AQUAEL UniMax Pro Canister Filters

This aquarium canister filter combines multi-stage filtration with powerful UV sterilizing technology for optimal water clarity. Each UniMax Pro features large-volume, three-stage filtration with a quality UV sterilizer, all packaged in a space-saving design. Includes all necessary mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration media, plus necessary plumbing connections and hoses. Loaded with convenient features including integrated self-priming siphon, quick disconnect, easy-access clips, durable media baskets with handles, overflow pipes, intake strainer and dual output diffusers (a spray bar and a deflector). UV unit includes a safety switch and quartz mirror. 3/4" outside diameter fittings. Available in four distinct sizes with increasing UV power, flow rate, and filtration capacity to suit any sized aquarium. Attractive black, plastic housing. Use #35961 9W replacement bulb listed below for Pro 250, 500, and 700. 5W UV Bulb also available.

Please click on "More Information" for additional features, specifications, installation, and instructions for cleaning, and maintenance.

Please note: If you wish to ship these filters by express service, additional shipping charges will apply during checkout.

1. Mechanical - strainers, sponges, and ceramic media effectively remove dirt, debris, and fish, plant, and food waste from your aquarium. Impressive flow rates pull high quantities of water through these - and other - filter levels to maintain clean, clear aquarium water.
2. Chemical - thick carbon layers remove odor, discoloration, and water. If preferred, you could also use a chemical filter media of your choice.
3. Biological - Aids in the formation of beneficial bacteria, which helps eliminate toxic ammonia and nitrite that accumulate in aquarium water. This bacteria culture biologically changes the ammonia and nitrite into nitrate.
4. UV Sterilization - UV lamp is housed inside the filter canister, within the flow of water, so sterilization process is achieved in a more controlled, constant environment, without the need of additional pumps and/or plumbing fittings or hindering the overall filtration process.

NOTE: In the unlikely event that the pump motor or UV Stabilizer overheats, the included thermal switches on each individual unit will disconnect the power source until the pump motor or UV Stabilizer cools down. At this time, the thermal switches will re-connect to the power source and the pump or UV Stabilizer will resume normal function.

NOTE: Never run the UniMax Pro dry (without water). Also, NEVER TURN ON THE UV STABILIZER WHEN IT IS OUT OF ITS HOUSING. The UV Stabilizer produces radiation harmful to the skin and eyes. Preparation of the UV Sterilizer:

1. Unpack the Filter Container.
2. Turn the emptied Filter Container on its side.
3. Twist the latch on the back, bottom size of the Filter Container in a counterclockwise direction.
4. Gently pull the UV Sterilizer Lamp from the UV Sterilizer Housing.
   • NOTE: Do not touch the glass of the UV Sterilizer Lamp, and remove any possible finger marks with a moist cloth.
5. Check for damage to the UV Sterilizer Lamp, Housing, and Rubber Gasket.
6. Gently replace the UV Sterilizer Lamp into the UV Sterilizer Housing.
7. Twist the latch on the back bottom of the Filter Container in a clockwise direction.

Preparing the Filter Media:

1. Remove each of the included Filter Media from the plastic bags in which they were shipped. Each Filter Media can be found in a plastic bag within the Filter Insert in which it will be held during use.
2. Pour each of the included Filter Media into its corresponding Filter Insert.
   • NOTE: Do not overfill the Inserts. Doing so will make them sit incorrectly on each other and prevent the Pump Head from being securely latched to the Filter Canister.
3. Once you have filled each Filter Insert with Media, thoroughly rinse each media and insert under clean, aquarium-safe water, until the water runs clean.
4. Place the first Filter Insert inside of the Filter Canister. This is the Insert that holds the BioCeraMax Pro (light-colored, ceramic cylinders).
5. Place each subsequent Filter Insert on top of the first Filter Insert. The Inserts should be placed in the following order for optimal filtration: mechanical media below biological media below chemical media/filter pads. For reference, the final Filter Insert should be topped with the Lattice Screen Cover.

Positioning of the Filter and Assembling the External Components:
NOTE: Prior to placing the filter, ensure the filter is placed within the optimal head range. The minimum head for this filter is 4"; the maximum head is 63". The head is roughly defined as the distance between the upper/top edge of the filter and the surface of tank water; or, the distance the water will be pulled from the aquarium to the filter OR pumped from the filter to the aquarium.

1. Install each of the Intake and Outlet components on the walls of your aquarium. These components should be held in place via the included Suction Cups.
   • NOTE: For optimal filtration with minimal frustrations, it is best to place the Intake and Outlet components as far away from each other as possible in the tank. Also, remember that these filters move high quantities of water through the filtration process at one time. As such, place the Intake and Outlet components deep enough in the tank to compensate for the amount of water that will be pulled into the filter once the filter is first turned on.
2. Cut the included 3/4" diameter Hose into sections, with each section long enough to connect the necessary Intake and Outlet component to its corresponding Valve on the Pump Head.
3. Attach both ends of the each Hose section to its component and Pump Head.
   • TIP: For optimal filtration, remove any kinks in the Hosing and keep the Hose as tightly run as safely possible. Kinks and sagging Hose lines greatly reduce filtration power. To render the Hose pliable for removal of kinks, simply soak the Hose in warm water. Soaking the Hose in warm water also softens the Hose ends to ease attachment to the Plumbing Fittings and Valves.

Starting the Filter:

1. Turn the Quick-Disconnect Control (the Handle of the Pump Head) 45° clockwise. This disengages the Intake and Outlet Valves on the Pump Head.
2. Grasp the Priming Pump Handle (the narrow shaft located on the Pump Head, between the Intake and Outlet Valves). Vigorously pump this handle up and down several (5-10) times, leaving the Priming Pump Handle in the "Down" position after the final pump.
3. Then, quickly turn the Quick-Disconnect Control closed, by turning the Handle of the Pump Head 45° counterclockwise.
4. The vacuum that was formed inside of the filter via the Priming Pump should pull water from the aquarium into the filter, filling the canister with water.
   • NOTE: If water does not move from you aquarium into the filter, repeat steps # 1 through # 4 above. To create a stronger vacuum within the Filter Canister, increase the number of Priming Pumps.
   • TIP: After filling the Filter Canister with water, the level of water within your aquarium will have diminished. Replenish this water with clean, aquarium-safe water to maintain the necessary level of water within both the aquarium and the closed canister filter system.
5. Creating a drip loop, plug the Pump Head into a common household receptacle.
6. Then, plug the UV Sterilizer into a common household receptacle.
   • TIP: If you are using a larger-sized UniMax Pro canister filter in a smaller aquarium - or do not need the maximum flow/filtration rate because this filter is being used in conjunction with other filters - simply and slowly turn the Quick-Disconnect Control in a clockwise direction to adjust the amount of water flowing through the inlet and outlet valves.

Cleaning, Maintaining, and Troubleshooting your UniMax Pro
Always unplug from the power source before inspecting or disassembling the UniMax Pro Canister Filter for any reason. Remember to also fashion a drip loop while re-plugging the filter into an outlet after any maintenance or cleaning.

Cleaning and Maintenance:

1. Daily:
   • Ensure the filter is running.
   • Ensure the Intake and Outlet Tubes and all Hoses are free from debris, kinks, and any other obstructions.
2. Weekly:
   • Stop filtration and check all Media, Inserts, and Filter Pads for large obstructions and flow issues. If necessary, rinse each Filter Insert and Media with clean, aquarium safe water.
   • Check the status of the UV Sterilization Lamp. Wipe clean with a damp cloth. Replace if needed.
   • Check the status of the UV Sterilization Housing (Quartz Cover), by twisting it out of the Filter Container Base in the same way you remove the UV Sterilization Lamp. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
3. Monthly:
   • Thoroughly disassemble and clean the entire Filter Container, each Insert, and Media.
     • Rinse each Filter Insert and Media thoroughly under lukewarm, aquarium-safe water, until the water runs clear and clean.
       • TIP: If changing the Media in the Filter Inserts, mix approximately 1/3 of the used filter Media with the new Media to aid the multiplication of beneficial bacteria.
   • Clean the Hoses with a universal cleaning brush.
   • Wash the Filter Container with lukewarm, aquarium-safe water and re-insert each Filter Insert, Pad, Lattice Cover Screen, etc.

Troubleshooting:

1. Filter cannot be closed:
   • Main Gasket is improperly installed or soiled. Re-seat the Gasket in the groove on the Pump Head. Wipe any dirt from the Gasket with a moist, soft cloth.
   • Filter Inserts/Media are not properly seated. Remove and replace each Filter Insert so that they sit properly on each other.
   • Filter Inserts are overfilled with Media. Remove excess Media.
   • Pump Head is improperly placed on the Filter Container. Re-seat Pump Head on the Container so all grooves, edges, etc. properly line up.
2. Top of filter leaks:
   • Closing clips are not properly closed. Open and re-close all clips.
   • Sealing areas or gaskets are soiled. Clean sealing areas and gaskets.
   • Sealing rings are not fitted or are damaged. Insert sealing ring correctly, or renew.
3. Pump does not work:
   • Power to outlet is off. Check power supply.
   • Impeller Shaft is broken. Renew shaft.
   • Impeller is missing or blocked by bits of debris. Refit impeller and/or clean pump chamber.
4. Filter performance has greatly deteriorated:
   • Hose installation is incorrect. Check for kinks, blocked tubes, etc. and fix.
   • Hoses are soiled. Remove and clean and/or replace all hoses.
   • Strainer is blocked. Remove coarse dirt, debris, etc. and clean strainer.
   • Filter media is heavily soiled. Clean filter media.
   • Filter media is not cleaned properly. When cleaning the media, remove it from the Filter Insert and rinse it thoroughly with lukewarm, aquarium-safe water.
   • Filter media is incorrectly assembled. Check that the filter media is assembled in the correct, recommended order.
   • Pump is dirty. Clean pump chamber.
   • Water is not circulating properly. Shut off filter. Re-prime the filter canister.
5. Air is in the filter:
   • Filter location. Top edge of the filter should be no less than 4" and no more than 63" beneath the surface of the tank water.
   • Air is being sucked in through a hose. Check all hose connections and hoses for any leaks.
   • Outlet Tube is too close to the Intake Tubes. Move Outlet Tube further away from the Intake Tubes.
   • Filter media is heavily soiled. Clean filter media.
   • Filter media is not cleaned properly. When cleaning the media, remove it from the Filter Insert and rinse it thoroughly with lukewarm, aquarium-safe water.

UniMax Pro Product Specifications
Made of durable, black plastic housing with multiple filtration levels in varying forms of mechanical, chemical, and biological stages. Features a UV Sterilizer for optimal water clarity. Includes necessary foam sponges, carbon media, biological media, easy access clips, durable media baskets with handles, intake strainer, dual output diffusers (spray bar and deflector), built-in pump, overflow pipes, and necessary plumbing connections and hoses. Available in four distinct sizes to suit almost any style aquarium.

Aaron Loomis
West Bend, WI

The BEST canister filter I've owned. I've had brand "E", brand "F", and brand "M", and this thing (Unimax 500) outperforms them all. The UV works great, it is a snap to disconnect amd clean, and the include intake / outlet accessories are wonderful. I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a top quality canister.

R. Christian
Charleston, WV

This is a great filter. Is almost completely silent. I have 4 large fancy goldfish in a 58G. It keeps the water crystal clear and low in toxic chemicals. However, I do not recommend this filter (or probably any canister filter) if you have trouble lifting heavy things. It is a lot heavier than I anticipated. And pumping the primer is occasionally very hard to do. Sometimes it is stiff and won't budge.

R. Beck
Lusby, MD

I have the Uni Max 700 on a 150 gallon tank with 2 koi. It is great. I had an eheim pro II on a 55 gallon tank with the same 2 koi, and my water was looking green. I purchased the Uni Max 700 (with uv sterilizer) and the water was clear the following day. Best filter I have.

Bob Wilk
Richfield, OH

Great product! It's easy to use and cleared up my cloudy tank in 24hrs. I would recommend this product to any one looking for great filtration and uv sterilization in one.

Stephen Fortune
Center Line, MI

I have had my Unimax Pro 250 running in my 65 gallon tank for 5 months now, the water has never been cleaner. One of the quietest canister filters I have ever had.

Derrick Rose
Colorado Springs, CO

Outstanding filter! I recently installed a Unimax 150 with UV filter on my 55 Gallon. The water was clearer in a matter of hours. This filter is the quietest canister filter I have ever used. The Unimax was very easy to install and prime. The only advice I would give is that when you first start to run it, it runs very slow until the inlet water line is full, and then it runs at full power. I highly recommend this filter to everyone!

Bargain Shopper
Lincoln, NE

Wow! I have used several filters throughout the years and this is the one. The ALL inclusive package of features added to the most functional design will blow this filter past the competition (priming takes a minute, but you will not mind.)