How to Install Wet/Dry Filters for Aquariums

A wet/dry filter eliminates the poisonous chemical substances caused by the decomposition of waste products in aquarium water. These filters use a process called "chemical filtration." When a wet/dry filter is connected to your fish tank, the water flowing through it allows beneficial microorganisms to colonize on the biomedia contained inside the filter. The microorganisms then cause chemicals created by the decaying waste to decompose.

Things You'll Need

  • Overflow box
  • Pre-filter
  • Siphon tube
  • Adjustable return spout
  • Spiral drain hose
  • Protein skimmer
  • Main filter bulkhead
  • Collection container (such as a 2-liter plastic bottle)
  • Vinyl tubing
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Instructions

  1. Assembling the Wet/Dry Filter

    • 1

      Assemble the main filter, as well as the the protein skimmer and its pump. Place this entire unit underneath the aquarium stand.

    • 2

      Connect the overflow box to the pre-filter box, then place the pre-filter onto the rear side of the aquarium. Put one end of the siphon tube into the pre-filter box and the other end into the overflow box.

    • 3

      Connect the ends of the spiral drain hose to the slip fitting of the pre-filter and the bulkhead of the main filter.

    • 4

      Hang the adjustable return spout onto the back side of the aquarium. Connect some vinyl tubing to the adjustable return spout. Attach the other end of the vinyl tubing to the return pump.

    • 5

      Connect vinyl tubing to the remote drain located on the protein skimmer cup. Put the other end of this tube into a remote collection container.

    Operating the Wet/Dry Filter

    • 6

      Start filling the aquarium with water until the siphon overflow box is filled. Also fill part of the pre-filter box until the water starts to drain into the main filter.

    • 7

      Begin the siphon and add more water to the sump if it does not fill up with enough water.

    • 8

      Turn on the main pump and protein skimmer when the pump is completely submerged in water. Fill the sump with water until it reaches the waterline mark.

    • 9

      Align the air valve connected to the venturi valves on the protein skimmer, if necessary.

    • 10

      Check to make sure each of the pumps is working correctly and that all tubing is secure.