loops in the hosing.
Then continue to pump the primer until unit starts to run on its own. Once the unit is
operating normally, the grey lever on the Aqua Stop can be used to regulate water
flow, without harming the motor. CAUTION: Do not operate the filter with the grey
lever on the Aqua Stop closed more than half way.
Never plug in unit until it is completely full. The Fluval unit
should never be allowed to run dry. Premature operation may
result in damage to the motor.
NOTE: Some air will inevitably be trapped within the unit as it fills, also, new media
may release trapped air into the Filter Case. This may result in some noise as the
unit starts working. The configuration of the filter will eventually expel all air pockets
in the filter over time. If the Filter Case continues to trap and expel air over an
extended time, carefully examine the Input/Output Sides for air leaks. Ensure there
is no air source (such as an airstone or aeration device) entering the Intake Side of the filter.
A Note About Media
Efficiency is directly affected by the filter materials used. In any canister unit it is critical that proper procedures be
carefully followed. Otherwise, the mechanical or biological efficacy may be impaired. In many cases the location of
the media in the baskets will determine its main purpose. For instance, depending on media basket positions,
carbon can act as a primary dirt screen or a major area of bacterial population. To ensure the maximum utility of
the filter, there are a few basic rules of thumb that should be followed.
Properly prepare all filter materials before use.
Porous material, such as carbon, has a tremendous open area within the matrix and requires a bit of time to expel
atmospheric gasses. It should be soaked for several minutes before being added to the media basket. There are other
materials that require more extensive rinsing. Ammonia Remover and peat fibers may require a thorough rinsing to
ensure they do not add extra particles that may prematurely clog other modules or discharge into the aquarium.
Mechanical filtration should be used during the first stages of filtration.
Create a coarse to fine screen with the media chosen. The Foam Screen is an effective mechanical sieve that will
remove coarse and medium debris. A finer screen can be placed in the lowest Media Basket to ensure the purest
stream possible before it enters the biological [and possibly chemical] filtration that relies on debris-free water for
maximum efficiency.
Incorporate Biological areas after mechanical filtration. Protect from debris as much as possible.
There are a number of media that become highly biological in nature as they mature. This is due to the fact that
these substrates provide clean, hard attachment points for the beneficial bacteria to colonize. For nitrifying bacteria
to be most effective, they must receive a constant stream of waste-free water that carries ammonia, nitrite and
oxygen in the solution.
E7
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OPTION B
28b
MAX
4.5 FT
1.40 meters