5
GB
It is recommended that for freshwater aquariums,
the filter is run for at least 5-7 days before fish are
added. This allows the filter to cycle and establish a
population of beneficial bacteria which break down
waste in the aquarium water.
Check the water parameters such as pH and kH. If
you are unsure what the levels should be for your
fish, seek advice from your aquarium retailer.
Allow at least a week between fish additions. This
allows the biological filter to adjust to cope with the
additional waste.
Remember, all fish will grow. When selecting fish,
make judgements based on the maximum size the
fish will grow, not simply based on the size the fish
is at the store.
Consult your local aquarium retailer for advice on
stocking your aquarium.
AQUARIUM MAINTENANCE
DAILY:
While feeding your fish, check that all equipment is
operating correctly. Check that the filter is running
and the strainer is not blocked. If a heater is being
used, check the temperature of the aquarium and
ensure the heater is functioning.
FORTNIGHTLY:
25% Water change
What you will need: A bucket, towel, gravel vacuum
and water conditioner.
1. Ensure your hands are dry.
2. Switch off light unit and unplug power cable to
turn off filter.
3. Lift the filter lid in order to access both the
aquarium and the filter.
4. Place the towel on the floor in front of the
aquarium in case of water spillage.
5. Use an algae scraper or magnet cleaner to clean
the glass.
6. Using the gravel cleaner, remove approximately
25% of the water from the aquarium. Discard the
water. The water can be used to water your garden
as the nutrients will be beneficial to plants and this
prevents water from being wasted.
7. Fill the bucket with new water, add water
conditioner as per the instructions on the bottle.
8. Add the conditioned water to the aquarium.
Repeat this until the aquarium is filled to the water
level outlined on the previous page.
9. Close the filter hood of the aquarium.
10. Check for any water spillage on or around the
aquarium and wipe with the towel.
11. Plug the power cable in at the power outlet and
switch it on. Switch the light back on also.
FILTER MAINTENANCE
MONTHLY:
NOTE: the carbon cartridge should be replaced
every 4-6 weeks. Spare cartridges are available
from your local aquarium retailer.
1. Ensure your hands are dry.
2. Switch off light unit and unplug power cable to
turn off filter.
3. Lift the filter lid in order to access both the
aquarium and the filter.
4. Place the towel on the floor in front of the
aquarium in case of water spillage.
5. Disconnect the intake pipe and strainer from the
power head. Clean these parts with a pipe cleaner
and rinse under tap water.
6. Remove the power head from the filter. In order to
do this, simply push the power head downwards.
7. Pull the impeller cover off in order to access the
impeller. (see next page for diagram)
8. Grasp the impeller blades and remove the impeller
from the power head.
9. Clean the impeller chamber with a pipe cleaner.
10. Reassemble the power head. Ensure the
grommets are in place on both ends of the shaft.
Missing grommets can cause the pump to be noisy
as well as causing low flow and extra wear on the
power head.
11. Reassemble the filter and ensure the filter is
securely connected to intake pipe.
12. Ensure the power cables are not wet. Plug the
power cables at the power outlet and switch on.
Switch the light back on also.
Tips
Maintenance
