How to Hook Up a Hawkeye 201 Aquarium Filter

The Hawkeye 201 filter system uses an air pump and air stone in an upright plastic tube to create a suction action that pulls particulate matter into the gravel and the slotted plastic base. Air filters are one of the most common and affordable filtration options; while many air filtration systems use a carbon head to filter out chemicals, the Hawkeye 201 only uses the suction action; regular water changes as well as cleaning the gravel are a must for a healthy tank. Setting up the Hawkeye filter does not require any tools or equipment.

Things You'll Need

  • Hawkeye 201 filter
  • Aquarium of the same base dimension as the Hawkeye 201 filter base
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Instructions

  1. Tank Setup

    • 1

      Connect the clear plastic tube to the slotted base.

    • 2

      Place the slotted base with connected plastic tube in the bottom of the aquarium.

    • 3

      Connect an aquarium air hose to the air pump.

    • 4

      Connect an air stone to the other side of the tube, and run the stone down to the bottom of the tube.

    • 5

      Fill your aquarium with 1-1/2 inches of gravel and add water until the aquarium is full; the water should be over the top of the tube.

    • 6

      Plug in your air filter, and the Hawkeye 201 is ready. Let the aquarium sit for 24 hours before adding any fish.

    Cleaning and Maintainence

    • 7

      Remove the fish from the aquarium, and put them in containers filled with the same aquarium water. For a simple water change, just remove a tenth of the water, and replace it with fresh dechlorinated water. Consider using a gravel siphon to clean out the particulate matter so you don't have to transfer your fish.

    • 8

      Remove and clean the air hose and air stone. If your air stone is falling apart, you can buy a replacement at most pet stores.

    • 9

      Pour the aquarium into a collander, gravel and all, and remove the air filter base and tube.

    • 10

      Clean the gravel, the base and the tube with hot water.

    • 11

      Set the tank up again, let it sit for a few hours, and re-acclimate your fish by putting their container into the aquarium, until the water temperatures match, and then release them.