INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS:
a.
Remove cap from Fermentation Canister.
b. Add white table sugar (no other substitute) to the first level
indicator inside the canister.
c. Add full contents of one Stabilizer packet.
d. Add full contents of one Activator packet.
e. Add lukewarm water (68 – 86
o
F/20 – 30
o
C) to the second
level. Do not use aquarium water.
Stir contents gently for
faster activation.
f. Replace cap. To close, turn counterclockwise once to align the
threads, then proceed to close by turning clockwise.
Important:
To prevent CO
2
loss, turn cap clockwise until
initial resistance is met and then tighten securely with an
additional
1/
4
turn.
g. Affix suction cups to Bubble Counter/Diffuser.
h. Thread
CO
2
-resistant tubing along side of Bubble
Counter/Diffuser. Ensure that output nozzle is positioned cor-
rectly. The flat end of the Nozzle Securing Tab should slide
into the slot, to keep it firmly in place (round end should face
outwards) NOTE: If tubing and output nozzle are not placed
correctly (with the slanted edge facing the unit), the unit will
not function properly.
i.
Note: Output Nozzle can be locked in at 3 different positions.
The first position is for aquariums up to 70L, the third position
is for 20/30 L aquariums.
j.
Affix the Bubble Counter/Diffuser in a vertical position to an
inside wall of the aquarium. Ensure that Bubble
Counter/Diffuser is completely submersed. The Fermentation
Canister can also be placed below the aquarium in a cabinet
or on the floor. CAUTION: If the Fermentation Canister tips
over or is shaken, internal pressure may cause the contents to
escape into the aquarium. This should be prevented as it will
affect the aquarium. Keep Fermentation Canister in a safe
place where it cannot be knocked down.
k. Affix Rim Adapter to aquarium rim. NOTE: can adapt to any
rim size by simply turning the adjuster dial accordingly.
l.
Attach cut end of CO
2
-resistant tubing to tube adapter on the
cover of the Fermentation Canister. NOTE: if tubing is too
long, measure the length needed, leaving some slack, and cut
straight across.
m. Slide the Fermentation Canister onto the Rim Adapter on the
outside of the aquarium.
n.
The first bubbles should be seen between 2-10 hours. At first,
the bubbles may have some difficulty staying in the Bubble
Counter/Diffuser. This is normal. After 24-48 hours, the unit
will be fully functional. Troubleshooting: If bubbles continue
to escape the Diffuser after 24-48 hours, verify that the output
nozzle has been placed correctly.
Replacement Activator and Stabilizer packets guarantee the
integrity and performance of this product. They are available at
reputable pet retailers. Use of products other than these items
will affect performance levels and result in sub-optimal
CO
2
production.
How to Maximize
the Benefits of CO
2
Injection
1.
The CO
2
Natural Plant System
relies on the natural process
of fermentation to produce carbon dioxide. Maintain an
ambient temperature range of 70-80 ˚F (21-27 ˚C), for opti-
mum results 68-72 ˚F (20-22 ˚C).
2. Install power filter outputs so that the aquarium water sur-
face is not excessively agitated. The greater the water sur-
face turbulence, the faster the rate of carbon dioxide will
leave the aquarium. Ensure that there is just enough water
surface movement to satisfy the oxygen requirements of
fish, demonstrated by natural behavior and breathing.
3. Test pH & KH regularly. It is recommended to perform a pH
test prior turning lights on and off. The pH value range will
often increase as buffering capacity (KH) decreases and/or
plant population increases. Always use
pH Stabilizer
to
replenish buffering capacity (KH). It is a good source of
bicarbonates (source of carbon (energy) for some plants and
nitrifying bacteria).
4. By stimulating the growth of aquatic plants through CO
2
injection, essential micro-nutrients such as iron are depleted
more rapidly. Test iron levels weekly with the
Nutrafin Iron
Test Kit
. Maintain a 0.25mg/L to 0.5mg/L chelated iron con-
centration using
Nutrafin Plant Gro Iron Enriched
.
5. Maintain the lighting intensity by cleaning deposits regular-
ly. It is recommended to clean fluorescent tubes on a weekly
basis and replace them at least annually.
6. Refer to additional information and tips offered in the Hagen
pamphlets on
Fluorescent Lighting
(S-1204) and
Aquatic
Plants
,
Care and Nutrition
(S-1295) or obtain other credible
reference material.
The Effects of CO
2
Injection
CO
2
injection can affect water chemistry. When carbon dioxide
dissolves in water, some carbonic acid is formed which will
tend to reduce pH and KH. Test these parameters regularly and
try to maintain pH values of 6.8 to 7.0 (slightly less or more is
permissible) with a KH range of 70 to 90 mg/L. Adjust KH with
Nutrafin pH Stabilizer
(A-7731 & 7732). This will provide natural
bicarbonate buffering to stabilize pH while furnishing plants
with potassium, an important macro-nutrient.
Carbon dioxide is the most easily assimilated carbon source for
plants. Approximately 40 to 50% of dry weight composition of a
plant is carbon. Through the invigorated growth of aquatic
plants, the aquarium owner can expect a higher degree of water
quality. Many undesirable elements such as nitrates and phos-
phates are consumed by plants, providing a strategy that effec-
tively starves algae, preventing and/or controlling its’ growth.
CO
2
injection benefits fish due to improved water quality, and
also provides a safe and gradual method of reducing pH values.
Many aquatic plants thrive in mildly acidic pH ranges, and suit-
able species of fish for planted aquariums often prefer these
water conditions.
MAINTENANCE
When the fermentation process is finished
(up to 28 days), proceed as follows:
1. Remove CO
2
-resistant tubing and cap.
2. Dispose of contents as desired (contents are 100%
biodegradable).
3. Thoroughly rinse out fermentation canister and cap
(do not use soap or detergent).
4. Repeat installation steps b-f.
NOTE: Once the fermentation is complete, the air tube may become
filled with water through thermal conditions. While servicing the
unit make sure that the air tube is fully emptied of water by raising
it above the aquarium water level or by blowing into it. This will
ensure that no aquarium water inadvertently leaks outside of the
aquarium while servicing is taking place.
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