Setting the Flow Rate

The Next Generation in Aquarium Filtration

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Please Use the following guidelines when adjusting the flow control valve of the Aquaripure denitrator:

Mini- The water flow should be at a steady drip at a rate of about one drop per every two seconds. At this rate the drops will be clearly defined and you should easily be able to time it against the second hand of a clock. After your Aquaripure has cycled you can adjust the flow rate slightly if you feel it is necessary but the flow rate should never be set more than one drop per second or the Mini Aquaripure may not stay cycled. Using the Mini Aquaripure will be the equivalent of up to a 5-10 gallon weekly water change.

Small- The water flow should be at a steady drip at a rate of about one drop per second for tanks 15-40 gallons or two drops per second for tanks 40-60 gallons. At one or two drops per second the drops will be clearly defined and you should easily be able to time it against the second hand of a clock. After your Aquaripure has cycled you can adjust the flow rate slightly if you feel it is necessary but the flow rate should never be set more than 50% faster than the recommended rate. Using the Small Aquaripure will be the equivalent of up to a 20 gallon weekly water change.

Medium- The water flow should be at a steady drip at a rate of about three drops per second for tanks 55-90 gallons and four drops per second for tanks 90-130 gallons. At three or four drops per second the drops will still be clearly defined and you should easily be able to time it against the second hand of a clock. After your Aquaripure has cycled you can adjust the flow rate slightly if you feel it is necessary but the flow rate should never be set more than 50% faster than the recommended rate. Using the Medium Aquaripure will be the equivalent of up to a 50 gallon weekly water change.

Large- The water flow should be at a steady drip at a rate of about six drops per second for a tank 120-190 gallons and eight drops per second for a tank 190-260 gallons. At 6 drops per second the flow rate becomes a fast drip. To measure 6 drops per second you can take included ½ oz cup and fill it up in about 23 seconds. To measure 8 drops take the included ½ oz cup and fill up in about 18 seconds. A tablespoon is also ½ oz so a measuring tablespoon can also be used if the cup is broken or lost. Once you measure it a few times you will be able to quickly judge it by sight. After your Aquaripure has cycled you can adjust the flow rate slightly if you feel it is necessary but the flow rate should never be set more than 50% faster than the recommended rate. Using the Large Aquaripure will be the equivalent of up to a 90 gallon weekly water change.

X-Large- The water flow should be at a steady drip at a rate of about ten drops per second for a tank 240-380 gallons and twelve drops per second for a tank 380-500 gallons. At ten drops per second the flow rate becomes a very slow stream. To measure ten drops per second you can take included ½ oz cup and fill it up in about 15 seconds. To measure 12 drops take the included ½ oz cup and fill up in about 12 seconds. A tablespoon is also ½ oz so a measuring tablespoon can also be used if the cup is broken or lost. Once you measure it a few times you will be able to quickly judge it by sight. After your Aquaripure has cycled you can adjust the flow rate slightly if you feel it is necessary but the flow rate should never be set more than 50% faster than the recommended rate. Using the X-Large

Aquaripure will be the equivalent of up to a 130 gallon weekly water change.

To adjust the flow rate, open the valve just until a strong stream is present and then decrease the flow to the correct rate. The flow rate can and will vary slightly and this is perfectly normal. Let the water completely fill the outflow tube so that it is full before adjusting the drip rate downwards. This will let you accurately gauge the flow. Some fluctuation in the flow rate in between adjustments is normal and even preferable as it indicates the Aquaripure is working correctly. You should never adjust the flow more than once a day. It is ok if it stops occasionally.

The bacteria naturally produce a harmless mucous and this is normal. This will normally be cleared out when adjusting the flow rate. If the flow rate is slow when the flow control valve is all the way open then the outflow line might need to be cleaned but this will not need to be done often if at all. See the Troubleshooting FAQ or the manual for more details. Ideally, you should adjust the flow rate control valve every two or three days.

Important Warning: ALWAYS completely open the outflow valve briefly when adjusting. DO NOT completely open the outflow valve for more than a few seconds. Again, do not drain the contents of the denitrator at any time except at the recommended flow rate. DO NOT exceed the recommended flow rate. Adjust the flow rate as soon as water fills the Aquaripure completely. Failure to heed warning can result in anoxic conditions in the aquarium.

Setting the Flow Rate