1. Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the safe and efficient operation of your Sicce Shark PRO 500 Internal Aquarium Filter. Please read these instructions carefully before installation and use, and retain them for future reference.
The Sicce Shark PRO 500 is an internal submersible filter designed for aquariums up to 37 gallons, suitable for both freshwater and saltwater environments. It features a patented magnetic quick uncoupling system (MCS System) and a modular design for versatile filtration.
2. Safety Instructions
- Always disconnect all appliances in the aquarium from the electrical supply before placing hands in the water or performing any maintenance.
- Ensure the filter is fully submerged in water during operation to prevent damage to the motor.
- Do not operate the filter if the power cord or plug is damaged.
- This appliance is intended for indoor use only.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Ensure the voltage indicated on the appliance label matches your local power supply.
- Never pull the appliance by its power cord.
3. Product Overview
The Sicce Shark PRO 500 is an advanced internal filter designed for optimal water clarity and oxygenation in your aquarium. Key features include:
- Patented Magnetic Quick Uncoupling System (MCS System): Facilitates easy installation and maintenance.
- Modular Design: Allows for the addition of extra filtering compartments to customize filtration needs.
- Adjustable Intake Diameter: Protects small fish from being drawn into the filter.
- Transparent Mechanical Filter Body: Enables easy monitoring of the clogging level of the filter media.
- Venturi System: Improves water oxygenation.
- Flow Regulation Knob: Allows adjustment of water flow rate.
- Integrated Spray Bar: Provides an alternative water output option for gentle flow and aeration.
Figure 1: Sicce Shark PRO 500 Internal Aquarium Filter with Venturi system.
Figure 2: Key components of the Sicce Shark PRO filter, highlighting the flow regulation knob, integrated spray bar, and magnetic connecting system.
4. Setup and Installation
- Unpack and Inspect: Carefully remove all components from the packaging. Inspect for any damage. Ensure all parts listed in the manual are present.
- Assemble Filter Media: The filter comes with multiple density foams for mechanical and biological filtration. Ensure these are correctly placed within the filter body. The modular design allows for additional media if desired.
- Attach Water Outlet: The filter offers multiple flow options.
- Uni-directional Flow: Attach the standard outlet nozzle for a direct water flow.
- Integrated Spray Bar: For a gentler, diffused flow, utilize the integrated spray bar.
- Oxygen Enrichment with Venturi: Connect the Venturi system to the outlet for increased oxygenation. Ensure the air regulation silencer is properly attached to the Venturi tube.
Figure 3: Illustration of the water flow system and media placement within the filter.
Figure 4: Visual representation of the three available water flow options: uni-directional, integrated spray bar, and oxygen enrichment with Venturi.
- Mounting the Filter: The Shark PRO uses a unique magnetic connecting system (MCS System) for secure attachment to the aquarium glass.
- Place the filter inside the aquarium at the desired location.
- Align the external magnet with the internal magnet on the filter body, securing it to the glass. The magnet mount supports glass up to 12 mm (½ inch) thick.
Figure 5: Diagram illustrating the magnetic mounting system (MCS System) for securing the filter to the aquarium glass.
- Submerge Completely: Ensure the entire filter unit is fully submerged in water before plugging it into a power outlet.
- Power On: Plug the filter into a suitable electrical outlet. The filter should begin operating immediately.
Video 1: Detailed guide on unboxing, installation, and maintenance of a similar internal filter. Note: Specific components and assembly may vary slightly from the Shark PRO 500 model.
5. Operating Instructions
- Adjusting Water Flow: Use the flow regulation knob located on the top of the filter head to increase or decrease the water flow rate according to your aquarium's needs and inhabitants.
- Oxygenation (Venturi System): If using the Venturi system, adjust the air regulation silencer to control the amount of air introduced into the water, thereby regulating oxygen levels.
- Monitoring Filter Media: The transparent filter body allows for visual inspection of the filter media. When the media appears visibly clogged or water flow significantly reduces, it is time for maintenance.
Video 2: Demonstrates the oxygenation port and rotary oxygen regulator valve for adjusting oxygen levels in an aquarium filter. This video is for a similar internal filter and illustrates general operating principles.
6. Maintenance
Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity and optimal performance of your Sicce Shark PRO 500 filter. The magnetic quick uncoupling system makes disassembly easy.
- Disconnect Power: Always unplug the filter from the power outlet before performing any maintenance.
- Remove Filter from Aquarium: Gently detach the filter from the aquarium glass using the MCS System.
- Disassemble Filter Body: The modular design allows for easy separation of filter compartments. Carefully uncouple the sections.
- Clean Filter Media:
- Remove the filter foams and rinse them thoroughly with old aquarium water (from a water change) to preserve beneficial bacteria. Do not use tap water directly as chlorine can kill these bacteria.
- If using additional media (e.g., ceramic rings, activated carbon), rinse or replace them as per their specific instructions.
- Clean Impeller: Periodically, the impeller and its housing may accumulate debris.
- Carefully remove the impeller cover.
- Extract the impeller and its ceramic shaft.
- Clean all parts with a soft brush and rinse with water.
- Reassemble the impeller and cover, ensuring all parts fit securely.
- Reassemble and Reinstall: Put the filter compartments back together, ensuring a secure fit. Reattach the filter to the aquarium glass and plug it back in.
Video 3: Demonstrates the assembly and cleaning process for a hang-on-back filter. While the filter type differs, the principles of disassembling, cleaning media, and reassembling are similar and can provide general guidance for maintenance.
7. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Filter not starting or weak flow | Not plugged in, clogged impeller, clogged media, airlock. | Check power connection. Clean impeller and media. Ensure filter is fully submerged and free of air bubbles. |
| Excessive noise | Impeller obstruction, air in filter, improper assembly. | Clean impeller. Gently shake filter to release trapped air. Reassemble filter components securely. |
| Water not clear | Clogged media, insufficient filtration, incorrect media. | Clean or replace filter media. Consider adding additional filtration modules or finer mechanical media. |
8. Specifications
- Model: Shark PRO 500 (SIC112)
- Brand: Sicce
- Item Weight: 1.92 pounds
- Item Package Dimensions L x W x H: 7.95 x 5.35 x 3.54 inches
- Filtering Volume: 320 cm³
- Application: Internal filter for freshwater and saltwater aquariums up to 37 gallons.
Figure 6: Comparison of Shark PRO filter sizes (500, 700, 900) and their dimensions.
9. Warranty and Support
Sicce products are designed for long-lasting performance. With regular maintenance and care, your Shark PRO 500 filter is expected to provide successful operation for multiple years.
For specific warranty details, product registration, or technical support, please refer to the official Sicce website or contact their customer service directly. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
