installation and operation

Aquarium Start-up Procedure:


A) Salt Water System

1. Install an undergravel filter.

2. Cover the undergravel filter with Dolomite or crushed oyster shells.

3. Add marine salt to fresh water per manufacturer's specification.

4. Install an electric heater and set for water temperature in the range of 73-78 degrees Fahrenheit.

5. Allow 24 hours for the salt to dissolve in solution.

6. Check water specific gravity with a hydrometer for 1.020-1.023. Adjust specific gravity of solution if not within the above range.

7. Install a power filter designed for a marine system.

8. Add gravel, or which 25% by weight comes from an established disease free tank. Freeze-dried bacteria mixtures may be substituted for the 25% disease free gravel.

9. Add a food source to promote Nitrogen-Cycle Bacteria.

10. When the aquarium is stabilized; i.e., the Nitrogen Cycle is balanced and Nitrite levels are stable for two weeks, then it is safe to add Marine Fish and Invertebrates.

11. Finally, now add the POLY-FILTER to the aquarium system.


B) Fresh Water System
Fresh water aquariums require no special start-up procedures. Any conventional procedure is acceptable for use with the POLY-FILTER, or simply place the POLY-FILTER in the water in a manner that prevents it from floating to the surface without blocking the flow of water over and around the POLY-FILTER.


POLY-FILTER INSTALLATION:

A) Conventional Power Filters
Place the POLY-FILTER on the bottom plate or surface of the power filter. It can be covered with regular polyester pads and/or gravel. DO NOT COMPLETELY COVER THE BOTTOM PLATE WITH THE POLY-FILTER. The POLY-FILTER should have water flow over and around it to function effectively.

B) Plastic Undergravel Filters
Push aside gravel covering the filter plate and place the POLY-FILTER on top of the undergravel filter plate. Cover both the undergravel filter and the POLY-FILTER with gravel.

C) Canister-Type Power Filters
Place conventional filtration materials on the bottom of the canister. Then place several POLY-FILTERS in layers on top of these materials.

Do not install the POLY-FILTER so as to restrict water flow. It is essential to have water flow over and around the POLY-FILTER. You may trim the POLY-FILTER with a scissors to fit any situation without losing any of its effectiveness. Finally, cover the POLY-FILTER with a layer of material, the more porous the better, or use non-rusting screen material to prevent the POLY-FILTER from floating to the surface.


General maintenance - Fresh water and marine systems

Once proper conditioning of the aquarium has been completed, add the POLY-FILTER per installation instructions above. When in place, the POLY-FILTER needs no attention as it automatically removes harmful organic and various inorganic waste build-ups in the system for several months. Water clarity will improve rapidly while lowering nitrate, phosphate and detritus levels.

Colloidal and suspended solids plus other soluble organics will be removed by the POLY-FILTER. Oxygen levels increase, carbon dioxide is lowered via superior surface gas exchanges and less demand for oxygen.


Because the POLY-FILTER removes ammonia (NH3) and prevents ionized ammonia (NH4+) and Nitrite (NO2-) from reaching dangerous or toxic levels, the Aquarist can add new fish and/or invertebrates without danger or "organic shock". However, normal acclimation procedures must be such as to prevent osmotic shock. When adding vitamins or replacing trace elements through organic bound solutions remove the POLY-FILTER from the water for three days.


Parasite Medications

Medications such as 1) Copper Sulphate, 2) Copper Sulphate and Formalin, 3) Quinine Sulphate and 4) Malachite Green often cause serious toxicity problems for fish after their administration. These and other medications can remain in the water for long periods causing toxic overdosage. The POLY-FILTER will remove parasite medication rapidly without removing or effecting beneficial trace elements from the water. For parasite treatment using chellated forms of medication, remove the POLY-FILTER and add the prescribed medication to the water. Allow sufficient time for a cure of the diseased fish. Replace the POLY-FILTER and add the prescribed medication to the water. Allow sufficient time for a cure of the diseased fish. Replace the POLY-FILTER, preferably in a power filter and the remaining toxic medication will be removed from the water by the POLY-FILTER. After three days remove the POLY-FILTER and replace with a new POLY-FILTER. Save the POLY-FILTER used for medication removal as it can be reused for subsequent medication removal of parasite medication.

Do not use the POLY-FILTER exposed to parasite medication again for general maintenance or antibiotics removal.

When using non-chellated forms of medication allow 12 hours for water circulation and then install the POLY-FILTER. Continue to add half the recommended dosage every 12 hours thereafter until the fish are cured. This process will prevent the copper from precipitating out of solution which causes dangerous toxic waste build-up and sharp PH drop in the aquarium water. To prevent overdosing, copper levels must be checked each time with a test kit prior to adding more copper.


Antibiotics

Various antibiotics are available to the Aquarist. However, it is important to know which antibiotics should be used on 1) gram positive or 2) gram negative bacteria for the proper treatment of bacterial diseases. Many antibiotics will foul the water or destroy biological filtration if used indiscriminately in the aquarium.
Activated carbon and ion exchange resins have been used to remove antibiotics. However, the amateur Aquarist usually lacks the knowledge and experience to know their advantages and drawbacks. If improperly used they can shock the fish or in certain cases not remove the antibiotic. The POLY-FILTER IN CONTRAST, REMOVES ANTIBIOTICS USED FOR AQUARIUM DISEASE "WITHOUT SHOCKING DELICATE FISH". The POLY-FILTER slowly removes organics and will not load up on trace elements found in fresh and salt water.

Remove the POLY-FILTER from the water for optimum results when adding medication for disease control. Upon completing treatment, install a new POLY-FILTER for removal of the antibiotics. Then, remove the POLY-FILTER and replace it with a new one. Retain the filter used for the removal of antibiotics as it can be used for subsequent disease treatment.

Do not use the antibiotic contaminated POLY-FILTER for general maintenance or other disease treatments.