Instructions
Assembly
Attach the extension tube, which has a small grill at the bottom for filtering large particles, to the bottom of the uptake valve, which is a U-shaped pipe. The two parts should snap and twist together.
Slide the uptake valve into place in the smaller chamber of the main filter assembly. The extension tube should reach below the main assembly and the top of the uptake valve should slide in easily.
Place the impeller in the motor chamber with the magnet facing down. The motor will spin this magnet which will then spin the impeller, which sucks in water via the uptake valve.
Jam the top of the motor into the bottom of the small chamber on the filter assembly. There will be a large opening at the bottom of this chamber which will accommodate the top of the motor. The motor should secure itself in place with a rubber O-ring.
Snap the leveling device, which looks like a small switch, into the bottom of the large chamber of the filter assembly. There will be a clearly labeled spot for it.
Slide the filter basket into the larger chamber of the filter assembly and then slide the filter medium, which will consist of a block of foam, carbon and ammonia remover, into the chamber.
Use
Hang the filter on the back of the aquarium. The spillway, which is a ramp that expels water back into the tank, and the uptake valve should act as "hooks." The spillway and uptake valve should be inside the aquarium while the chambers and motor should hang on the outside.
Fill the filter with fresh, clean water until it starts to run over the spillway and into the aquarium. This is known as "priming" the filter.
Plug the filter's motor into a power outlet and make sure there is enough slack for a "drip loop." This is a loop created so that water that may run down the wire does not run into the electrical outlet and instead drips to the floor.
Rinse out the filter cartridges, which consist of the the foam block, activated carbon, and ammonia remover, at least once a week. This will alleviate any dirt or debris that may have built up inside over that time. Replace the cartridge at least once a month to ensure fresh, healthy filtration.
Directions for AquaClear Mini Filters
Formerly known as the Mini Filter, the AquaClear 20 Power Filter is a small hanging filter appropriate for aquariums up to 15 gallons. These filters use a classic suction tube and spillway to bring in water from your aquarium, run it through a biological and mechanical filter medium and then emit clean water back into the tank. It is very easy to assemble and even easier to use.