Filter Systems

Powerheads

• Drive protein skimmers and wet/dry filters.
• Drive undergravel filters (provide superior flow rates through gravel bed).
• Mix and prepare water for partial water changes (ideal for mixing salt water).
• Provide current for reef tanks and other applications (easy to hide in rock structure).
• Attach to Quick Filters for additional chemical and/or mechanical filtration (ideal for clearing cloudy water in combination with PClear).
• Increase oxygen level (position output to move water surface).
• Back-flushing of gravel for maintenance with 402 and 802 (Reverse Flow Feature).

AquaClear Powerhead Undergravel Filter Pumps increase flow rates for greater water movement and higher oxygen levels.

Air Pumps

To obtain maximum longevity and performance from your air pump, avoid restricting a pump’s output. Use a gang valve which provides one more outlet than the objects to be driven. This will allow extra output to be vented, and back pressure will be avoided. When using airstones, it is recommended to replace them on a regular basis, which will prevent unnecessary back pressure.

Always use a check valve to prevent any water from back siphoning into the air pump. Periodically verify that it functions correctly and replace it if necessary.

Underwater Filters

Internal filter systems, such as the Fluval "Plus" underwater units, offer the following application possibilities:

• Vertical or horizontal filter placement.
• Can be used to create waterfalls in turtle and reptile tanks.
• Additional filtration for many different aquarium set-ups.
• Useful for creating extra currents in reef tanks.
• Driving Ultra-Violet Sterilizers (reduction of particulate matter, increasing U.V efficiency).
• Providing filtration when external filters cannot be installed.

External Filter Systems

There are various configurations of external filter systems. An important feature is that it should be able to mechanically, biologically and chemically filter water. In order to achieve maximum effect from the filter media installed, it is important to select a design that maximizes contact time with the filter media. This is easily evaluated when observing how and where water flow is directed within the filter.

Fresh water aquariums generally require a minimum water turnover rate of approximately four times an hour. Marine aquariums usually do best with water turnover rates of 7 to 10 times per hour. Exceptions do exist with respect to the livestock being kept. In general, it is best to select a system (s) which provides somewhat more than the minimum rate. This will help compensate for declining flow rates as the filter system accumulates debris.

Hang-On Power Filters

AquaClear Power Filters

AquaClear Filter systems incorporate the exclusive CycleGuard Insert System which ensures that all filtration requirements are fulfilled by providing three distinct filter media. This ensures continuous biological filtration as one insert is replaced at a time, while the remaining filter media supports the re-establishment of essential bacteria (along with a dose of Cycle).

Typical filter media placement:

• Bottom AquaClear Foam Insert, fulfills the following functions:
  1) Particulate debris removal and optimal water distribution patterns, allowing subsequent filter media to perform at full efficiency.
  2) Biological filtration, due to the porous structure of foam, providing surfaces for beneficial bacteria.
• Middle AquaClear Ultragrade Carbon Insert, Fluval Peat, Phos-X, and other chemical filter media are used to adjust and purify water.
• Top AquaClear Ammo-Rid or Bio-Max, effective at controlling harmful nitrogenous compounds such as ammonia, which is produced by various sources within the aquarium.

Canister Filters

• Greater volume of filter media.
• Greater variety of filter media.
• Superior contact time of aquarium water with filter media.
• Flexibility for the filter placement.
• Superior biological capacity, can support higher fish populations.
• Longer periods between maintenance.
• Easy connection to additional filtration and water treatment devices, such as the Fluval

Fluval Power Filters

Some of the features and benefits are:

• Aqua-Stop – quickly disconnects water with the flip of a lever to allow easy access to filter contents.
• Multi-Media baskets - a variety of filter media are easily installed or removed, to provide optimal conditions for most types of aquarium set-ups.
• Large pre-filtration sponges that provide a large surface area to trap enormous waste loads, helping maintain filter flow rates.
• Opaque Ribbed Hosing - eliminate kinks, for easier set-up and no algae growth within the hose supporting better long-term flow rates.
• Water flow design maximizes contact time. Incoming water is immediately directed through large pre-filtration sponges and is vertically forced through multiple media baskets.