Superior filtering capabilities through triple filtration: biological, mechanical, and chemical. The size of the foam and carbon inserts offers large surface area to increase filtration capacity. The foam block can also be easily rinsed and reused to preserve the biological bacterial colonies. Patented flow control feature and media basket allow custom filter performance. Includes foam, carbon, and BioMax media. Foam media is custom cut to fit precisely, trapping dirt and debris. Carbon effectively removes dissolved organic compounds, medications, and dyes. BioMax allows growth of bacterial colonies to convert ammonia and nitrite to nitrate. 2-year manufacturer's guarantee.

Also available: Amrid, aids in new aquarium set up or aquariums with constant ammonia problems (for use with freshwater only). AquaClear Media Bags hold media of your choice. Fine mesh bag safely holds granulated carbon, peat fiber, pellets, and resins.

AquaClear Media sold separately. Or, for an economical alternative to AquaClear media, try Imagine® filter media for AquaClear power filters. Available in carbon inserts, ammonia remover inserts, and BioModules.

AquaClear External Power Filter Manual
After purchase check the following:

• Inspect filter for visible damage.
• If motor does not start, make sure the impeller blades are moving freely on the magnet assembly.

Filter Insert Installation
A - FOAM INSERT
The AquaClear Foam Insert must be installed in the media basket first. The foam block should totally fill the bottom of the basket and fill the chamber completely to the sides. There should be no space anywhere between sides and foam. Be sure to rinse the insert thoroughly before installation.

B - CARBON INSERT
The AquaClear Carbon Insert is packaged in a nylon porous pouch over wrapped with a protective plastic dust sleeve. Remove dust sleeve, and rinse the insert to remove any carbon dust particles. To properly install the Carbon Insert, flatten the insert on top of the Foam block already placed in the filter basket.

C - AMRID AMMONIA REMOVER INSERT
AMRID removes harmful ammonia before it has a chance to build to toxic levels and stress aquatic inhabitants. AMRID can reduce some poisonous ammonia build up in a newly established aquarium, before nitrifying bacteria have populated enough to remove it naturally. Excessive feeding, overpopulation, and failure to remove decaying organic matter also promote the rise of toxic ammonia within the biosphere. Chloramine used in municipal water is a hazard for many fish. When chloramine is removed with a dechlorinator, ammonia is released into the water. AMRID helps to remove ammonia whenever properly conditioned new tap water is added to an aquarium during water change or top-up procedure.

To install the AMRID insert (C - graphic on previous page), rinse bag well to remove any fine dust created by shipping and handling. Flatten the insert and lay it directly on top of the Carbon insert in the filter basket. As with the Carbon insert, be sure that the entire surface area of the filter basket is completely covered by the insert.

Insert Maintenance
The AquaClear Foam, Carbon, and AMMO-RID inserts should be changed alternately in order to maintain continuous biological activity.

Never replace all filter media in any AquaClear filter at the same time.

Follow individual packaging instructions for proper replacement intervals. When rinsing an insert, it is best to rinse only in used aquarium water or lukewarm dechlorinated tap water to protect the bacterial population. This will ensure the least amount of disturbance to the biological filtration during standard filter maintenance. The filter inserts initially require several days to commence full mechanical filtering action. Bacterial cloudiness may occur during the first week of a new aquarium set up. Biological balance of a new aquarium should occur within the fourth to sixth week of operation. Established aquariums will accomplish biological filter balance within the second or third week of operation.

Operating Instructions

A) Inspect filter for any visible signs of shipping damage and verify that motor is securely fastened to filter case.

B) Install Filter Inserts.
NOTE: Be sure that the filter basket sits evenly on the supports at the bottom of the filter case.

C) Mount filter in the desired location on the aquarium, most often a power filter is installed at the rear of an aquarium. AquaClear MINI, 150 and 200: Filter must be level. If it is not, carefully cut the integrated leveling device protruding from the motor until the filter is vertical to the floor. AquaClear 300 and 500: Insert leveling device pin into provide opening on bottom of filter case. Adjust leveling device by turning to the required setting in order that the filter is level.

D) Install intake stem (adjustment control above impeller) and attach integrated strainer/siphon tube on aquarium side of intake. Add more than one intake tube if tank is deep. (Extra extension tubes may be ordered separately from their respective parts list.)

E) Fill AquaClear case with sufficient water to completely submerse the impeller cover.

F) Plug power cord into electrical outlet. Priming will take 30 - 45 seconds.

G) To change water flow rate, move adjustment control on intake stem to reduce or increase water intake.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT RUN FILTER DRY

Filter Maintenance
For optimum filter operation and efficiency, regular cleaning of the filter and its parts is recommended every two weeks. Media maintenance should follow individual packaging instructions of the separate media. If the filter is left unattended for too long, the filter materials become clogged with debris. In extreme cases, the filter basket may be forced up from the filter case due to the pump pressure. This is an indication that the efficiency of the filtration is very low and that the media requires immediate rinsing or replacement.

To clean the unit, unplug the filter. Remove cover. Remove filter basket and dump water remaining in case. Rinse collected debris from filter case, flow diverter, impeller and impeller well in clean lukewarm water. Soap or detergents are NOT recommended for filter maintenance.

Every three months the motor should be removed from the case and thoroughly cleaned. Remove motor by twisting it in the direction of the arrow on the motor. The motor should rotate 90 degrees. Pull motor gently down to prevent damage to filter case or motor guide.

The impeller shaft is permanently installed. Pull impeller out of impeller well. Rinse impeller and impeller well of accumulated slime deposits.

To prevent kinked seal ring, wet motor seal ring before inserting into filter case.

Filter Maintenance
Filter inserts should be changed at the intervals recommended on the individual packaging instructions. Rinse filter basket and inserts being reused. Never discard the entire contents on the filter basket. Alternate introduction of new media allows the established bacteria to migrate from the reused media to the new insert(s). This permits the biological filtration capacities of the AquaClear filter to continue to operate uninterrupted. The intake stem and extension tube can be cleaned with a filter stem brush to remove any buildup of deposits. After all parts have been cleaned and thoroughly rinsed, reassemble filter and replace in position an aquarium. Follow operating instructions to prime and restart filter.

NOTE: Do not use harsh detergents. Rinse well to avoid toxic residue.
IMPORTANT:

• Disconnect the plug of all the appliances inside the aquarium before putting any hand into the water.
• The supply cord of this appliance cannot be replaced; if the cord is damaged, the appliance should be discarded.
• This appliance has no user serviceable parts.