11
Fitting
Inflow to the filter:
The aquarium should be connected to the inlet bulkhead of the filter sump with a PVC pipe or a
flexible hose. The connection is a bulkhead of 40 mm diameter (included in shipment). With this
bulkhead, the piping can easily be separated, if necessary. We recommend to mount a ball valve
between filter and aquarium to prevent water from dripping when the filter is disconnected.
Pressure line, back to aquarium:
The pressure line of the pump is connected to the bulkhead in the filter sump by included flexible
hose. From the bulkhead to aquarium, the connection can be made by PVC pipe or flexible hose
(1”).
4.1. Water reservoir - Water level in filter tank
All open filter systems have to be planned in a way that in case of a circulation pump failure they
can take up water flowing back from aquarium without creating an overflow. The volume of water
is depending on the construction of the overflow device, pump capacity and aquarium surface. The
water volume can be calculated by taking the aquarium surface (length x width) and the build-up
above overflow level resp. overflow comb. In most cases, the build-up is 2 - 3 cm.
During normal operation, the filter tank can only be filled to a height that this water volume is
taken up in case of emergency. The minimum water level is determined through the height of the
pump suction opening. It has to be made sure that the pump does not suck in any air. Otherwise,
fine air bubbles are blown into the water which creates a lot of slurp noises. If the pump runs dry,
it may get damaged irreversibly. The water which evaporates within the aquarium is only missed in
the filter chamber - in the aquarium itself, the water level will be maintained. For this reason, the
water level has be controlled and replenished regularly. The refilling can be made easier by using
Aqua Medic Niveaumat and a reservoir in order to keep the water level constant. Nevertheless, it is
suitable to mark minimum and maximum levels directly at the tank.
We recommend using only pre-treated tap water (reverse osmosis) for refilling.
Large aquaria - equilibration tank:
If aquaria with a big surface or build-up the reserve volume of the filter tank is not sufficient to
take up water during a pump failure, an equilibrium tank has to be added. You can get an
appropriate tank from your local aquarium manufacturer. This tank has to be fixed at the filter
tank with a pipe connection. The circulation pump sucks water from the equilibration tank and
pumps it into the aquarium.
5. Safety hints
This aquarium and filter system are made for indoor use only. Take all electric parts from the
mains before carrying out any maintenance works.
