Aquael aquarium filter: Aquael FAN series for beginners and professionals, maintenance and repair rules

Aquael aquarium filters from the FAN series are a good choice for a beginner. They are easy to use. They are easy to install and consume a minimum of electricity, and maintenance does not require special skills. All models are quite easily fixed and reliably filter water in freshwater aquariums with a volume of three to 250 liters. For larger volumes, you should purchase a filter from a different series.

Aquael aquarium filters from the FAN series are easy to use even for beginners

FAN Series

The series includes five models of the Aquael aquarium filter. They differ in terms of power, performance and service volume:

• FAN MICRO;
• FAN MINI;
• FAN 1;
• FAN 2;
• FAN 3.

The last model on the list has top-notch features. More detailed indicators of each filter for the Aquael aquarium in the table:

In order for the internal filter for Aquael aquariums to work most effectively, it must be installed three to four centimeters below the water level. This position will also ensure complete saturation of the liquid with oxygen. It is not advisable to place the filter below , however, with proper installation, you must not forget about water evaporation. When installing the device, you need to understand that the liquid evaporates all the time, and the filling of the aquarium decreases. You should not allow the filter to become airborne - this is unsafe for the fish. However, the lower the device is placed, the less efficient aeration occurs.

The filter is attached directly to the inner wall of the aquarium; for this purpose, several suction cups are placed on it. For additional fixation, the set includes a K-shaped holder. It can be used either separately or together with suction cups. The aeration tube must always be above the water level. The plastic holder is convenient because it has a hole for fastening.

Some fish cannot exist normally without conditions that are very close to natural. One of the important factors is the presence of current. Its strength can be adjusted using a special handle, which is located shallow under water. The enrichment of water with air also depends on the intensity. The weaker the current, the weaker the aeration.

Depending on specific needs, the filter design can be changed. The basic kit includes the following elements:

• filter glass;
• sponge;
• suction nozzle;
• flow power regulator;

  
  The filter configuration can be changed depending on needs

• pump;
• rotor;
• flow deflector;
• aeration tube;
• aeration regulator;
• holder;
• suckers;
• holder;
• aeration nozzle.

To make aeration more effective, a special nozzle should be placed on one side of the tube, and a regulator should be placed on the opposite side. Turning clockwise or counterclockwise changes the amount of air taken in. Instead of a hose, you can use a compressor. Then the device will work completely silently.

Attaching the suction cups is easy. They need to be inserted into the holder pad and rotated.

The design of the perforated rod is special in that the water coming from the aquarium is not concentrated in the upper part, but is distributed along the entire length. The internal filter of the MIKRO modification may work with the smallest aquariums, but it functions normally at a depth of three centimeters. This makes it well suited for terrarium pools, palladiums and aquaterrariums. In these forms they purify water well, although other filters would not be able to withstand such conditions.

The filter is secured with suction cups

Types and features of filters

Products of the FAN line are available in the following varieties: MICRO, MINI, 1, 2, 3. The table shows the main characteristics of the models.

The internal Aquael fan filter shows optimal performance at a depth of 3-4 cm. At this level, maximum aeration is achieved. The installation of the device must be carried out taking into account the gradual decrease in the water level as it evaporates.

Increasing the depth increases the degree of aeration. Special suction cups are used for fastening to glass. An additional mounting aid is the L-shaped holder included in the kit. It has holes for installing an aeration tube.

Some fish species require an artificial current. Its strength is adjusted using a knob. Along with a decrease in the intensity of water flow, aeration also decreases. Accessories sold with the filter allow you to change its design to suit the user's needs. The kit includes:

• holders;
• rotor;
• filter glass;
• aeration nozzle;
• pump;

  
  Accessories sold with the filter allow it to be customized to suit the user's needs.

• suction nozzle;
• suckers;
• aeration tube;
• flow power regulator;
• sponge;
• aeration regulator;
• flow deflector.

To better saturate the water with oxygen, a tube connects the aeration nozzle and the regulator. The latter allows you to adjust the volume of captured air. You can avoid using a hose if the aquarium has a compressor. The filter will operate silently. The suction cups are inserted into the holder pad and rotated. The perforation rod distributes contaminated water evenly throughout the sponge.

The design of the filter of the plus mikro model allows it to work with immersion up to 3 cm. Thanks to this feature, the device is used for terrarium, paludarium and aquaterrarium pools. Other varieties will not work under such conditions.

Filter maintenance

Any internal Aquael filter must be serviced promptly. In order for the device to work well, you need to regularly clean the rotor and its chamber, as well as the sponges. This is the only way to achieve perfectly clear water in an aquarium.

If you forget about cleaning for a long time, the flow passing through the filter weakens, since its movement is impeded by dirt. However, it is easy to care for the mechanism ; you just need to follow a few simple rules.

Cleaning the filter begins by turning off the power supply. After the plug has been pulled out of the socket with dry hands, the filter can be removed from the suction cup holder and removed from the water. The glass should be disconnected from the filter head; this is done by lightly squeezing the sides. The detached part is washed in clean water. In models FAN 2 and 3, the glass is complicated by an attached plastic prefilter. It also needs to be washed from dirt.

The sponge must be removed from the perforated rod and washed in water drained from the aquarium. The frequency of the procedure depends on the population density of the vessel. The sponges are made of large-pored foam rubber, which is good at retaining fish waste. It performs the function of both a mechanical and biological filter - the porous surface provides ideal conditions for the life of nitrifying bacteria, which actively multiply thanks to this.

Beneficial microorganisms oxidize ammonia and nitrites, but react strongly to some chemicals. Tap water kills bacteria. Because of this, biological filtration stops working. This can be avoided by using water that has been drained from the aquarium.

If you turn off the filter for a long time, this can lead to the death of beneficial bacteria

Beneficial bacteria can die for another reason. For example, a long break in the operation of the filter will certainly lead to its partial or complete sterilization. For the life of microorganisms, a large volume of oxygen is required. If you turn off the device for more than four hours, all bacteria will probably die. After this, you will have to repeat cleaning and starting, because the mechanism is contaminated with the corpses of single-celled organisms.

The sponges also suffer from physical wear and tear, but they hardly change in appearance. Because of this, you should not forget to regularly replace the filter material. If you do this in a timely manner, the water in the aquarium will always be clean and enriched with oxygen, which is very beneficial for fish.

Approximate device care schedule

The devices have a built-in sealed synchronous motor that does not require complex maintenance. About twice a month you need to disassemble the rotor chamber and remove it, and then clean the part along with the freed cavity. Assembly is carried out in reverse order. When the rotor is installed correctly, it rotates freely.

Product care

To maintain transparency and cleanliness of the water in the aquarium, regular cleaning of the sponge, the rotor itself and its chamber is required. A dirty filter allows less water flow, which reduces its effectiveness. Sequence of cleaning actions:

1. Disconnect the device from the power supply.
2. Remove the filter from the holder and remove it from the aquarium.
3. Remove the glass from the top of the product and rinse it with running water.
4. For devices Fan 2, 3, additionally remove and clean the plastic prefilter.
5. Disconnect the sponge from the rod and rinse it in water drained from the container. A large amount of dirt accumulates in the foam rubber. The frequency of cleaning depends on the number of inhabitants of the aquarium. Nitrifying beneficial bacteria also live on the surface of the accessory, so it cannot be washed with clean water.
6. Remove the lid and glass from the rotor chamber, carefully clean the part and its location.
7. Reassemble the filter components in reverse order.

Aquael fan filter mini plus devices are equipped with an isolated synchronous type motor that does not require special maintenance. The rotor must rotate freely when mounted on the axes.

If the filter is turned off for more than 3-4 hours, the beneficial bacteria completely die out. In this case, the device must be removed from the aquarium again and washed. The jaws gradually wear out, although this is not noticeable from the outside. Frequency of maintenance of cleaning accessories:

• sponge replacement - every 6-12 months;
• cleaning the glass - after 1 week;
• replacement of suction cups - after 6-12 months;
• cleaning the rotor and chamber - 2 times a month;
• washing the sponge every week.

Aquael mini filters have a long service life and are distinguished by high quality and reliability in operation. This is a good option for beginner fish breeders at an affordable price.

Additional accessories

Large-pored sponges from the manufacturer do not deform and do not lose their appearance even after a year of constant use. However, the filtration efficiency drops significantly at this point. To keep your aquarium clean, you need to change the filter fiber twice a year.

To maintain high-quality filtration, you need to regularly change the filter fiber

Rubber loses its elasticity when exposed to water, and the suction cups no longer adhere tightly to the glass. The deeper the aquarium, the greater the trouble that will result from neglecting the replacement of this element. New suction cups are installed as they wear out , usually annually. For shock absorption of more powerful models, special rubber mounts are produced that reduce vibration.

The effect of a waterfall and the murmur of water can be created using a flute. The sprinkler head also enhances the enrichment of oxygen in the liquid. Flutes for all filter models help the purified water to be distributed evenly.

The miniature Mini UV sterilizer exposes water to short-wave ultraviolet irradiation, which leads to the death of pathogenic bacteria and tiny algae. There is no need to keep the device turned on all the time. The sterilization procedure is carried out only a few hours on one day of the week. If necessary, you can do this more often. For example, if the fish began to get sick or a slight cloudiness appeared caused by the activity of bacteria. The sterilizer is installed on the filter outlet nozzle. There are four UV LEDs inside the device. Given the lack of need for additional maintenance and the presence of autonomous power supply, this is an ideal choice for Micro, Mini and 1 models.

For larger filters – models 2 and 3 – the Multi UV sterilizer is more suitable. The size and design are much simpler. A three-watt light bulb is inserted into one of the included modules; the choice depends on the filter model used. The resulting connection is placed between the filter head and the glass with the sponge. No additional maintenance is required for the sterilizer. The light bulb will have to be changed only after its service life has expired (5 thousand hours).

Advantages of Aquael

The effectiveness of Aquael products is confirmed by the experience of many aquarists. Transparent water improves the aesthetic component of the appearance of the vessel indoors, and also guarantees good health for the fish and prolongs their life.

The manufacturer takes his business seriously. High-quality high-tech devices produced by the company last longer than their competitors. The warranty period for the FAN series is three years.

Aqual filters are easy to use and good for beginners. The devices are easy to install and clean.

There are no products in the series with a degree of protection lower than IP68. This marking means that the mechanism is completely protected from water penetration. Thanks to this, complete safety is achieved during uninterrupted operation and complete immersion of the body in water.