EHEIM ControlCenter

1. Introduction

Thank you for choosing the EHEIM professionel 3e external filter, a modern and innovative filter for aquariums. Before starting installation, please read this user manual carefully.

With the EHEIM ControlCenter and the EHEIM Interface converter (USB converter, Ref. 4020740, optional, not included in delivery), you can easily control, program, and update your EHEIM professionel 3e external filter via your computer's USB interface. For this, the EHEIM ControlCenter software must be installed on your computer.

The installation and configuration of the software are described in this manual for the Windows XP™ / Windows® Vista (32-Bit) operating system.

2. System Requirements

To use the software, you need the EHEIM Interface converter (Ref. 4020740) and the EHEIM professionel 3e external filter with USB connectivity.

Your computer must have a CD/DVD drive, at least approximately 250 MB of free hard disk space for software installation, and an available USB port (USB 1.0/2.0) for the EHEIM Interface converter.

You must have at least Microsoft® Service Pack 2 and Windows Installer 3.1 Microsoft® installed on your computer. If these are not installed, you can download them for free from the Microsoft® website or via your Windows operating system's update function.

To view the user manual, you need Adobe® Reader, which you can download for free from the Adobe® website.

An Internet connection may be required for the software update function.

EHEIM ControlCenter is compatible with Windows XP™ and Windows® Vista (32-Bit).

Note: It is recommended to back up your system before installing or uninstalling EHEIM ControlCenter.

3. Safety Instructions

• For indoor use only. Designed for aquarium installations.
• Always turn off power to electrical devices in the water before reaching into the aquarium.
• The device's power cable cannot be replaced. Any repair of an external power cable or power supply is prohibited. If the cable is damaged, stop using the device. If an external power cable or power supply is damaged, it must be systematically replaced. Please contact your dealer or EHEIM after-sales service.
• Replacement of the heating spiral and electronic components can only be performed by EHEIM after-sales service.
• This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capabilities, or lacking experience and/or knowledge, unless supervised by a safety person or instructed by them on its use.
• Children should be supervised to ensure they do not play with the appliance.
• The product is validated in accordance with applicable national provisions and directives and complies with European standards.
• Observe preventive measures when handling assembly elements that may carry electrostatic charge.
• Do not dispose of this product with household waste. Please deposit it at your local collection point.

4. Installation of EHEIM ControlCenter

To install EHEIM ControlCenter, insert the provided CD into your CD/DVD-ROM drive and follow the on-screen instructions.

Note: If the CD does not start automatically, proceed as follows:

On the CD, you will find the EHEIM ControlCenter configuration file: Launch the installation by double-clicking the 'setup.exe' icon. Please follow the on-screen instructions.

ATTENTION: For the first installation of EHEIM ControlCenter, you must select all components.

Note: Please restart your computer after installation is complete!

Once installation is finished, a new icon named 'EHEIM ControlCenter' will appear on your desktop. Start EHEIM ControlCenter by double-clicking the icon.

(Image description: A screenshot of the EHEIM ControlCenter installation wizard, showing component selection options like 'EHEIM ControlCenter' and 'USB driver'.)

5. Installation of EHEIM Interface

You must correctly install EHEIM ControlCenter before connecting your computer and external filter to the EHEIM Interface converter.

Now, connect the EHEIM Interface USB plug (A) to an available USB port on your computer. The jack plug (B) must be connected directly to the female socket provided for this purpose on the head of your EHEIM professionel 3e external filter.

(Image description: A diagram showing a computer, the EHEIM Interface converter with USB plug (A) and jack plug (B), and an EHEIM professionel 3e external filter.)

Note: The length of the EHEIM Interface converter cable can be extended with a standard USB extension cable up to a maximum of 5 m.

Wi-Fi Tip: You can use your EHEIM professionel 3e external filter wirelessly (WiFi). For this, you will also need a 'USB Device Server'. We recommend the Zylex Wireless/Wired Hi-Speed USB Device Server, isochron (SX-2000WG+).

6. First Launch of EHEIM ControlCenter

Ensure your filter is connected to the power supply and the pump is functioning correctly.

Start the application by double-clicking the EHEIM ControlCenter icon.

If an Internet connection is established, a search for available updates is performed automatically. If updates are available, follow the on-screen instructions.

(Image description: A pop-up window asking 'Information sur mise à jour en ligne' (Information on online update) with 'Ja' (Yes) and 'Nein' (No) options, and an error window stating 'Erreur durant la recherche en ligne des mises à jour: Could not connect to EHEIM Update Server.' with an 'OK' button.)

Tip: More precise information on the update function is presented in section 11 'Software Update' of this manual.

If no Internet connection is established when launching EHEIM ControlCenter, a pop-up window will inform you that you could not connect to the EHEIM update server. In this case, it is not possible to automatically check if your software version is the most recent. You can confirm by clicking 'OK' in the pop-up window, and EHEIM ControlCenter will start.

7. Establishing Connection with External Filter

Ensure your filter's power cable is connected.

Now that your computer is connected to your EHEIM professionel 3e external filter via EHEIM Interface and all required software components are installed, the search for a connected EHEIM professionel 3e external filter is performed automatically upon starting EHEIM ControlCenter.

During this process, all available COM interfaces on your computer are checked. When an external filter is identified on a COM interface, the connection with the filter is automatically established, and you gain direct access to the selection of different operating modes in the graphical environment.

(Image description: EHEIM ControlCenter window showing a connection attempt with a progress bar labeled 'Essaie communication sur COM12' and a connection status indicator at the bottom right.)

The current connection status is always displayed at the bottom right in all graphical environments. If you encounter problems with the automatic connection, you will find additional information in section 12 'System Settings' and section 17.1 'Modifying the Interface COM Port in Device Manager'.

Symbols for EHEIM ControlCenter and external filter connection status:

• [Green circle with checkmark] Connexion établie (Connection established)
• [Yellow circle] Connexion en cours (Connection in progress)
• [Red circle] Pas de connexion (No connection)

8. EHEIM ControlCenter Toolbar

In the toolbar, you can select the following options:

• [Filter settings icon]: Open the graphical environment for selecting and setting the filter's different functions.
• [Update icon]: Open the update function to search for online updates (Internet connection required).
• [System settings icon]: Open the system settings graphical environment.
• [My Filter icon]: Open the 'My Filter' graphical environment with your saved parameters.
• [My Aquarium icon]: Open the 'My Aquarium' graphical environment with access to the EHEIM fish and plant database. You can search for information on the fish and plants you own. (Internet connection required).
• [Help icon]: Open the 'Help' graphical environment.

Display of filter status in different operating modes:

• Current mode display: Shows the current operating mode of the filter.
• Estimated service life: Indicates the estimated service life until the next cleaning (display in months/year). When the fouling level reaches the red zone, the filter must be cleaned immediately.
• Current filter operating mode: Displays the active operating mode.
• Current values: Shows current values for flow rate, speed, and total filtration duration.

(Image description: An example of the filter status display showing the current mode, estimated service life, and current operating parameters like flow rate and speed.)

9. Setting Filter Functions

Click the [Filter settings icon] to access the 'Paramètres du filtre' (Filter Settings) graphical environment.

9.1. Constant Flow

The electronic system detects increasing filter fouling and automatically adjusts it to the flow rate you have set – ensuring a constant flow and a very long service life.

You can easily decrease or increase the flow rate (l/h) as desired by adjusting the slider. The filter will automatically adjust to your set flow rate as fouling increases.

By clicking the [Save icon], you can save your settings. Saved parameters can be reapplied in the 'My Filter' graphical environment.

(Image description: The 'Réglages du filtre' (Filter Settings) screen for 'constant flow' mode, showing the flow rate adjustment slider, current status, and parameters.)

9.2. 12h Bio Function

12h bio function: Electronic alternation of 2 settable water flow rates on a 12-hour cycle.

Tip: You can, for example, set a low flow rate for the first 12 hours of the day and increase the flow rate as desired for the night, during the following 12 hours. You can also adjust the 12h bio function according to your aquarium's lighting phase.

You can set the flow rate for the first 12 hours using the top slider and the flow rate for the following 12 hours using the middle slider. Additionally, you have the option to delay the start by adjusting the lower slider. Set the start time for the '12h bio function' mode with the bottom slider.

This mode is activated by the change of icons in the status display (Current Status).

By clicking the [Save icon], you can save your settings. Saved parameters can be reapplied in the 'My Filter' graphical environment.

(Image description: The 'Réglages du filtre' (Filter Settings) screen for '12h bio function' mode, showing adjustable flow rates and time settings.)

9.3. Stream Function

The electronically regulated alternating flow provides aquarium conditions that mimic nature, constantly changing. The 'stream function' mode can be useful for simulating natural waves in your aquarium, especially in marine aquariums.

In the 'Débit' (Flow rate) tab, you can set the desired flow rate (l/h) for the respective phase using two sliders. In the 'Temps' (Time) tab, you can set the desired duration (time) for the corresponding phase using two sliders. The parameters you have set are displayed in a curve graph.

By clicking the [Save icon], you can save your settings. Saved parameters can be reapplied in the 'My Filter' graphical environment.

(Image description: The 'Réglages du filtre' (Filter Settings) screen for 'stream function' mode, showing flow rate and time adjustments.)

9.4. Manual Mode

In this mode, the adjustment setting is completely deactivated. Water flow reduces as the filter becomes more fouled (similar to a classic filter without an electronic system).

Activate this mode by clicking the [Activate 'manual mode' button].

You can now choose your flow rate. Increase/decrease the water flow progressively with a simple click on +/-.

Unlike other modes, you cannot save your parameters in this mode. The save icon is inactive.

(Image description: The 'Réglages du filtre' (Filter Settings) screen for 'manual mode', showing manual flow rate adjustment using +/- buttons.)

10. Software Update

Click the [Update icon] to access the 'Mise à jour du logiciel' (Software Update) graphical environment.

You can update the EHEIM ControlCenter as well as the firmware of your EHEIM professionel 3e external filter using an existing Internet connection. If you have installed a firewall on your computer, you must configure it to allow the EHEIM ControlCenter software to access your Internet connection; otherwise, it will be impossible to download software updates. For this, please read your firewall's user guide.

(Image description: The 'Actualisation logiciel' (Software Update) screen showing installed software and filter firmware versions, with a 'Vérifier mises à jour' (Check for updates) button.)

If the Internet connection is established, click the 'Vérifier mises à jour' button. The check for update availability is performed.

10.1. Update EHEIM ControlCenter Software

If a newer version than the currently displayed version of the EHEIM ControlCenter software is available, you can download the new software version by clicking the [Download button]. Please follow the instructions that appear on the screen for the download.

10.2. Update EHEIM professionel 3e External Filter Firmware

Ensure your filter's power cable is connected and the filter is in operation. The hardware can only be updated if the filter is running.

If newer software for your EHEIM professionel 3e external filter is available than the version installed on the filter, you can update your filter software using the new hardware by clicking the [Install button].

Please follow the instructions that appear on the screen and do not disconnect the EHEIM Interface converter cable or the power supply of your filter or computer during the update!!!

Once the firmware update is complete, the filter powers off. You must perform a filter reset! The filter will only use the newly installed firmware after the reset is performed.

To reset the filter, simultaneously press the 'S', '+' and '-' buttons on the filter's control panel for at least two seconds.

The pump and the electronic system are powered off for approximately 5 seconds, and the system then calibrates itself.

The filter now operates in automatic mode (factory settings, 6 green LEDs light up).

Tip: By activating the 'automatic check on program start' function, you will be informed of the availability of new updates each time the program is launched.

(Image description: Visuals demonstrating the filter reset procedure by pressing buttons 'S', '+', and '-' on the filter's control panel. It also shows the filter's status after reset with green LEDs indicating automatic mode.)

11. System Settings

Click the [System settings icon] to access the 'Paramètres du système' (System Settings) graphical environment.

(Image description: The 'Réglages système' (System Settings) screen showing options for language, measurement units, and serial ports.)

In this environment, you can switch the measurement unit from 'litres' to 'US Gallons' and confirm your selection by clicking [Enregistrer (Save)].

If your filter is not automatically identified and connected when EHEIM ControlCenter starts, the COM port can be manually modified. Confirm the modification by clicking [Enregistrer (Save)].

The current connection status between EHEIM ControlCenter and your external filter is displayed directly.

Symbols for connection status:

• [Green circle with checkmark] Connexion établie (Connection established)
• [Red circle] Pas de connexion (No connection)

12. My Filter

Click the [My Filter icon] to access the 'Mon filtre' (My Filter) graphical environment.

(Image description: The 'Mon filtre' (My Filter) screen showing the filter model, maximum pump power, suitable aquariums, and a list of saved individual parameter settings with play buttons to apply them.)

The 'My Filter' screen saves the last four parameter settings you have previously saved in one of the operating modes.

By clicking the [Play icon], you can reuse a saved setting and send it directly to your external filter. The saved values are then applied.

13. My Aquarium

Click the [My Aquarium icon] to access the 'Mon aquarium' (My Aquarium) graphical environment.

(Image description: The 'Mon aquarium' (My Aquarium) screen showing various icons related to aquarium information and a link to the EHEIM website.)

In the 'My Aquarium' graphical environment, you can access EHEIM's database of fish and plants on the EHEIM website; this provides interesting information about the fish and plants you own in your aquarium (Internet connection required).

Links open after clicking in a browser window.

Visit EHEIM on the Internet: www.eheim.de

14. Help Function

Click the [Help icon] to access the 'Aide' (Help) graphical environment.

(Image description: The 'EHEIM Control Center Help' window displaying a table of contents with various help topics such as 'Willkommen' (Welcome), 'Lieferumfang' (Scope of delivery), 'Systemanforderungen' (System requirements), and 'Bedienungsanleitung' (User manual).)

In the Help function's graphical environment, you can open EHEIM ControlCenter help files and search for information and solutions in the help file for any questions or problems.

15. Resetting Filter to Factory Settings

At any time, you have the option to restore the factory settings of your EHEIM professionel 3e external filter. All settings made via EHEIM ControlCenter on the filter will then be erased.

To reset the filter, simultaneously press the 'S', '+' and '-' buttons on the filter's control panel for at least two seconds.

The pump and the electronic system are powered off for approximately 5 seconds, and the system then calibrates itself.

The filter now operates in automatic mode (factory settings, 6 green LEDs light up).

16. Indications for Experienced Users

The following indications and settings are intended only for experienced users, as these modifications have repercussions on your computer system.

16.1. Modifying the Interface COM Port in Device Manager

If you encounter difficulties establishing the connection between your filter and EHEIM ControlCenter, you can modify the EHEIM Interface converter's COM port via the Windows Device Manager.

In the Windows Device Manager, after the device driver installation, a new 'USB serial port' will appear in the 'Ports (COM & LPT)' section.

In Device Manager, you can see on which COM port the EHEIM Interface converter is currently installed.

(Image description: A screenshot of the Windows Device Manager showing a list of devices, including 'Ports (COM & LPT)' with 'USB Serial Port (COM6)' listed, and a context menu with options like 'Update driver', 'Disable', 'Uninstall', and 'Properties'.)

By right-clicking the 'USB serial port', you can access its 'Properties'.

(Image description: A screenshot of the 'Properties of: USB Serial Port (COM6)' window, showing tabs for General, Port Settings, Driver, Details, and Resources.)

In the 'Connection Settings' tab, via the 'Advanced' button, you can access the advanced settings of the 'USB serial port'.

(Image description: A screenshot of the 'Advanced settings for COM6' window, showing a dropdown for 'Numéro de port' (Port number) with options like COM5, COM6, COM7, etc.)

In this window, you can now manually assign another COM port to the EHEIM Interface converter and permanently apply the modification by clicking 'OK'.

17. Uninstalling EHEIM ControlCenter

You can uninstall EHEIM ControlCenter via: Start -> All Programs -> EHEIM ControlCenter -> 'Uninstall EHEIM ControlCenter' or, in the standard way, via the Windows™ XP Control Panel in the 'Programs' section.

Your personalized settings are preserved, even after uninstallation.

18. Troubleshooting (Que faire lorsque...)

Filter not working?

• Cause: No power. Solution: Connect the power supply.

Cannot install EHEIM ControlCenter?

• Cause: Incorrect operating system. Solution: EHEIM ControlCenter is only compatible with Windows XP™ and Windows® Vista (32-Bit).
• Cause: Insufficient disk space. Solution: Free up disk space. At least approximately 250 MB of free disk space is required.
• Cause: Microsoft® Service Pack 2 / Windows Installer 3.1 not installed. Solution: Download these components from the Microsoft® website.

Cannot establish connection or 'not connected' appears?

• Cause: Interface not plugged in. Solution: Connect your computer and filter to the interface and restart EHEIM ControlCenter.
• Cause: USB port occupied or not working. Solution: Plug the interface into another USB port on your computer and restart EHEIM ControlCenter.
• Cause: COM port not recognized. Solution: Manually change the COM port in the system settings or try another USB port on your computer (see section 17.1).
• Cause: No power to the filter. Solution: Connect the filter's power supply.

Filter display shows strange functions?

• Cause: System error. Solution: Reset the filter (following the procedure in section 16 of this manual).

Filter in permanent calibration?

• Cause: System error. Solution: Reset the filter (following the procedure in section 16 of this manual).

EHEIM ControlCenter not responding?

• Cause: Software error/error message. Solution: Please restart EHEIM ControlCenter.

Filter not working after hardware update?

• Cause: No reset performed after hardware update. Solution: Reset the filter (following the procedure in section 16 of this manual).

EHEIM Interface cable too short?

• Cause: Cable is too short. Solution: You can extend the cable by up to 5 meters by adding a standard USB extension cable.

Set flow rates not reached at the filter?

• Cause: Filter is clogged. Solution: Clean the filter according to the instructions in the filter user guide.

Cannot connect to EHEIM update server?

• Cause: No Internet connection. Solution: Establish an Internet connection and grant EHEIM ControlCenter access to this connection. Check the firewall.

19. Technical Support

The EHEIM ControlCenter and EHEIM Interface converter were developed with cutting-edge technology and manufactured with the utmost care to ensure perfect operation. EHEIM offers a functional guarantee and free assistance only for the use of the original EHEIM Interface converter.

You can contact our EHEIM support team at the following address:

EHEIM GmbH & Co. KG
Plochinger Str. 54
73779 Deizisau, Germany

Tel: +49 7153/70 02-183
Fax: +49 7153/70 02-174
Email: eheim.service@eheim.de

20. Reproduction Notice

Reproduction or copying, even in part, is only permitted with the express permission of the producer. The reproduction, copying, and use of EHEIM logos, materials, and derivative products for exploitation of any kind is prohibited and requires prior written consent and approval from the manufacturer.

Visit EHEIM on the Internet: www.eheim.de

© 2010 EHEIM GmbH & Co. KG, Deizisau, Germany