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For the operation of the filter you need in addition
:
- Pump that pumps the water back from the filter to the aquarium. The pump should have an
output of 2,000 l/h. We recommend the extremely silent pump AB AQUA MEDIC PUMP 21 with an
output of 2,100 l/h, suction and pressure pipework.
The pump can either be placed in the filter sump (wet set-up) or beside the sump (dry set-up).
For this purpose, the original AB AQUA MEDIC filter sump is equipped with appropriate drillings and
a tank screw connection
5. Operation
The
Reef 500
is placed in the sump and the pre-filter has to be connected to the skimmer. Then,
the pump that pumps the water back to aquarium is taken into operation. If this cycle works, a
water level of 15 cm adjusts itself in the pre-filter module. Now, the venturi pump can be plugged
in. The pump now forces water into the reaction pipe. Simultaneously, low pressure is created at
the suction side of the pump and air is sucked in. As long as the water level in the sump tank is at
the correct level, the relationship between air and water is optimized. Should the noise created in
the air inlet hose be unacceptable, then a silencer – part number 410.72-4 is available as an extra
from AB Aqua Medic.
The needle wheel breaks the air into small bubbles. This method eliminates the greater proportion
of the noise. The drawn in amount of air should be adjusted that way that at least 75% of the
reaction pipe are filled with bubbles. After the initial start, some hours may pass before the first
foam is pushed into the collection cup. This is due to a reaction between the surface of the acrylic
glass and aquarium water. Equilibrium of electrical charges takes place. After a maximum of 24
hours, the foam should be pushed evenly into the collection cup. The quantity of liquid and organic
substances is dependent on the pollution of the aquarium.
6. Maintenance
The collection cup should be cleaned regularly (daily or weekly, depending on the organic load).
The reaction pipe of the skimmer needs to be cleaned only once or twice a year. The venturi pump
should also be cleaned from time to time. The pump has to be removed and the complete pump
housing and needle wheel flushed with clean water. The same procedure should be undertaken
with the air injection nozzle.
The needle wheel should be checked on cleaning of the pump housing. If there are any damages,
e. g. broken needles, the individual needle wheels can be replaced.
The biological filter which means the trickle unit with the Bactoballs, is maintenance-free. The
sponges of the pre-filter module should be washed regularly, every 2 - 4 weeks. Also, a layer filter
cotton wool can be packed on the sponges and renewed regularly.
7. Problems
Problems may occur if the relation of demanded air and water is not in the right range. Some
reasons might be:
-
The water level in the pre-filter module is too high or too low. It should always be between 10
and 15 cm.
-
If the power of the circulation pump is chosen too little, it may lead to a lower water level in
the pre-filter chamber than in the filter chamber. The pump power has to be increased then.
Safety instruction
The filter system may only be used indoors. Before undertaking any work on the pump,
disconnect the power plug from the mains.
