STEP 4. FILLING & TESTING THE AQUARIUM
Initial testing of the pipework
Before filling the aquarium, it is best to test that the
pipework and tank connectors do not leak by first
closing the gate valve on the main overflow pipe and
then filling the overflow box only. Check underneath for
any drips or weeping and, if necessary, tighten up any
loose connections.
If there are no leaks, fully open the gate valve and
continue with the aquarium set up. Be aware that when
opening the gate valve, the water used to test the pipe
connections will flow from the weir into the sump.
Starting the aquarium and balancing the weir
When starting water circulation through the sump and
aquarium for the first time, adjustments will need to be
made to the gate valve on the main overflow pipe to
ensure quiet running.
Once the return pump has been installed in the sump,
fill the aquarium to the level of the bottom of the weir
comb and the sump to about ¾ full.
Make sure that the gate valve on the main overflow
pipe is fully open and that the outlet nozzle(s) are just
under the surface of the water and angled slightly
downwards.
Turn on the return pump so that water starts pumping
from the sump into the main aquarium. The water level
in the aquarium will rise and start to flow over into the
weir box, this will then fill the weir to the level of the
main overflow pipe before water starts to flow back into
the first chamber of the sump.
As this is happens, the water level in the sump will fall.
If the return pump starts to draw in air, add more water
to the pump chamber. Only add enough water to keep
the pump suitably submerged, do not over fill.
At this stage, the overflow will be quite noisy, this is
normal. Once water is circulating around the system
and the water levels in the sump and main aquarium
are stable you can fine tune the gate valve on the main
overflow pipe to achieve quiet running. If you have a
flow controllable pump, set your pump to the desired
power level before continuing.
Close the gate valve slowly in small increments until
you start to see the water level inside the weirbox rise.
Allow time for this to stabilise. Keep gradually closing
the gate valve until the water reaches the top of the
emergency overflow pipe and just starts trickling into it.
These adjustments can take some time to perform, it is
sometimes best to make a minor adjustment and wait
a few minutes before making the next. If water starts
flowing down the emergency pipe too quickly then open
the gate valve slightly to allow more water down the
main overflow and reduce the water level in the weir.
As the weirbox is filling, the sump water level will drop
slightly, if needed add more water to cover the pump.
During normal running, the water level in the pump
chamber of the sump should be about 1 cm below the
height of the final baffle. If it is lower than this then
add more water and if it is higher then take some
water out of the system
Please be aware that it is common to get a small
amount of noise from water running through the
pipework when new. As the tank matures, biofilms will
form that will dampen some noise. It is also possible
that minor adjustments will need to be made to the
gate valve over the first few days to achieve quiet
running as the tank and return pump stabilise.
Double check the pipework connections for any signs
of drips or leaking once the tank is running.
When the gate valve has been set, we recommend that
you simulate a power cut to check that the drain down
volume will not be too much for the sump to handle.
Simply unplug or turn off the return pump, the water
level in the aquarium will then drop to the level of the
syphon break and the weirbox will drain down level
with the top of the main overflow pipe.
The sump should not fill to less than 40mm from the top
during this test. Once this is done turn the return pump
back on and allow the system to reset. As the tank and
weir refill, the tank will run noisily but will quieten again
as the weir refills and the system returns to its normal
levels.
If the water level in the sump is getting towards the
point of overflowing and the main tank has not reached
its full drain down level, check that the anti syphon hole
is not blocked.
If the sump continues to fill then switch on the return
pump quickly to drop the level, check the system and
carry out the test again.
Please note that as you add equipment into the sump,
the volume they displace can overfill the system and
some water may need to be removed.
The weirbox overflow will work at its quietest and
optimum performance when the water level is at the top
during normal operation, with only a slight trickle going
down the emergency overflow. This is a better method
than trying to perfectly adjust the gate valve to match the
return pump flow.
Top up reservoir
All models of Aqua-Pro Reef aquariums come complete
with a top up reservoir. The 600 / 900 / 1200 / 1500
models have this built into the main sump, the 1800
comes with a separate standalone reservoir that should
be positioned to the side of the main sump.
To automatically refill the sump from the reservoir, an
auto top up unit will need to be purchased separately,
such as the
D-D H2Ocean Compact ATO
.
STEP 5. ADJUSTING THE CABINET DOORS
The doors are pre-set in the factory before packing
but the hinges may need to be adjusted slightly once
the aquarium is in its final location. It is best to adjust
the cabinet doors at the end of installation when the
aquarium is full of water.
The soft-close hinges have three points of adjustment.
If necessary, make adjustments until the door(s) are level,
with an even gap, and close without any obstruction.
The push-openers can also be adjusted by twisting them
in or out, by hand.
The hinges can show signs of rust over time if splashed
with saltwater or with high humidity. For extra
protection silicone grease can be applied to their
surface to provide a protective barrier. Rust on the
surface of the hinge is not covered by warranty.
