Introduction
Thank you for choosing the Sobo External Canister Filter. This high-performance filter is designed to provide superior water purification for your aquarium, ensuring a healthy and clear environment for your aquatic life. This manual provides essential information for the safe and efficient installation, operation, and maintenance of your filter.
Important Safety Information
- Read all instructions carefully before use.
- Ensure the power supply voltage matches the specifications of the filter.
- Always unplug the filter from the power outlet before performing any maintenance, cleaning, or when handling the UV lamp.
- Do not operate the filter if any part is damaged, especially the power cord or plug.
- Keep the filter and all electrical connections away from water.
- This appliance is for indoor use only and intended for aquariums.
- Children should be supervised to ensure they do not play with the appliance.
Product Overview
The Sobo External Canister Filter offers multi-layer filtration, powerful water purification, and controllable flow. Models with 'UV' in their name include a built-in germicidal lamp for enhanced water clarity and pathogen control.
Figure 1: Sobo External Filter Bucket highlighting multi-layer filtration, powerful water purification, and controllable flow.
Figure 2: Sobo External Filter with built-in germicidal lamp for mute and high-efficiency culture.
Component Diagram
Figure 3: Exploded view of the filter components. Key parts include: outlet, intake, flow control switch, pneumatic pull rod, lid, water pump, filter cotton, filter material baskets, inlet pipe, extension tube, flower basket, PVC water pipe, UV switch, quartz tube, UV lamp, UV lamp cover, fastening nut, barrel body, suction cup, deluge pipe, and outlet pipe. Note: SF-650F has one filter material basket. SF-850F / 1200F have two filter material baskets. SF-1000F / 1500F have three filter material baskets.
Filtration Process
Figure 4: Water enters the filter (IN), passes through multiple layers of filter media (red ceramic rings for stable water quality, five-in-one filter material for nitrifying bacteria, and filter sponge for impurities), and exits as purified water (OUT).
Setup Instructions
- Unpack Components: Carefully remove all parts from the packaging and check against the component diagram (Figure 3) to ensure everything is present and undamaged.
- Install Filter Media:
Figure 5: Step 1 shows how to unclip the lid. Step 2 shows how to remove the filter baskets and place filter media (e.g., filter cotton, ceramic rings) into the baskets. Ensure media is arranged for optimal flow as shown in Figure 4.
- Assemble Hoses and Connections:
Figure 6: Step 3 shows how to re-secure the lid clips. Step 4 shows connecting the PVC water pipes to the inlet and outlet nozzles on the filter head. Ensure a secure fit to prevent leaks.
Figure 7: Step 5 illustrates assembling the inlet and outlet pipe components. Step 6 shows installing the assembled inlet and outlet pipes into the aquarium using suction cups, ensuring they are securely attached and positioned correctly for water circulation.
- Position the Filter: Place the canister filter below the aquarium water level to facilitate proper water flow and priming.
- Priming the Filter: After connecting all hoses and ensuring they are submerged in the aquarium, open the flow control switch. Press the pneumatic pull rod (priming button) on the top of the filter head repeatedly until water starts flowing into the canister and fills it. This removes air from the system.
- Connect Power: Once the filter is primed and water is flowing smoothly, plug the filter into a suitable power outlet.
Operating Instructions
- Starting the Filter: After successful setup and priming, the filter will start operating automatically once plugged in.
- Adjusting Water Flow: The filter features a flow control switch on the top. Rotate this switch to adjust the water flow rate as desired. Turning it towards 'Big' increases flow, and towards 'Small' decreases flow.
Figure 8: Adjust the flow by rotating the orange switch on the filter head. The image indicates 'Big' and 'Small' directions for flow adjustment.
- UV Lamp Operation (for UV models): If your model includes a UV germicidal lamp, it can be turned on for approximately 4 hours a day to help control algae and pathogens. Refer to the UV switch on the filter head.
Figure 9: The germicidal lamp can be turned on for 4 hours a day to maintain water quality.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity and efficiency of your filter.
- Weekly Checks: Visually inspect hoses for kinks or blockages. Check water flow rate.
- Monthly Cleaning (or as needed):
- Unplug the filter from the power outlet.
- Close the flow control switch to prevent water backflow.
- Disconnect the hoses from the filter head.
- Unclip the lid and remove the filter head.
- Carefully remove the filter baskets and rinse the filter media (filter cotton, ceramic rings, etc.) with old aquarium water to preserve beneficial bacteria. Replace heavily soiled filter cotton.
- Clean the impeller and impeller housing located in the filter head.
- Reassemble the filter in reverse order of disassembly, ensuring all seals are properly seated.
- Prime the filter and restart as per the setup instructions.
- UV Lamp Replacement (for UV models): The UV lamp has a limited lifespan and should be replaced every 6-12 months, depending on usage. Always unplug the filter before attempting to replace the UV lamp. Handle the new UV lamp carefully, avoiding direct contact with the glass.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Reduced water flow | Clogged filter media, dirty impeller, kinked hoses. | Clean or replace filter media. Clean impeller. Check and straighten hoses. |
| Filter not starting | Not plugged in, power outage, air in system, damaged impeller. | Check power connection. Prime the filter. Inspect/replace impeller. |
| Leaking | Improperly seated O-ring/gasket, loose hose connections, cracked housing. | Check and reseat O-ring/gasket. Tighten hose connections. Inspect housing for damage. |
| Excessive noise | Air in system, dirty impeller, filter not level. | Prime the filter to remove air. Clean impeller. Ensure filter is on a stable, level surface. |
| UV lamp not lighting | Lamp expired, faulty ballast, loose connection. | Replace UV lamp. Check connections. Contact support if ballast is suspected. |
Specifications
The following table details the specifications for various Sobo External Canister Filter models:
Figure 10: Detailed specifications for SF-650F, SF-850F, SF-1000F, SF-1200F, and SF-1500F models, including dimensions, power, flow, max lift, suitable fish tank size, filter blue layers, filter blue size, power cord length, and UV lamp power availability.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Material | Plastic |
| Item Type | CO2 & Ozone Equipments (Aquarium Filter Canister) |
| Feature | Sustainable, Stocked |
| Place of Origin | China |
| Color | Grey |
| Packing | Carton Box |
| Plug Standard | CN (Chinese standard, adapter may be required for other regions) |
| Certification | CE |
User Tips
- Always ensure the filter is completely filled with water before plugging it in to prevent dry running and damage to the motor.
- When cleaning, use water from your aquarium to rinse filter media. This helps preserve beneficial bacteria colonies essential for biological filtration.
- For UV models, remember that the UV lamp's effectiveness diminishes over time. Replace it regularly (every 6-12 months) to maintain optimal water sterilization.
- Position the inlet and outlet pipes to create good water circulation throughout the entire aquarium for best filtration results.
- If you notice a significant drop in flow, it's usually a sign that the filter media needs cleaning or replacement.
Warranty and Support
For any issues or questions regarding your Sobo External Canister Filter, please contact your retailer or the manufacturer's customer support. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for any warranty claims. Specific warranty terms may vary by region and retailer.
