The only power filter we offer with a surface skimmer
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Quality power filter with built-in surface skimmer
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Automatically adjusts to water level for complete aquarium water circulation and filtration
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Three-stage filtration for clean, clear aquarium water
Breakthrough concept in power filter design. Innovative, built-in skimmer adjusts to aquarium water level for effective removal of oily, organic film and scum from the surface. Three-level intake system extracts water from the surface, middle, and bottom for complete aquarium filtration. Includes 2 filter cartridges for efficient, mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration. For freshwater or saltwater aquariums.
Replacement Impellers for Bio System Power Filter & Oxy Surface Skimmer also available.
Please click on "More Information" for assembly instructions, cleaning directions, and troubleshooting tips.
Assembly Instructions:
Snap lock extension tube(s), if needed for a deep tank, and strainer to end of Skimmer Valve Assembly.
Snap lock Skimmer Valve Assembly to end of Intake Tube. Snap lock Valve Rod to Intake Tube.
Attach Impeller Cover (System 15, 25, and 35 only) to Intake Tube. Push Impeller into socket of Impeller Cover.
Insert Intake Tube Assembly into the Intake Tube Chamber. Slide guide ribs into the rib slots while making sure the Impeller enters the Motor Well. Press down completely.
Hang Filter Box on the back of the aquarium. Be sure the water level in the aquarium is high enough. (Water level should be hidden by the top frame of the aquarium.)
Remove Complete BIO3 Cartridge(s) and Floss/Carbon Pre-Filter Cartridge(s) from package(s) and rinse under tap water to remove any carbon dust. Slide Complete BIO3 Cartridge (with Blue Biological Sponge) into the Secondary Slot of the Filter Box. Make sure Blue Biological Sponge is facing the overflow part of the filter. Slide Floss/Carbon Pre-Filter Cartridge into the Primary Slot.
Slide Oxy Surface Skimmer upwards over the Strainer and Skimmer Valve Assembly. The Oxy Surface Skimmer will float with its stabilizing fins at the surface of the water. Push the Valve Rod down to its lowest position. Set Flow Control Knob at Maximum (Hi) Flow Position.
Add 2 - 3 cups of water to the Intake Tube Chamber and plug in the power cord. The Filter will start with a gurgling sound, which will subside in 20 to 30 seconds.
Place Filter Cover on Filter Box.
Cleaning Directions:
Unplug the power cord before handling the Filter.
Do not use any soap, detergents, or other cleaning agents to clean any part of the Filter.
Cleaning the Motor This is hardly ever necessary. If it must be done, empty all water from Filter Box, place Filter Box upside down, turn the Motor counterclockwise one quarter turn, or 90 degrees and pull the Motor out of the Filter Box. Use a cotton swab or small bottle brush to clean the inside of the impeller well.
Cleaning the Intake Tube and Skimmer Valve Assembly Unplug the Power Cord and lift the entire Intake Tube Assembly out of the Filter. Disassemble all parts and carefully open the Skimmer Valve Assembly by unlocking the bottom plate of the Valve Housing. Clean all tube parts with a commercially available tube brush and a soft cloth. Rinse well with tap water.
Cleaning the Impeller Carefully remove Impeller with a breaking motion from the Impeller Holder. Look for foreign material wrapped around the shaft and remove it. Clean Magnet and Impeller Blades with a small brush. A clean old toothbrush works fine.
Troubleshooting Tips
If Filter does not start, check the following:
Does the wall outlet have current?
Does the Impeller spin freely when turned by hand?
Is the Intake Tube seated properly with the Guide Ribs in the Slots of the Intake Chamber?
If the Oxy Surface Skimmer makes a "gurgling" sound because air has been drawn into the Intake Tube:
Check if the Oxy Surface Skimmer can move freely up and down on the Skimmer Valve Assembly.
If the water level in the aquarium is very low (2 inches or more from the top) add water to the aquarium.
Carefully lift the Valve Rod upwards.
Turn the Flow Control Knob on the Intake Tube to a slightly lower flow.
Testimonial By:
Testimonial:
Andrew M Los Angeles, CA
I brought the Bio System 75 and I love it the surface skimmer is so perfect over 20 years aquatics I have used so many filters this one is a keeper.
I have used the Bio 55 on a 29 gallon tank and now on a 75 gallon tank. This is by far the BEST filter system I have ever used and will never use another. My tanks are always clean and the fish are happy. Never had any overflow issues or anything with this filter. Thank You for the top notch product!!!
Great for the price. One thing to note, the 55 and the 75 are the exact same size, just different motors/impellers. Skimmer works great, and is fully adjustable, as is the flow, but it will not shut the flow off completely. Very powerful though, the 75 has enough current to reach the bottom of my 31" deep tank. And the included extensions on the intake are very nice to have indeed. The filter cartridges are incredible, easy to modify to place any filter media you want inside of them. The motor is a bit noisier than other filters, but still not what I would call loud. Just enough noise to notice in a quiet room. Also the overflow port, for when the filters are a bit clogged up are not channeled to move water quietly, so it makes a bit of a splashing noise and you get a bit of splatter from it. This will really let you know when the filter needs to be cleaned. Can be a good thing or a bad thing.
I have the 75. I purchased soley for the skimmer. Seems like no matter what foods I use, I have what looks like an oil slick on the water. This was the first skimmer I found which I can use in my freshwater tank. It works great! Have yet to find an over-the-back filter that isn't noisy--this one has it's issues like others, especially as the filters start to get dirty, but ultimately this is the best one I have found. Would recommend. Just buy the big box of filters!
I have the model 25 for my freshwater 20gal. high tank. I bought this model because of the skimmer feature. It's excellent, and the tank surface is crystal clear. No more surface film. Great product.
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