| You can install your Tumbler fully or partially submerged. At minimum, the unit should be submerged up to its Dispersion Plate. Changing the water level will alter the way the media is fluidized inside the reactor due to the head pressure change on the pump.
Installation:
- Remove all packaging material and thoroughly rinse the unit and pump in warm water before use. Do not use any detergents or soaps while rinsing.
- Remove the media screen cap and sliding lid and prepare to fill the unit. When filling the Mini Tumbler, do NOT overfill the reactor with media. We recommend starting with less media than the desired amount. This ensures that you will have sufficient space for proper fluidization of your media. Check the media manufacturer's instructions for any other details regarding media preparation. **If using fine media, we recommend purchasing the Fine Media Kit to prevent back-siphoning of the media.
- Install the sliding lid on the body.
- Place the appropriate media screen on top of the sliding lid to use with the desired media. Choose your screen based on the fluidization and output requirements of your media. **If using fine media, we recommend purchasing the Fine Media Kit to prevent accidents with loose media.
- Install the media screen cap onto the body.
- Insert the pump into the inlet of the Tumbler. Use the pump adapter outlet without a valve for heavier media that requires stronger fluidization, like Bio Pellets. Use the adapter with a valve for media requiring less flow.
- For the Mini Tumbler only, insert the suction cups into the key holes on the reactor body. This will help secure the reactor in place inside the sump.
- Install the unit in the aquarium or sump. Turn the pump valve (if it is being used) to adjust the flow rate to the desired level.
- Plug in the pump and ensure you have the desired amount of fluidization. Adjust the valve again, if necessary.
- Periodically check the Tumbler to ensure the media is circulating properly.
Installation placement
Place the Tumbler reactor in an area where aquarium water may flow freely around it. Almost any spot in the sump or filtration section of your aquarium will be adequate.
Other important tips
Media choices: Tumbler reactors can be used with most filtration media types. Commonly used media include: nitrate- and phosphate-reducing Bio Pellets, carbon, carbon and ion filter media (like ChemiPure), iron-based phosphate removers (like Phosban), aluminum-based filtration media (like PhosGuard) and most other types of solid media. **If using fine media, we recommend purchasing the Fine Media Kit.
Media preparation: Be sure to prepare filtration media according to the manufacturer's recommendation. Rinsing the media is a common recommendation, and should be followed.
If, after rinsing, media makes water inside the reactor "dusty" or cloudy, run the reactor in a container separate from your aquarium to make sure water is in its best condition prior to installing reactor in your aquarium.
Maintenance: Be sure to check your media periodically to ensure that it is properly fluidized. If not, try temporarily opening the valve more for a few seconds, and then returning it to the normal operating level.
Each time media must be changed, remove the entire system, including the pump, and rinse out the unit without using any detergents or soaps.
Also, disassemble the pump to ensure that nothing is impeding the impeller or water from entering the pump. Rinse and clean the pump, then reassemble the unit.
To clean the screens, gently rinse them under running water (no soaps or detergents). You may use a soft brush if necessary. |