FILTER MAINTENANCE
Clean Impeller and Impeller well every 4 months. Replace impeller yearly for optimal
performance and to prevent wearing. Clean filter body 1 time per year.
HOW TO REPLACE THE FILTER CARTRIDGES
IMPORTANT: To enhance bacterial action, pour a dose of Nutrafin Cycle Biological
Aquarium Supplement onto your filter cartridge each time you change the media.
1. Unplug the power cord.
2. Open the filter cover. (ill. G).
3. Slide the Foam out of the filter body and place it in an empty bucket. Rinse the foam
cartridge using water taken from the aquarium or replace the foam following the
recommended replacement schedule. Do not use tap water as this will kill the
beneficial bacteria in your foam. (ill. H).
(G)
NEVER use soap or detergents as these products could be harmful to the inhabitants of your
aquarium.
HOW TO CARE FOR THE IMPELLER AND MOTOR
WARNING: ALWAYS DISCONNECT APPLIANCES IN THE AQUARIUM FROM THE
ELECTRICAL SUPPLY BEFORE PLACING HANDS IN THE WATER, BEFORE PUTTING ON OR
TAKING OFF PARTS, AND WHENEVER THE FILTER EQUIPMENT IS BEING INSTALLED,
MAINTAINED OR HANDLED.
The impeller well has an effective self-cleaning feature. However, it is recommended that
you remove the motor and inspect the impeller as part of your routine maintenance.
Keeping the impeller clean lengthens its life and the life of the motor.
1. Unplug the power cord.
2. Gently remove the filter from the aquarium. Keep the filter in a vertical position
to avoid releasing debris back into the aquarium.
3. Slip the electric wire out of its slot.
4. Release the motor from the filter body by squeezing the two release arms on the
side of the motor housing. (ill. I).
(I)
5. If the impeller needs cleaning, grasp the fan and draw it gently from the impeller
well. Rinse it under clean water. NEVER use soap or detergents, as traces of cleaning
products will harm fish. (ill. J).
6. If the impeller well needs cleaning, scrub it gently with a Fluval Cleaning Brush. In
case of major cleaning you need to remove the Impeller Shaft Assembly by inserting
the shaft tool (not included) until you feel it engage at the base of the shaft, then pull
it up and out gently.
7. To replace, position the magnetic impeller on the shaft assembly and insert into
impeller well; push on impeller fan until the assembly locks into place.
The impeller will wear out over time. A replacement may be ordered from your local
Fluval dealer or by contacting our customer service at Rolf C. Hagen Corp.
(H)
(J)
GETTING STARTED FLUVAL U2, U3 AND U4
1. Unpack and identify all parts. Use the parts diagram as a guide.
2. Decide on filter placement. Allow ample space on the side and front of filter to be
able to easily tilt it forward during future cartridge replacement and removal for
maintenance.
3. Once all parts have been identified remove the cartridge frames with the foam pads
and poly/carbon cartridges, BIOMAX cartridge with BIOMAX nodes from the filter
and rinse under tap water to remove any dust particles before the first installation.
Make sure to remove the BIOMAX nodes from the shipper bag and replace into
BIOMAX cartridge before rinsing or use. Once rinsed replace the loaded cartridges
back into filter. (See the MAINTENANCE section for more details).
(K)
(L)
4. Attach suction cups to the filter bracket. Use the top 4 slots for models U2 and U3,
use top 4 slots and lower 2 slots for model U4. Note: For easy filter bracket removal
position the suction cups so that the suction cup tabs are facing outwards. (ill. K).
5. Insert the output nozzle with venturi vent into the top output on the filter body,
making sure that the vent is facing up. If required insert the second output
nozzle into the bottom output on the filter body. (ill. L).
6. If the Venturi System is to be used, place the Venturi valve into the top of
the vent. (ill. M).
(N)
(Q)
Note A: In order to have the airflow /venturi work properly, it must remain above water.
Keep this in mind when putting the filter into its final position. Turning the valve located
on the top of the venturi valve will regulate the quantity of air produced. (ill. N).
7. Slide the Filter onto the filter bracket and then lock it in place by squeezing the
filter case and filter bracket together. (ill. O).
Note B: Be sure the line cord is correctly positioned in the slot on the back side of the
filter body. (ill. P).
8. The filter can now be fitted into the aquarium. Grasp the filter by the sides and
hold it into position. When properly positioned push against the filter adhering the
4 or 6 suction cups to the wall of the aquarium.
Note: Ensure the top outlet is at a minimum of 1 cm below the aquarium's water surface
and if venturi valve is to be used it is sticking out of the water. (ill. Q).
9. Plug into power source.
(M)
(O)
(P)
Need help?
Do you have a question about the U1 and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers