10. Read and observe al l the i m portant noti c es on the appl i a nce.
11. If an extension cord is necessary, a cord with a proper rating should be used. A cord rated for less
amperes or watts than the appliance rating may overheat. Care should be taken to arrange the cord so that
i t wi l l not be tri p ped over or pul l e d.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
INSTALLATION TIPS
The pump should be placed in a location which is dry and relatively free from dust. Do not
place the air pump on carpet, as fibers might collect on pump and clog free-flowing air from
entering pump. This will decrease the air output, cause overheating and reduce the service
life of the pump.
INSTALLATION
Important: When installing an Air Pump it is highly recommended to always use a Check Valve
(sold separately) with the airline tubing between the air pump and the aquarium (ill. B, C & D).
The Check Valve will help prevent water from siphoning out of the aquarium through the airline
tubing and into the pump in the event of a power failure, or when removing filters and other
air-driven accessories from the aquarium.
To avoid damage from accidentally spilled water, do not place the air pump directly below
the aquarium (ill. B).
The air pump should be installed by following either of the 3 recommended methods:
1. Place the air pump on a surface lower than the water level of the aquarium (ill. B).
2. Place the air pump on a surface higher than the water level. The surface should be at least
12 inches (30 cm) higher than the water level of the aquarium, but not be positioned
directly above the aquarium. The surface should have a raised edge to prevent the air
pump from sliding off (ill. C).
3. Wall mounting: Using the tab or eyelet, nail or screw the air pump to hang vertically on a wall (ill. D).
Once the air pump has been installed, do the following:
1. Attach one end of the airline tubing (item #A1141, sold separately) to the air outlet(s) on air pump.
2. Attach the other end of the airline tubing to a filter, an air stone, an ornament or any other air-driven
aquarium accessory. Ensure that the airline tubing has no restrictions or kinks.
3. Plug air pump into outlet. Be sure to allow for a "drip loop". (ill. B, C & D)
AIR FLOW ADJUSTMENT
The Fluval A Series Air Pump incorporates a single flow control knob to control air output on
item A851 and 2 flow control knobs on items A853 and A854. Turning the knob clockwise
increases the air flow and counter-clockwise reduces the air flow. Proper air flow control reduces
harmful back pressure and lengthens the service life of the pump.
In order to achieve correct airflow, a balance between the valve setting and the pump
output is necessary. The ideal setting is obtained by minimum back pressure or non
restriction of flow of air.
Air control valves (ill. F) with multiple outlets may also be used to power additional
apparatus in the aquarium. To reduce back pressure always ensure that there is an unused
outlet to bleed off excess pressure if necessary. For more information please refer to
section on Back Pressure.
Once the adjustments are complete, slowly open the last valve to the point where no
loss of air output is noticed from the items controlled by the other valves. To achieve
and maintain an equal balance of air pressure to the accessories in the aquarium,
further adjustments of the air valve may be required depending on the items
powered by the air pump.
Note: If the first valve on the air control assembly is fully opened, air volume to the
remaining outlets will be reduced.
ill. B
ill. B
ill. B
Check valve
Check valve
Check valve
Drip loop
Drip loop
Drip loop
ill. C
ill. C
ill. C
Check
valve
Check
valve
Check
valve
ill. D
-
+
ill. D
-
+
ill. D
-
+
Check
valve
Check
valve
Check
valve
ill. E
+
-
ill. F
ill. F
A851
A851
ill. F
ill. F
A853 / A854
A853 / A854
9