Fluval G3 User Manual

HYDRO TECH PERFORMANCE MONITOR
ADVANCED FILTRATION SYSTEM
www.fluval-g.com
EN.25
More and more hobbyists constantly check the conductivity values of their aquariums as a way to
understand at a first glimpse what is changing, and then start a deeper analysis of the situation using water
analysis Test Kits.
EC in Freshwater
A couple of examples can clarify the importance of monitoring EC in fresh water tanks:
 •Inanewlyestablishedaquarium,theioniccompositionofwatercanvaryconsiderablyduringtherstfew
weeks or months. Some types of gravel can trigger “ion exchange” activity or could either release or trap
some ions in water. This could dramatically affect the EC value and the aquarist should evaluate which
other parameters are involved (GH and KH in this case), by means of some simple water tests.
 •Establishedaquariumsproducewastesthatdirectlyorasaconsequenceofbacteriageneratecharged
molecules that result in an increase of the EC. This slow but constant EC increase suggests that some
thing is changing in the water; again, by using the proper test kits, it is possible to evaluate which
parameter is going out of control. For example, the continuous production of nitrates operated by
nitrifying bacteria will result in a correspondent continuous increase of the EC value.
The above mentioned examples clearly indicate how important the EC value is. However, at the same time
it cannot be used to directly state the origin of a specific problem, but it is rather a general “alert” signal,
which needs interpretation by performing further investigations.
With some experience dealing with this
parameter and knowing your aquarium, it will
become easier to know what changing
conditions the EC readings are showing, and
to decide if it is simply time to perform a water
change, or whether something else is happening
in your tank. Related to this, it is important to
track the EC right from the beginning.
In the following example (see graph), the EC value
of a 300 liter aquarium has shown an increase
of30%in37days.Afterperformingsome
chemical analysis, it was possible to see that at
least a part of this increase was due to Nitrates,
which in the same period have risen from 23 to
40 mg/L as NO
3
-.
Bysimplymakinga30%waterchange(usingosmoticwater),wewereabletore-establishtheoriginal
values to around 250μS/cm.
EC in Saltwater
In marine aquariums, salinity is the most important parameter to measure and maintain. This can be a
challenge since there is a narrow range. There are different methods available for measuring salinity, such
as specific gravity, refractive index and also conductivity. However, the latter is recognized by scientists as
being the most accurate. Your EC Monitor is an easy-to-use, comfortable and reliable way to keep the salinity
of your marine aquarium under control.
How can I monitor my aquarium using the Fluval G Filter’s EC Monitor?
Fluval’s G Filer Monitoring System has been designed to help you easily monitor the EC values. You will find
that as you become more comfortable with the system, maintaining your EC levels will become quicker and
more accurate.
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0 10 20 30 40
+30%
µS/cm
DAYS

Fluval G3 Specifications

General

Filter Media Baskets	3
Filter Type	External Canister
Flow Rate	185 GPH (700 L/H)
Filtration Stages	3
Voltage	120V/60Hz
Hose Diameter	5/8 inch