Aquanano 40 Filter Setup

[Faiers]

Hi all, this is my first post so be gentle with me!

I've just setup a new Aqua One Aqua Nano 40, it's the new version with the LED light and the extra rear compartment for the filter cartridges.

The tank has been running for just over a week and has a really annoying problem.

The return pump empties the last chamber unless both filter cartridges are lifted out, even on its lowest setting. This means the pump then grabs air and makes a bit of a racket. I've turned it upside down which helps but it still makes the same noise quite quickly.

I have placed some ceramic media tubes in bags into the second chamber as a boost. As far as I can see the two cartridges have ceramic in one and carbon in the other. Does anyone else have this problem or has anyone else god rid of them completely? I'm tempted to dump them and put some sponge or floss in that first chamber.

Any help very much appreciated. Thanks

 

[fluttermoth]

I have an Aquanano 40, but mine's the older version.

Can you get some pics up, perhaps?

 

[Faiers]

Hi thanks for the quick reply, the attached is the same rear as mine but it isn't my tank. I'll try and post mine tomorrow. As you can see from the pic the top left has a slot in cartridge section that doesn't really work. It holds two cartridges but I only have one in or the pump will empty the third chamber.

 

[fluttermoth]

Okay, I see what you mean.

I know mine does that (empties the last chamber so the pump runs partly out of water) if the filter media is getting clogged, so I suspect the cartridges are too dense and slowing the flow of water through the system.

Definitely dump the carbon one; carbon does very little useful in tanks anyway. A coarse sponge would probably do the job a lot better. Did you get a bag of ceramic rings, separate from the cartridge? If you did, put the ones from the cartridge in there as well. If not, get a mesh media a bag, put them in there and then pop them in the first or second sections; you'll need the mesh bag, as getting loose rings out of there to clean them is a nightmare!

 

[Faiers]

Thanks, that sounds good to me. I suspect they are too dense also. I didn't get an ceramic rings with this tank but purchased some separately that I have bagged into the second chamber.

You have confirmed what I thought might be the best option. I'll buy some gear and make a better job of it.

Thanks

 

[signer]

Ive been having this problem too. Seems like the ceramic filter is too dense for the water to pass through quickly enough resulting in the third chamber empting. I have been raising the ceramic cartridge ever so slightly it its slot. There is a qap at the bottom of the cartridge. I`ve raised it enough to allow a small amount of water to pass through this gap... but balancing off too much. I know this defeats the purpose of filtering water. I think Aqua needs to redesign the density of the cartridge.

 

[Dasie]

Hi
I've just setup the nano 40 and am having the same issue. I'm a complete novice so just wondered if you solved the problem?
Did you take both filter pads out and simply replace with ceramic rings or would taking both filter pads out require other replacements also?
Thanks

 

[proflight2000]

I was advised by the shop that these cartridges are better left out than in, the better ideal is to bag up some ceramics and pop them down at the bottom of the left slot then maybe a bit of sponge above the ceramics, you then have the mass black sponge as well and of course, where the pump is situated, you could drop another medium into that slot. It is a great idea they have put together, just needs a bit of a think in respect of what medias work with the power of the pump etc.