 
 
Aquarium Cleaning Machine: Power Aquarium Siphon and Micron/Polishing Filter for a Clean Aquarium
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Aquarium Cleaning Machine: Power Aquarium Siphon and Micron/Polishing Filter for a Clean Aquarium
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 For our full Shipping & Return Policy Page (International Shipping, Checkout Info. Express, etc.); Click the button to the left*Please use the Cart below to purchase products from this page AND all other pages at American Aquarium Products. *Compare the real cost AFTER shipping is added, our shipping is often much less!! *For Credit Card Problems (or PayPal) please see our contact page: Contact Us Page *We no longer Ship to Canada due to regular damage by Canada Post which has not figured out how to deliver a package without damage (if interested to Canada, please request an custom invoice with Fedex Shipping) *For the UK, France and Australia, please note the Cleaning Machine is 110-120V ONLY and a separate additional invoice due to weight will be sent (see our shipping policy page) Below is our standard shopping Cart for single and ALL multiple purchases  For a picture slide show, and a demonstration video: Here is a link to introduction and set up videos for the Aquarium Cleaning Machine: Aquarium Cleaning Machine Videos Please note that this page MAY load slowly due to videos  TIPS; Updated 6/7/10 • Please note that the machine rarely needs to be run at full as per the “aqua” valve on the top as this machine is very powerful and except for the largest tanks I have found that about 2/3 suction is all that is needed. In tanks with sand, I generally will adjust this valve to find the “sweet spot” so as to run the machine at a slow rate that will still lift debris, but not the sand; generally this is at a VERY low flow rate. Also note that the valve on the top when “open” means the bypass is open not the valve is open, as full power is achieved with the valve set to closed (meaning bypass closed) • I have found in marine tanks in particular (due to lighter sand), that even if I plan to expel water (via a garden hose & garden hose attachment) that it is easier to start the machine with the valves in a re-circulating position at a slow rate (as per the aqua valve). Once I have found a flow rate that is easy to manage WITHOUT picking up sand/gravel too easily, I will then open the valve to eject/drain water until I am ready to go back to a vacuuming and re-circulating mode. • Once I have drained/ejected the water I feel necessary (usually 25%) and then continued cleaning through the cleaning machine (to get out as much mulm as possible). After this vacuuming process I will often leave the Cleaning Machine running even long with the vacuum bell just above the gravel to continue and polish the water with the fine particulate 20 micron cartridge that comes with the machine. • By draining (ejecting) the water out of the machine as part of your water change /aquarium cleaning regimen (as noted in the previous paragraph), I find that once your Cleaning Machine is switched to re-circulate mode through the micron cartridge (& carbon), that the machine take much longer to get “full”. This in turn allows for extended cleaning times even in large aquariums (such as a 150 gallon) even with the standard micron cartridge (not using the extension tower or starter kit). This is due to the fact the “dirtiest” water has been already expelled in the initial vacuuming and draining process. This is the reason I make the claim that the basic machine can handle aquariums up to 300 gallons. • In tanks with ANY sand, the sand pre-filter (as per machine directions) must be used. As with any vacuum/siphon used in sand (especially fine oolite #00 (sugar sand), it can be much more difficult to vacuum). HOWEVER this can be done with this machine or similar device, here are a few tips: *As earlier noted, running the machine at a much slower rate is important. *Adding a valve inline or kinking the tubing can allow you to stop when sand is getting too high in the suction tube. *Adding a ½ inch layer of #3-5 crushed coral (SW) or similar sized pea gravel (FW), makes it much easier to vacuum in deep sand bed aquariums as this trap much of the detritus/mulm in this top layer which is much easier to vacuum. *I have also drilled 3/16 to ¼ inch holes about 3-4 inches up the bell to allow sand to fall out much easier (especially when a strong suction makes it difficult shake loose trapped sand). This also works for standard gravel vacuums/Pythons too. • I have used this machine extensively and have tried to see what can and cannot go wrong so as to help any one who purchases this machine. I have found it is IMPORTANT to put the pre-filter tower and other parts EXACTLY where the directions state (this machine is color coded and VERY easy to put together), however if for example you swap parts around for the pre–filter tower and the main tower, you will never get a proper siphon. This all said, this machine is color coded and very easy to operate, it is just very important to follow the directions as stated. • IMPORTANT; Please remember to rinse out the main unit thoroughly after each use. If the motor does not come on after storage upon next use (or delays in starting), it is most likely the impeller assembly that has been impaired by crystallized salt particles or other foreign material. Simply pour WARM water into the main unit and let it sit a few minutes. Tap the unit on the floor a few times and plug it in. The dissolved salt or foreign material should dislodge and you can setup and prime the unit. I have also found that straight white vinegar placed in the machine (with it open and at an angle so that the vinegar flows into the motor impeller assembly) can help for difficult cases of lodged debris, salt deposits, calcium deposits, etc. Simply flush and precede as described above after leaving the vinegar in for 15-30 minutes. • I soak the filter cartridges after use in a 1 part bleach to 5-10 parts water (although the owners manual suggests a higher bleach solution) after each use for 1-2 hours (longer or overnight is OK too), then rinse (I often use a common de-chlorinating product such as Start Right during the rinse to better remove the bleach), and then dry before the next use (I generally air dry in a warm dry room or outdoors; weather permitting). The filter cartridges are nearly as good as new after this for at least 20-25 bleach, rinse, dry cycles. Basically this process is the same as for any pleated micron cartridge such as those found in the LifeGuard, Magnum, or Ocean Star Filters, so if you have a favorite method for cleaning these types pleated micron filters from previous use with other filter units; by all means use what works best for you. • Use of the filter bag that now comes with newer models prevents many of the above problems, although the machines I have used are mostly older and yet with proper care these problems are rare as in reality this is a VERY simple device to operate provided you follow instructions (this is not to say I have not encountered problems even with proper use, however mine and colleagues use of this machine is high with so the likelihood of something going wrong is statistical probability, yet even then we have yet to have to return one machine under warranty)!  • If you have achieved suction, yet little debris is being picked up in the micron cartridges, double check your assembly to make sure no water is by passing these micron cartridges. In particular, make sure that the Micron Cartridge fits snuggly on top of the carbon container and that the Filter Cap is placed firmly on top of the Micron cartridge. Without this cap, your water will flow by the cartridge and you will achieve poor results. • We also sell a 50/20 Micron Starter Kit, although I do not use this, it may be helpful for extra dirty aquariums or if you go longer periods of time between cleanings, however in most well maintained aquariums with normal bio loads this is not necessary. The Extension Tower can also be used for larger aquariums that fill up the normal 20 micron cartridge quickly (prior to a complete cleaning); however I will also note as per experience, I rarely have found this necessary either if the aquarium is well maintained and if water is first “ejected” (via a garden hose) prior to running the machine on recycling mode through the cartridges as I noted earlier in “How I use this Machine”. • PLEASE note that there is some misinformation on a few internet forums with little experience in using this product as to suction, I have used this machine, along with colleagues extensively and this has NEVER been a problem when assembled properly and all valves are in their proper position. At one forum in particular, I responded to the information they provided with what needs to be done, yet my response was removed, so their anecdotal agenda was exposed. Since we sell what we use, we can provide better customer service on this than anyone else, I also have purposely assembled and used this machine in ways other than is best so as to know and best respond to problems as well. For more about this anecdotal forum post, please read this article: "Fish as Pets; Aquarium Forums Hall of Shame #3 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT AQUARIUM CLEANING, Please read this article: "AQUARIUM CLEANING" For Marine fish tanks, this can be the answer to messy foam cups that work and then don't work on SOME Protein Skimmers. By super cleaning the top layer of your aquarium gravel and other areas of your aquarium (in marine aquariums it is best to only clean the top layer of gravel where organic debris accumulates but not the bottom layers so as to not disturb de-nitrifying bacterial), you remove organic debris before it can go thru the nitrogen cycle, thus reducing nitrates like a protein skimmer, EXCEPT SIMPLER! A great compliment to the Berlin Filter Method. This unit works best in reef tanks with a 3-5 cm layer of #00 live sand with 2-3 cm of #3 gravel on top. ONLY VACUUM THE TOP LAYER OF GRAVEL, leaving the sand for anaerobic filtration. (NOT to replace protein skimmers on reef tanks, although a Refugium is another alternative).  AQUARIUM GRAVEL VACUUMS- $8.99 (Python style adapters too) For smaller aquariums, we also have our basic gravel vacuum For MUCH more about Aquarium Cleaning reasons, methods, and basics; please see this article: "AQUARIUM CLEANING; reasons and methods for water changes" HERE ARE COMMENTS ABOUT THIS MACHINE: *5/8/10: wieger.kunst@xxx: Did the first cleaning session in my Chicliden Mbuna tank today. Well, my general conclusion: the eHeim battery powered gravel cleaner I bought before, is out of the window (into the garbage can) J . Some details from my experience: I had some startup problems, getting the air out of the system, but holding the suction hose above the tank, stretching it without curves, did the trick. The valve controller is fine to regulate the suction to control the amount of gravel cleaning; the micron filter does the job also; no browny sludge going back in the tank (like the eHeim does). The white filter was pick black within 10 minutes. J so a good cleaning was necessary. What I also liked is that after cleaning I left the machine working at full power an extra hour, in that case you can double/triple the filter normal power for a while to get the tank water crystal clear. I was also cutting some plants an rearranging some rocks so that is a good combination. So A happy customer; Wieger Kunst *Just a note to let you know I have used the aquarium cleaner 3 times thus far and am totally sold on you product. It is easier to use than anything I've tried in the past and does a far superior job. If anyone is an the fence about buying your product please refer them to me and I will sure let them know just how great it is. Thanks for a wonderful product. Gene Staggs c2gstaggs2@msn.com *great machine !!!!!!!!! amchmiel(121) *Carl, I purchased an Aquarium Cleaning Machine unit around Christmas time and used it around 10 days ago for the 1st time on both of my freshwater tanks. (a 28 and a 46 gallon) I must say that the results are nothing short of impressive. The tanks have stayed crystal clear for the entire week in between water changes, which is what I was looking for from the unit. I intend to use the unit on a monthly basis going forward, and I will be glad to provide feedback over a longer use on how the unit performs. Just wanted to let you know that I am pleased with the unit and the result. *Steve Cowles scuba_sc_69@xxx; I recently purchased an APGV 100 (Aquarium Cleaning Machine) from you, and just wanted to say thank you for the time you took to talk to me when I first called to inquire about it, as well as when I called to ask questions after I had recieved the machine. The APGV 100 exceeded all my expectations the first time I used it. It used to be such a chore, now I'm actually looking forward to it. My wife was even impressed when I used it for the first time. She didn't think we realy needed it until she seen that I could do it all by myself. She used to have to help out, now she's happy to just let me do it all. I am very happy with the APGV 100, but I am equally happy with your customer service. I have saved your website to my favorites list and will definitly buy more of my aquarium needs form you. Thak you so much for everything. Steve C. *For more Feedback, please see our Customer Feedback Page: Customer Feedback | Via Aqua Multi Skimmer | Sponge Filter | ReSun Power Filter | Clear Stream Pond Filter | clear stream pic | Cleaning Machine | Pre-Filter | Aquarium-vacuum | Hydro-pond-filter | Aquarium -Skimmer | Filstar | Eco-Power | Ozone-Generator | Reverse-Osmosis-System | Fluidized-Sand-Filter | | Via Aqua | U.V. Sterilizers | Filters | Pumps | miscellaneous | Fish Food | Aquarium-treatments | | Coral | Aquarium Products | Shells | Wind Chimes | | Return Home | Downloads | Shipping and Return Policy | Contact Us | Great Links | Aquarium_Information | Privacy-Policy | |
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