Because you can use the media of your choosing at each level, you can design a system that provides
additional mechanical filtration if you wish. Below you’ll find detailed information, as well as general guide-
lines for media selection and use.
General Guidelines
•
Location can determine function.
For example, carbon can act primarily as a screen for debris or act more as an environment for
growth of beneficial bacteria, depending on where it is placed in the filtration sequence.
•
Proper preparation is key.
Some materials, such as Ammonia Remover, require thorough rinsing so that their finest particles
do not clog other modules or discharge into the aquarium.
For best results and the protection
of your fish, always read and follow the preparation instructions for the media you are using.
•
Use mechanical filter media in the first stage of filtration.
This helps ensure that water will be as free of debris as possible when it flows through biological
and/or chemical filters, which require clear water for maximum effectiveness. The foam screen is
an effective first stage mechanical sieve.
•
Protect biological media from debris.
Biological media provide clean, hard attachment points for beneficial bacteria. For these media to
be most effective, they need a constant stream of waste-free water that carries ammonia, nitrite
and oxygen. Thus, they are best placed after mechanical filtration and chemical media.
Lower Level Basket
Media that continues the mechanical capture of small particles should be placed in the lowest media bas-
ket to purify water and/or remove particles before they can clog the delicate pores of biological or chem-
ical substrates.
Pre-Filter
,
Carbon
, and
Zeo-Carb
are all options for screening small particles from the
water. Pre-Filter is inert, acting solely to create a screen. Carbon removes dyes, medications, and solubi-
lized wastes that a simple screen cannot. Zeo-Carb removes ammonia; it is often used at the beginning
of a setup to keep initial ammonia spikes lower than would occur naturally.
Mid Level Basket(s)
The mid level media basket is useful for chemically
modifying water. Peat Granules, for example, will
gradually lower the water’s pH level. The mid level
basket is a good place to begin the biological reduc-
tion process. Many media types provide both
mechanical filtering and biological treatment, creating
an excellent environment for beneficial bacteria to
proliferate. Even many chemical compounds will sup-
port colonies of bacteria. With the primary mechanical
purification of the water stream occurring in the Foam
Screen Frame and the lower basket, it is typical to
load additional biological media into a Mid Level
Media Basket. BioMax, extra Carbon, or Ammonia
Remover are commonly used. This is also the place
where more exotic media, chosen for a specific appli-
cation, can be used.
Upper Level Basket
This basket receives the purest water stream, making
it the proper place for dedicated biological media.
Placed here, BioMax, for example, provides optimal
biological power in a very compact ring configuration.
With multiple pores perforating both the surface and
the internal matrix, it is an ideal substrate for this posi-
tion, especially because it has a built-in trap to cap-
ture any loose strands that might affect the operation
of the impeller.
17
4. Rinse both sides of the foam screen frame under tap water before initial use to remove any
possible contaminants and slide it back into position in the canister, with the flat end down.
If the screen does not seem to fit properly, be sure it is not upside down.
5.
Complete the canister cover assembly:
a. Lay the canister cover on a flat surface with its
topside down. Remove the lubricated rubber gasket
from its plastic bag. To seal the cover opening
properly, the gasket must be moist but it need not be
wet. Carefully fit the gasket into the channel around
the base of the cover.
b. Position the impeller cover over the impeller. Align
the shaft so it is seated in the ring on the cover; push
down around the entire circumference of the edge until
the tabs “click” into the locked position.
6.
Place the cover on the canister.
Be sure to position it
properly. There is only one orientation possible. Make
certain that the MSF logo on the cover and canister is
aligned and that the power cord fits into the notch on
the rim of the canister.
7.
Lock the cover in place:
push the double tabs of the lift-lock
clamps under the rim; then press the upper tabs firmly against
the cover.
DO NOT FILL THE CANISTER WITH WATER
8. Place the unit in its final position inside
the cabinet.
9. Insert the Aquastop valve into the intake
and output connectors on the cover and
push down on the silver lever to lock it in
place.
10. Keep the Aquastop valves closed with the
black lever all the way up.
11.
DO NOT PLUG IT IN NOW. The Filter is ready for start-up, but it can be started only after all
aquarium accessories have been installed and the filter is full of water. For the filter start-up,
refer to Section #6.
ADVANCED FLUVAL FILTRATION
There are three basic types of filtration. Mechanical filters remove waste particles and solid debris through
various kinds of strainers. Biological filters break down and eliminate organic toxins -ammonia and
nitrite - through bacterial action. And chemical filters actively change water characteristics through
deliberately managed chemical reactions.
Fluval offers a wide variety of filter media. Some perform more than one job. The true power of the Fluval
system is that it is very flexible, offering a wide range of media and multiple media placement options.
The Fluval Stack of Media Baskets
The stack of media baskets in the Fluval 05 Series filters enables you to employ all three types of filtra-
tion in whatever configuration or sequence you determine is best for your aquarium environment.
Filtration always begins at the mechanical stage, where waste particles are removed as water flows
through the foam screen, and continues with subsequent biological and chemical stages as it flows up
through the media baskets.
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RUBBER GASKET
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