With its sumptuous gloss black finish, aluminum detailing and cool blue backlit display, the Fluval G Series will change people"s perceptions on clunky filter designs for good. No longer will the humble filter need to be hidden away in a cabinet. Fluval G demands to be out on display as the ultimate aquarists" accessory. The Fluval G Series is an advanced filtration system that provides information to optimize performance and water quality. The Fluval G3: suitable for fresh or saltwater aquariums up to 80 gallons, while the Fluval G6 Model is suitable for fresh and saltwater aquariums up to 160 gallons. There are three basic types of filtration: mechanical, chemical and biological. A mechanical filter removes waste particles and solid debris through mechanical straining. The chemical filter media actively change water characteristics through deliberately managed chemical reactions and biological filter media break down and eliminate organic toxins—ammonia and nitrite—through bacterial action. Fluval G series uses these basic functions in an entirely new and unique filtration concept. The mechanical pre-filter and the chemical filter media are now housed in cartridges which are directly accessible from the top of the filter. Both can be cleaned or replaced without the laborious chore of disassembling the whole filter. Changing or maintaining each cartridge is now quick and mess free. Mechanical Cartridge The traditional mechanical filtration foam has been replaced with a compact high capacity pleated cartridge that traps more suspended debris. The G series cartridge system is a closed system with zero by-pass. All the water flowing through the filter is directed through the center of the mechanical cartridge trapping free floating debris. Routine cleaning with the supplied cleaning brush, the mechanical cartridge will prevent the solid wastes from breaking down and contributing to elevated phosphate and nitrate levels. The result is clearer water with less solubilized wastes. Chemical Cartridge Next the water is sent through the closed system to the chemical cartridge. During the chemical filtration all water is forced through the chemical media, ensuring maximum water treatment, resulting in a highly efficient filtration process. The chemical cartridge is reusable and designed to be filled with any chemical bulk media of your choosing. Biological Baskets Following the mechanical and chemical cleaning, water enters into the biological filtration. This last stage of filtration has been enhanced through the new Fluval G-Nodes. Specially engineered and manufactured, two sizes of these highly porous ceramic G-Nodes fill the bio baskets. The tunnels and caves of the G-Nodes can accommodate billions of nitrifying bacterial, essential for active biological filtration. Electrical Conductivity and Fluval G *The Fluval G filter from Hagen is the world’s first filter to include an integrated conductivity meter. It is temperature compensated and, uniquely, it never requires calibration.* What is Electrical Conductivity? Electrical conductivity (EC) is a measure of the water"s ability to "carry" an electrical current and indirectly, a measure of dissolved solids or ions in the water. Pure water has a very low conductivity value (nearly zero); hence, the more dissolved solids and ions occurring in the water, the more electrical current the water is able to conduct. How does the Fluval G EC Monitoring System measure the Electrical Conductivity in my aquarium? The Fluval G instrumentation senses water through a special conductivity probe consisting of two titanium alloy terminals, which will not age or degrade through oxidation and ageing. The conductivity probe in conjunction with the temperature sensor measures the electrical resistance of aquarium water. The sophisticated software then interprets the electrical signal to calculate and display the conductivity value. The system recognizes if the aquarium contains fresh water or salt water, and automatically displays the correct value in either (microSiemens) µS/cm for fresh water or (milliSiemens) mS/cm for marine tanks). *1 ms (milliSiemens) = 1,000 μs (microSiemens) The system constantly monitors aquarium conductivity and also provides a rolling line graph, which records the historical daily readings (1 reading every 12 hours), covering up to 48 days of historical data. You also have the ability to set an alarm to show the maximum and minimum settings. Why is Electrical Conductivity so important in aquaria? One of the most important issues for aquarium keepers is providing and maintaining a suitable and stable environment for living organisms; EC plays an important role in monitoring both fresh and saltwater tanks, providing a general, but fundamental alert that something is changing inside the aquarium. It is something similar to the body temperature of a person: a deviation from the "normal" range does not point to a specific illness, but suggests that something is changing or has been altered, and needs to be investigated. Fluval G3 Specs • Filter Dimensions: 9.65” L x 9.65” W x 12.2” H • Aquarium Capacity: 80-160gallons • Pump Output: 650 gallons/hour • Mechanical Cartridge: 980 cm2 • Biological Volume: 1.0 gallon • Filtration Volume: 2.37 gallons • Filter Circulation*: 265 g/h • Head Height 50Hz/60Hz: 6.10 ft / 7.6 ft • Wattages 120V/60Hz: 27W Important Performance Data • G6 = Pump Performance: 650 gph Filter Circulation: 265 gph Fluval G Series Features Primer With the Fluval G, there"s never a need for manual siphoning. After set up on the aquarium and before plugging the unit in, just push the easy priming button all the way down 2-3 times in fast sequence. As water is drawn through the intake hosing, it fills the canister pushing air out of its way and making its way back into the aquarium through the output nozzles or optional spray bars. Then simply plug in the filter. AquaStop With its proprietary technology the AquaStop system makes maintenance easy, allowing you to stop the water flow by simply bringing the AquaStop valve lever into an upright position. By lifting the AquaStop release lever, the complete assembly can be conveniently removed without separating the hosing. The AquaStop valve lever can also be used to regulate the water flow with no harm to the motor or its components. Lever Canister Clamps Chrome plated cast ZAMA levers provide a strong and secure seal and do not corrode or oxidize even when in contact with salt water. They are made of Zamak alloy which provides superior strength and dimensional stability over time. Silicone Gasket The Fluval G silicone gasket provides superior sealing and long term reliability. The inherent properties such as low friction, resistance to temperatures, extreme softness and superior adhesion and flexibility guarantee long term sealing. Telescopic Intake and Strainer / Rim attachment / Spray Nozzles or Spray Bars Water is drawn through the multi-lamella intake strainer, designed to repel debris and resist the build-up of solids that would normally impede water flow. Additional intake strainers can be attached to extend the intake screen surface. Alternatively, the “Y” connector can be used for maximum placement versatility. The intake system, attached to the telescopic intake tube, can be adjusted to fit most aquarium depths. The output nozzles or spray bars are fitted with ball joints. When connected to the “Y” connector, they can be rotated and individually adjusted to send multiple streams of clean water toward all corners of the aquarium, thus ensuring maximum circulation. For extra quick setup, the innovative rim attachments will easily slide over any aquarium rim up to 1.25” in width and securely hold the intake and output assemblies in place. HydroTech™ The Fluval G Series is equipped with HydroTech, ™ an intelligent monitoring system. Though internal sensory modules, the HydroTech™ microprocessor stores and communicates real time filter performance, water parameters and filter cleaning intervals. The flow rate is permanently highlighted on the screen as well as aquarium water temperature and conductivity. To let you know when filter maintenance is required, scheduling is also displayed. The HydroTech™ System provides the user with the ability to choose one of five languages and temperature scale in Celsius or Fahrenheit. Fluval G Series HydroTech Performance Monitoring Overview • IPod Style LCD Screen • Easy push button navigation • Maintenance scheduler for water and media changes • Various Warning Parameters that can be set to your Min / Max settings • Water Flow Monitored and Charted for 48 days • Water Temperature Monitored and Charted for 8 days • Conductivity Monitored and Charted for 48 days • 5 languages • 63 screens • °C / °F setting Product Features Drive Pump The Fluval G is powered by an advanced three component drive system, providing power, long term reliability with virtually zero noise and high performance. The powerful yet compact synchronized dual drive coil is controlled by one of two Fluval G microprocessors which continuously monitor and adjust the start speed, impeller direction, power usage and performance. The ferrite impeller spins on an aluminum oxide ceramic impeller shaft and is fitted with a high temperature performance polymer thrust bearing, offering exceptional wear resistant properties. With unique high-quality components, advanced control system and low energy consumption the Fluval G drive pumps deliver unparalleled performance and durability. Microprocessor Controlled From the drive pump to the interactive 8000 pixel LCD panel, all functional aspects and monitoring features of the Fluval G operational systems are powered by a Microchip Flash Microcontroller with NanoWatt XLP™ Technology. In addition to all the other advanced features that will make life easier for passionate fish keepers, this application is used for the first time in aquarium filtration, resulting in low power consumption, high flow rates and quiet operation. Filter Casing The inner filter chamber is made from fiberglass re-enforced polymer, designed to withstand pressures of 15PSI, far outweighing the normal operational standards and resulting in a leak-proof and noise reducing casing. The inner chamber is housed within an ABS polymer enclosure, thus further improving the sound buffering effect and providing the appealing high gloss finish that is so unique to the G Series. *With both models of Fluval G, a User Manual DVD and a Quick Start Guide are included.