Main risks

• Filter blockage due to dirt build-up, reducing flow rate and potentially causing oxygen deprivation for fish.
• Dust or fine particles from the media that can irritate eyes, skin or gills if they enter the water without prior rinsing.
• Unwanted changes to water parameters (pH, hardness, ammonium/nitrite) due to overuse, abrupt replacement, or choosing unsuitable chemical media.
• Adsorption of medications, treatments, or nutrients (e.g., fertilisers), reducing their effectiveness.
• Spills and splashes when opening the filter; increased risk if electrical equipment is plugged in near the aquarium.
• Accidental ingestion by children or pets, or respiratory irritation when inhaling dust during handling.

Safe use

• Check the compatibility of the media with your type of aquarium (freshwater or marine) and with the filter before installation.
• Rinse the media with aquarium water or dechlorinated water before first use until the water runs clear, avoiding inhalation of dust.
• Place the media in suitable bags or baskets to prevent them from dispersing and blocking inlets or the filter impeller.
• Disconnect electrical equipment and dry your hands before opening the filter or handling the media.
• Do not pack the media too tightly or overload the filter; leave space for a uniform water flow.
• Replace media gradually to avoid removing beneficial bacteria all at once.
• Temporarily remove media that can adsorb treatments (e.g., activated carbon) during medication, and reinstall them on completion according to the product instructions.
• Do not use detergents or chemical cleaners to wash the media; a gentle rinse is usually sufficient.
• Do not apply salts, acids, or other regenerating agents unless expressly indicated by the product.
• Periodically check the filter's flow rate and the basic water parameters to detect saturation or malfunction.

Storage and maintenance

• Store new media in their original, sealed packaging, in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight.
• If you temporarily remove colonised biological media, keep them moist in aquarium water; do not allow them to dry out.
• During routine cleaning, gently rinse mechanical and biological media in water taken from the aquarium itself to preserve the bacterial colony.
• Replace or regenerate chemical media when they lose effectiveness, following the product instructions; avoid using them beyond their service life.
• Inspect and replace damaged bags or baskets to prevent media leaking within the filter.
• Dispose of spent materials safely, avoiding the release of powders or granules down the drain.

Restrictions on use

• Not suitable for human or animal consumption; do not ingest.
• Not a toy; keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Do not use to treat water intended for drinking or cooking.
• Avoid combinations of media with unclear interactions, and follow the recommended placement order for your filter.
• Do not use materials that show abnormal moisture or discolouration in packaging that should arrive dry, or if you detect unusual odours.
• In aquariums with particularly sensitive species, introduce changes gradually and check water parameters before and after using new media.