Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many times does my tank need to cycle?

A: If your tank is under 125 Gallons it needs to cycle four to five times per hour. If it is over 125 Gallons it needs to cycle three to four times per hour. More water is not necessarily better. Contact time with Aqua Balls_® is more important for a properly filtered aquarium.

Q: How do I find out what kind of pump I need?

A1: If your tank is under 125 Gallons it needs to cycle four to five times per hour at 4ft. of head pressure. For every 90? bend between your tank and filter it will add 1ft. of head pressure.

A2: If your tank is over 125 Gallons it needs to cycle three to four times per hour at 4ft. of head pressure. For every 90? bend between your tank and filter it will cut down 1ft. of head pressure.

Q: How do I keep my tank from back siphoning when the power goes out?

A: About ¼” below the waterline, drill a ?” hole in your return elbow.

Q: My prefilter box is making a loud gurgling noise. How do I quiet it?

A: Get 1 foot of flexible air tubing. Place one end down through the round prefilter sponge and allow the other end to hang outside of the overflow box. If needed wrap the remaining tube around something so it does not get sucked all the way in.

Q: How often should I change my prefilter pad?

A: Your prefilter pad should be replaced once a month. It can, and should be rinsedtwo times between replacements. If it is rinsed in normal tap water make sure it is completely dry before placing it back in your filter.

Q: How often should I change my round sponge and foam block?

A: These should be replaced twice a year and rinsed two times in between. I recommend that you have two of each so that one can be drying while you’re using the other.