TMC Power Filter

What is this Power Filter from TMC?

This TMC Power Filter is an efficient and powerful external canister filter that combines both mechanical and biological filtration into a compact, space-saving unit. It may be small but it packs a punch and is capable of filtering aquariums up to 500 litres.

What are the main features of this TMC Power Filter?

These TMC Power Filters are available in four sizes, each tailored towards aquariums of different sizes. The Power Filter 125 is suitable for aquariums up to 125L, the Power Filter 250 up to 250L, the Power Filter 375 up to 375L and the Power Filter 500 up to 500L.

While they may differ in size, all four of these TMC Power Filters are packed with the same quality features. These features include:

• Multistage filtration - filter comes with baskets containing coarse sponge, activated carbon, bio-rings and filter wool
• Quick-release hosetail taps - adjustable valve taps can increase/decrease flow rate and rotate 360 to eliminate any kinks in hosing
• Energy-efficient pump - built-in pump with a durable ceramic impeller that's designed to stand the test of time
• Three large safety locks - keep filter watertight while also allowing easy access to pump chamber and filter baskets for cleaning and maintenance
• Quiet operation - housing designed to absorb vibrations and reduce sound made by pump and flow of water

Is this TMC Power Filter easy to set up and maintain?

Yes, this TMC Power Filter is incredibly easy to set up and maintain. Prior to plugging in your filter, be sure to add the filter media provided to the appropriate filter baskets. It's recommended that you place these different medias in the following order (from bottom to top): coarse sponge, activated carbon, bio-rings, filter wool.

After you've filled your filter baskets and found a suitable spot to place your filter, use the hosing provided to connect the inlet and outlet pipes to the corresponding taps on your filter's lid. These hoses can be cut to size, ensuring your filter runs as smoothly as possible.

Then, attach the spray bar/spout to the other end of the outlet pipe and the strainer to the other end of the inlet pipe. Once everything is connected, remove the cap from the lid of your filter and fill it with water from your aquarium. Before you turn your filter on, make sure you screw the cap back in and check that all the safety locks are secure.

All that done, your filter is now ready to start running. After you turn it on you may hear some gurgling, though this should subside after a few minutes when all your pipes and hoses are filled with water and purged of trapped air. If gurgling sounds continue, just tap your filter or tilt it slightly to release any excess trapped air.

After set-up, all that's left to worry about is keeping your filter clean. These kinds of external canister filters work best when they're left alone for long periods, but they do need to be cleaned out occasionally. If you notice your flow rate dropping, or nitrate levels climbing inside your aquarium, then its probably time for a clean.

To clean this TMC Power Filter, just turn it off, close the inlet and outlet taps, and undo the three large safety locks to remove the lid. Then, pull up your filter baskets and rinse off your dirty media with dechlorinated water. If your media is especially dirty or nearing the end of its life, then you may want to replace it with some new, fresh filter media.

What does a filter do? And what kind of filter do I need for my fish tank?

A filter is an essential piece of equipment for all aquariums. They do a lot of the heavy lifting in your underwater ecosystem, removing waste from your water column while also providing a home for a large colony of beneficial bacteria. This bacteria breaks down the waste picked up by the filter and, in doing so, keeps your water clean.

There are many types of filters, and they all work in slightly different ways. These TMC Power Filters are suitable for medium to large-sized fish tanks with relatively big bio loads. If you have a small fish tank then a compact internal filter may be a more suitable choice.

Each TMC Power Filter comes with:

• Coarse sponge
• Activated carbon
• Bio-rings
• Filter wool
• Inlet strainer
• Connector elbows
• Directional spouts
• Suction cups
• Valve taps
• Two hoses
• Spray bar
• Inlet pipe
• Outlet pipe