SUNSUN External Aquarium Filter Instruction Manual

1. Introduction and Important Safeguards

Thank you for purchasing this quality SUNSUN external aquarium filter. To minimize the risk of injury by means of fire or electric shock, please take some basic safety precautions when using this device. Read the operation instructions carefully and ensure you understand their content.

General Safety Guidelines:

• Always use a grounded power connection with the appropriate mains voltage (220-240V AC, 50Hz). Refer to the product's rating label for specific voltage.
• If you have any doubts about the connection being grounded, have it checked by a qualified professional.
• Never use a faulty electric cable.
• Do not inspect the electrical part of the filter in a wet or damp environment, or when you are wet. Protect it from direct sunlight.
• Install this device in a safe location to prevent tripping hazards or damage to the cable.
• Disconnect the power plug before cleaning. Use only a damp cloth for cleaning and avoid cleaning agents. Ensure no liquid enters the electrical part of the pump.
• The electrical part of the device contains no user-serviceable parts. All maintenance, adjustment, and repair should be performed by qualified technical personnel. Unauthorized intervention will void the warranty.
• Keep these operation instructions safe for future reference.

Specific Safety Precautions:

• The appliance is only for aquarium and indoor use.
• To avoid possible electric shock, special care should be taken since water is involved. Do not attempt to repair it yourself. Return the appliance to an authorized service facility for maintenance or discard it.
• If the appliance is submerged in water, DO NOT reach for it! Cut the power supply FIRST, then retrieve it.
• Carefully examine the appliance after installation. It should not be plugged in if its electrical components are wet.
• Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug, or in an abnormal state. The supply cord cannot be replaced; if damaged, the appliance should be scrapped.
• Ensure the electrical cord forms a “Drip Loop” below the electrical outlet to prevent water from running down the cord into the outlet.
• Close supervision is necessary when the appliance is used by or near children.
• Always unplug the appliance when not in use, before putting on or taking off parts, and before cleaning.
• Do not install or store the appliance where it is exposed to moisture or temperatures below freezing.
• Ensure the appliance is securely installed before operating it.
• Read and observe all instructions supplied with the appliance and on the appliance itself.
• The pump must not be run dry.
• Never use accessories not recommended by the manufacturer, as this may result in fire, electric shock, and/or personal injury.
• Use the appliance ONLY for domestic purposes and as indicated in these instructions, in a dry environment.

2. Specifications

The SUNSUN External Aquarium Filter series offers variable frequency control and integrated UV light for optimal aquarium water quality.

Product Properties:

• Material: Plastic
• Battery Included: No
• High-concerned chemical: None
• Origin: Mainland China (Zhejiang)
• Type: Fish (Aquarium Filter)

3. Product Features

• Constructed from durable ABS plastic with a modern design.
• Features three layers of bottom-up, sunken filtration for optimal results.
• Large flow filtration with high-speed pumps, suitable for large fish tanks.
• High filtration efficiency ensures crystal clear water.
• Equipped with a sealing switch for easy cleaning.
• Excellent filter bucket sealing performance, ensuring watertight operation.
• Low noise operation and large flow capacity.
• Trickle outlet design aids in water circulation.
• Surface sewage suction function effectively removes surface oil film from the tank.
• Integrated UV germicidal lamp (9W) effectively kills bacteria and inhibits algae reproduction, maintaining healthy aquarium water.
• Built-in variable frequency water pump utilizes sine wave frequency conversion technology for stable and quiet operation.
• External digital display controller allows adjustment of water pump gear position and daily UV lamp working time.
• Features a ceramic shaft, which is wear-resistant, rust-free, and provides a long service life, suitable for both fresh and sea water.
• Multi-layer filter basket design accommodates different filter materials and is easy to clean.
• Unique inlet and outlet parts design for effective fixation on the fish tank.
• Utilizes a siphon principle to completely discharge air inside the barrel, simplifying operation.

4. Package Contents

The following components are included with your SUNSUN External Aquarium Filter:

• Input and Output Discreteness (1 set)
• Barrelhead (1 unit)
• Main Body (1 unit)
• UV Light Tube (1 unit)
• Draining Skep Cover (1 unit)
• Draining Skep (multiple layers)
• Output Curvy Bar (1 unit)
• Connected Bar (1 unit)
• Spray Bar (1 unit)
• Spray Bar Cover (1 unit)
• Dirtiness Entrance (1 unit)
• Input Curvy Bar (1 unit)
• Input Bar (2 units)
• Input Cover (1 unit)
• Sucking Disc for Fix (multiple)
• Pipe (1.5m long, 2 pieces)

Note: This product does not contain original filter media packaging. For optimal filtration, you may need to purchase additional filter materials such as HJS-30 ceramic rings, HJS-40 bio balls, HJS-20 activated carbon, and GP-01 stone. Typically, 1-2 packets of each material are sufficient based on the filter bucket size.

5. Setup & Installation

Follow these steps for proper installation of your external aquarium filter:

General Installation Steps:

1. Install pipe fittings and fix the water inlet and outlet pipes securely to your fish tank. Ensure the water inlet is submerged.
2. Close the inlet valve and open the outlet valve on the filter head.
3. Unscrew the nut and remove the water plug from the inlet pipe.
4. Fill the hole with water and fill the pipe to prime the system.
5. Replace the water plug and screw the nut tightly.
6. Open the inlet valve. Using the principle of siphon, automatic suction into the barrel will occur, and air in the barrel will be discharged from the outlet until the outlet hose has water.
7. Finally, connect the power supply.

Ultraviolet Lamp Installation:

1. Insert UV lamp tube: Carefully insert the UV lamp tube into the slot located under the lid of the filter bucket.
2. Fit quartz glass cover: The quartz glass cover is fitted according to the card slot. Follow the direction of the arrow to cover tightly.

Adjustments:

• Outlet Bend: The outlet bend allows for adjustable flow direction.
• Inlet and Outlet Locks: Ensure the inlet and outlet connections are locked tightly to prevent leaks.
• Inlet Pipe Length: The inlet pipe can be adjusted in length to suit your aquarium's depth.

Installation Video Guide:

Video: Visual guide demonstrating the installation and initial operation of the SUNSUN external aquarium filter.

6. Operation

Once installed, your SUNSUN external aquarium filter is designed for continuous operation to maintain water quality.

Filter Media Placement:

The filter material should be placed in the following order from bottom to top:

1. Lowest Level: Activated carbon (for sterilization and odor removal).
2. Second Layer: Stone processing cotton filters (for purifying water).
3. Third/Fourth Layer: Ceramic rings and bio balls (for cultivating nitrifying bacteria and ecological filtration).

The water flows from the inlet pipe into the filter barrel, rising through each layer of media. After passing through the filter media, the water is further treated by the UV germicidal lamp before returning to the aquarium.

Digital Display Controller:

The external digital display controller allows you to adjust the gear position of the water pump and set the daily working time of the UV lamp as needed. This feature helps optimize energy consumption and UV sterilization cycles.

7. Maintenance

Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity and efficiency of your aquarium filter.

Filter Media Cleaning:

• For small grass-cylinders (aquariums with live plants), wash the filter media once every 6-8 months.
• For aquariums raising large fish, wash the filter media once every 3-5 months.
• Regularly renew filter wadding as dirty wadding can quickly decrease filter efficiency.

O-Ring Maintenance for Leakage Prevention:

If a slight leakage persists after installation or cleaning, it often indicates an issue with the O-rings between the hose connector adaptor and the filter head (cover lid). The plug-in adaptor has two O-rings on the lower side that seal the connection inside the filter lid.

To address leakage:

1. Rinse and check the O-rings. Ensure the spots where the O-rings are inserted and positioned are free of dirt. Algae formation or sand can impair sealing.
2. If, despite thorough cleaning, water leakage persists, check the O-ring seating inside the adaptor. This may require opening the inlet/outlet adapter. If you are unsure, contact customer service.

8. Troubleshooting

Here are common issues and their solutions:

Noise Reduction / External Air:

The suction intake/inlet and the connected suction surface must be checked for tightness and adjusted according to the water level of the aquarium. If this is not possible due to aquarium technical reasons, seal the entire suction surface so that no external air can get into the filter.

De-aerating / Evacuating Air:

To remove air from the system:

1. Take the return-flow hose (which conducts water from the filter to the tank) and lead it into a clean bucket placed below the filter.
2. Activate the manual pump to carry out the de-aeration process (evacuate the air).
3. Ensure the maximal flow is adjusted to the inlet-outlet connector.
4. As soon as no air bubbles are visible, seal the hose with a finger and reinstall it on the return pipe at the top edge of the aquarium.

Leakage After Installation or Cleaning:

Refer to the 'O-Ring Maintenance for Leakage Prevention' section under Maintenance for detailed steps to resolve leakage issues.

9. User Tips

• Water Quality is Key: Maintaining good water quality is essential for healthy fish.
• Ecological Filtration: To develop an effective ecological filter, ensure your filter barrel is configured with bio balls, ceramic rings, and other media that support a large number of nitrifying bacteria.
• Nitrifying Bacteria Introduction: When installing a new filter or after a full cleaning, nitrifying bacteria must be enriched. For the first use, add 15-20ml of nitrifying bacteria per 100 liters of water. Subsequently, add about 10ml weekly to ensure ecological balance.
• Initial Water Test: All pumps are rigorously factory tested with water. It is normal to find slight water damage or residual water in the package. This does not indicate a used product.
• Filter Media Customization: The included filter media is basic. Research and select additional filter materials suitable for your specific aquarium's fish and plants to optimize filtration.

10. Warranty & Support

This product comes with a 2-year warranty. In case of unauthorized intervention, the warranty is no longer valid. For maintenance, adjustment, repair, or any questions regarding your SUNSUN external aquarium filter, please contact customer service. They can provide assistance and guide you through troubleshooting steps or arrange for qualified technical personnel if needed.