Cobalt Power Gravel Cleaner™ Hang-On Aquarium Gravel Cleaner

Innovative power siphon cleans aquarium substrate without removing water. Cobalt Power Gravel Cleaner revolutionizes aquarium maintenance with greater convenience and efficiency. Removing unsightly debris from gravel or substrate is no longer restricted to scheduled water changes or the use of battery operated devices. Simply hang your Cobalt Power Gravel Cleaner on the side of the aquarium (like a typical power filter), attach the siphon tube, plug in, and start vacuuming!

Cobalt Power Gravel Cleaner features an energy-saving electric motor (no batteries to replace) that provides powerful suction to quickly remove dirt particles. Easy-to-maneuver siphon tube allows access to every part of the aquarium. Reusable cartridge with filter bag traps removed debris as water returns into the aquarium. Simply rinse cartridge under running water to use over and over. Built-in safety strainer prevents fish and gravel from being sucked through.

The Cobalt Power Gravel Cleaner is molded with unbreakable and shock-resistant plastic. All electrical parts are insulated and completely submersible. Installation is easy with open aquariums or tanks featuring covers designed for hang-on filters. Includes Intake Nozzle, Flexible Intake Hose, (2) Siphon Tubes, Siphon Tube Coupler and Reusable Cartridge with Filter Bag. For freshwater and saltwater aquariums.

Two sizes available for 10-30 or 30-125 gallon aquariums. Model PGC 30-125 includes additional Siphon Tube and Coupler PLUS a Brush Attachment. Replacement filter Cartridges also available.

Tips on Cleaning Sand or Fine Substrate
To prevent excess intake, pay close attention when vacuuming sand. If excess sand begins to rise high in the vacuum tube, simply pinch the hose tight to reduce the flow. The substrate will fall down and out of the tube.

Shop all aquarium maintenance products.

Please click "More Information" for installation and use instructions.

Warning: It is recommended to inspect apparatus for damages before using to ensure there are no leaks.

1. Fill the cleaner to the top with tap water.
2. Wipe all external surfaces of the filter and place it on an even surface covered with a cloth or paper.
3. Check for leaks.
4. If there is a leak, return the Power Gravel Cleaner (PGC) to the retailer in order to inspect or replace it.
5. If there are no losses of water, proceed to install as shown here below.
6. Decide where on the aquarium the cleaner is to be hung, so that water can return freely into the aquarium.
7. Position the unit on the side of the aquarium where access is easiest.
8. Check that the cleaner is secure and steady before use.
9. Using the special knob, insert the filter cartridge into the slot of the waste settling chamber.
10. Make sure that the filter bag is facing the aquarium and that it comes out of the PGC unit.
11. Completely assemble the aspiration unit, checking that the hoses perfectly fit into the hose fittings.
12. Immerse the hard aspiration pipe into the aquarium as far as the bottom and insert the flexible hose connector into the aspiration unit housing.
13. Pour water from the aquarium into the waste aspiration unit until it is half full (3-4 glasses according to the PGC model). The water must cover the impeller chamber.
14. Then connect the power supply, and the vacuum cleaner starts automatically. PGC is ready for use.

Advice for Use
The vacuum cleaner Power Gravel Cleaner has considerable power, and so is ideal for every kind of aquarium. It is also provided with a strainer which ensures that gravel and small fishes cannot reach the suction pump. Always remember to attach the protection grid.

For the most efficient use of the cleaner read the following advice:

1. Push the end of the siphon tube into the gravel about 1" to start.
2. Move the vacuum sideways and up and down in order to disturb the gravel and make suction of sediment easier.
3. Avoid suction of coarse pieces of dirt or leaves which could clog the strainer.
4. When the water level inside the filter box rises above the filter cartridge, this means that the filter bag is blocked and must be rinsed under running water.

Cleaning and Maintenance
Filter Box: The Filter Box does not require particular cleaning procedures. Do not use soap or other kind of detergent: any residual is potentially harmful to the chemical balance of the aquarium. Use only warm water and a soft cloth.

Impeller Chamber: Lift and take off the Impeller Chamber. The Magnetic Rotor and the Impeller will be visible because they are attached to the Impeller Chamber. If necessary, it is possible to clean the Magnetic Rotor, the rotor and the Impeller Chamber.

Important: If any stones or sand should enter the Impeller Chamber, the Impeller might become blocked. It is advisable, in this case, to clean the Motor, carefully following the instructions.

Motor: Under normal circumstances, it is not necessary to remove the motor; if, however, it is necessary:

1. Hold the Filter Box in one hand and the Motor with the other.
2. Move the Motor 90° in counter-clockwise direction (1/4 turn) until the Motor is set parallel to Filter Box.
3. Holding the Filter Box remove the Motor.
4. Clean the internal part of the Motor and the O-ring only using cotton. Do not use any kind of metal tool, it could damage the Motor. Clean with vinegar if limestone is present.

Tips on Cleaning Sand or Fine Substrate
The cleaning power of the vacuum may draw in sand or fine substrate. Small amounts of sand entering the main housing should be removed after use. Cleaning is very easy since all electrical components are completely epoxy sealed. The entire unit can be rinsed in the sink without water damage to the external parts.

To prevent excess intake, pay close attention when vacuuming sand. If excess sand begins to rise high in the vacuum tube, simply pinch the hose tight (just as you would with a normal gravel siphon tube) to reduce the flow. The substrate will fall down and out of the tube.

If using the PGC-125, simply employ the Brush Attachment. The Brush Attachment helps diffuse vacuum force to minimize excess intake of sand or fine substrate.