Interpet™  Undergravel Filter.

Why filtration is important Aquarium water can become cloudy with waste particles and polluted by dissolved toxic fish waste. This is both unsightly and, more importantly, unhealthy for fish. Undergravel filtration creates a clear healthy aquarium by: trapping suspended waste matter. biologically removing the toxic fish waste (ammonia and nitrite).

How Undergravel Filters Work An air pump or a powerhead draws water through the sand or gravel at the bottom of the aquarium where waste material is trapped. Bacteria growing on the gravel biologically removes toxic fish waste. The water is then drawn under the filter plate and into the uplift tube, which feeds it back into the top of the aquarium.

Undergravel Filter Maintenance Waste material will build up in the gravel bed reducing the water flow, possibly causing unhealthy ‘dead’' spots. The gravel bed should be periodically cleaned with an lnterpet Gravel Cleaner when changing the water. The carbon filter cartridges should be changed every eight weeks. For new aquariums a Zeolite cartridge is useful. This removes the most poisonous toxic fish waste - ammonia - and should be used until the biological activity in the gravel has become established.

Choosing an Air Pump or Power Head Select an airpump or powerhead capable of circulating the volume of aquarium water 3 to 5 times per hour for marine tanks and 2 to 3 times per hour for freshwater tanks. The exact flow rate depends on the species of fish kept; some like fast moving water, others prefer slower water movement. It is advisable to select for the maximum required flow rate and use an air valve, or the flow rate adjuster on the Powerhead, to set the flow to the specific requirements of the aquarium inhabitants.

Assembly & Set Up The diagram shows correct assembly. Slot the plates together in the aquarium. Slide the base of the uplift tube into one corner of the filter plate. (For optimum flow and to be less obtrusive we recommend using the corner at the back of the aquarium).

If using an air pump - insert the airstone and push fit the flow return onto the top of the uplift tube (trim the tube if necessary). Push fit the airline from the pump onto the connector (use an air valve if using more than one uplift and only one airline). Insert the carbon cartridge into the flow return. If using a powerhead - mount it on top of the uplift tube using the fittings supplied with the powerhead. Ensure the powerhead is correctly positioned relative to the water surface. Cover the filter plate with a 5 cm (2 ins) layer of washed gravel or sand (bigger than 1 mm diameter). Arrange rocks and ornaments. (To avoid subsidence, large or heavy rocks should be placed directly onto the filter plate before adding gravel or sand). Fill the aquarium. To avoid disturbing the gravel pour the water onto a dish. Start the airpump / powerhead To stimulate the rapid set up of biological activity, use Interpet Trizyme Bio-Start. For a new aquarium, use Interpet New Aquarium Care Kit.