How to Use a Setup Flo Deflector

Water flow is essential to a healthy aquarium. Flo deflectors create a pleasant and natural water movement, which is beneficial to both living plants and fish and assists with oxygenation of the aquarium water. Living corals and sea anemones in a marine aquarium will in particular benefit from the use of a flo deflector. Horizontal and vertical output from these deflectors allows the aquarist to channel water flow and current to any area of the aquarium. A venturi feature on some models increases the amount of life-giving oxygen that is injected into the water.

Things You'll Need

  • Flo deflector
  • Submersible power head
  • 0.5-inch diameter plastic tube, 2 inches long
  • Shallow bowl
  • Boiling water
  • Aquarium
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Instructions

    • 1

      Push the flo deflector directly over the exhaust nozzle of the power head.

    • 2

      Use the adapter that has been supplied to connect the flo deflector to the power head, if the two are not compatible.

    • 3

      Use a short piece of 0.5-inch-diameter transparent plastic tubing to connect the flo deflector to the exhaust nozzle of the power head, if the adapter will not fit onto your specific pump.

    • 4

      Place one end of the 0.5-inch-diameter plastic tubing into a shallow bowl of boiling water, for 30 seconds. Remove the plastic tubing and push the now-softened end over the flo deflector.

    • 5

      Place the opposite end of the plastic tubing into the boiling water for 30 seconds. Remove and push this end over the exhaust nozzle of the power head.

    • 6

      Push the adhesive suction cups onto the power head bracket and position the power head against one side glass panel in the aquarium.

    • 7

      Position the power head as close to the surface of the water as possible, but do not place it so high that the top of the power head is above the water. The power head can be submerged, as its epoxy-sealed motor is hermetically isolated from the aquarium water.

    • 8

      Decide in which areas of the aquarium you require water current and adjust the flo deflector either horizontally or vertically, to channel water in that area.

    • 9

      Adjust the amount of air that is drawn in through the flo deflector, if your model includes a venturi device. The amount of air is adjusted by turning the ribbed top of the air-injection control valve on the venturi device. Place the noise suppressor air filter into the venturi device, to also remove airborne contaminants.