How to Install an AquaTech 3PH

The Aqua-Tech 3PH powerhead is designed for use with under-gravel filters in aquariums. The powerhead is capable of pumping about 170 gallons of water per hour and is appropriate for tanks up to 20 gallons in size. You must first install an under-gravel filter system if you want the Aqua-Tech 3PH to be used as a filter pump. One is not required, however, if you just want it to add an artificial current to your aquarium. It is best if the tank is empty if installing the powerhead in conjunction with an under-gravel filter.

Things You'll Need

  • Under-gravel filter tray
  • Uptake tube
  • Aqua-Tech 3PH
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Instructions

  1. Installing with a Filter

    • 1

      Empty the aquarium, if necessary, including the gravel. The under-gravel filter needs to go below all the gravel in the aquarium.

    • 2

      Lay the under-gravel filter tray at the bottom of the aquarium. Attach the uptake tubes to the tube slots in the tray. The uptake tubes will be clear and either of the open ends will squeeze snugly into the slots in the tray.

    • 3

      Place the aquarium gravel over the under-gravel filter tray. A 1 1/2-inch layer will suffice.

    • 4

      Set the Aqua-Tech 3PH atop the uptake tube. The cone strainer at the bottom of the powerhead should rest inside the top of the tube while the motor sits atop it.

    • 5

      Fill the tank with water. Keep the intake valve of the powerhead above the waterline. The intake valve is a small, black rubber pipe that juts out the top of the Aqua-Tech 3PH and is used to take in air.

    • 6

      Plug the Aqua-Tech 3PH into a power outlet to turn it on. It should begin sucking water down through the gravel, up the intake tube, and back out into the tank.

    Installing for Currents

    • 7

      Clip the powerhead to the trim of the tank's top. The Aqua-Tech 3PH comes with a little hook/clip on the back of the motor that will provide a secure fit. The cone-shaped strainer of the powerhead should be pointing down into the aquarium.

    • 8

      Fill the tank with water, if you have not done so already. Keep the intake valve, a small black pipe on the powerhead motor, above the waterline so it can take in air to oxygenate the water when it crates a current.

    • 9

      Plug the powerhead into a power outlet. It should begin sucking water up through its cone-shaped strainer and forcing it back out at the top, which creates an artificial current and oxygenates the water.