On the new filter the start button is blocked - what shall I do?
There is a resistance the first time you press the start button because it needs to be activated. Take both hands, lean over the filter and press the button with force. A clicking activates it and indicates the correct procedure. Now the start button can easily be pressed with one hand.
My external filter was loud or gurgled after it was installed.
After a new installation, the remaining air escapes from the filter media during the first 5-7 days. This causes “gurgling” or intermittent rattling. Additional problems may occur due to transmission of resonance. Please make sure that the filter has 4 rubber feet on the bottom and only has contact with the cabinet there and nowhere else. Test by placing the filter on a soft surface, making sure that the hoses don’t have any contact with the stand either. If you notice air in the filter, please check the hose on the inlet side for air pockets and streams of bubbles. This would give an indication of the source of the trapped air.
Can the output of an external filter decrease?
The motors in the pump heads of the JBL CristalProfi external filters are so-called synchronous motors, this means they rotate with a fixed speed that is dependent on the mains frequency, e.g. 3,000 rpm at 50 hertz.
Accordingly, an external filter can’t lose output. If the flow rate decreases, this is either due to soiled filter media or the formation of so-called biofilms, particularly in the hoses.
Please clean the hoses regularly with a hose brush to remove the biofilms. Flushing with warm water is not enough. At the beginning the cleaning interval may be increased.
Are the CristalProfis of the e series also suited for saltwater/brackish water tanks?
Yes, they can be connected to a saltwater/brackish water tank without hesitation.
The filter no long sucks in water.
Please clean all the hoses, pipes and the filter to remove any biofilms, algae and mud in them. It is not enough to simply rinse with tap water. Make sure to use the JBL Cleany hose brush for cleaning. Remove the water from the body of the filter and the hoses. Make sure that the two small stopcock levers on the pump head are in the “OPEN” position. During the following start up procedure, the water outlet pipe with the spray bar, etc. must be positioned ABOVE the surface of the water for optimum ventilation of the appliance. Press the “START” button on the pump head repeatedly with the palm of your hand until water begins to flow into the suction hose (hose on “IN” ). Wait until the filter has filled completely with water and the water in the hose leading to the water outlet pipe (hose on “OUT”) is at the same level as the surface of the water in the aquarium. Connect the filter to the mains power supply. The water will now flow out of the water outlet pipe and into the aquarium. At first, it may be mixed with air that is still trapped between the layers of the filter media. Gently shake the filter to dislodge the air which will escape with the stream of water.
Can I add the carbon dioxide (CO2) to the suction nozzle of the external filter?
It is not advisable to add the carbon dioxide (CO2) to the tank water via the suction side of an external filter such as the JBL CristalProfi. This is better done via the discharge side with an inline diffuser, such as the JBL ProFlora direct.
The following disadvantages arise when adding CO2 via the suction side:
1) There is always a slight vacuum when the filter is running, so that outgassing of the CO2 may occur.
2) The undissolved gas bubbles collect in the impeller housing, which may lead to running noise.
3) There is also a risk of the water flow stalling in the impeller housing, which may cause a loss of function in the filter.
4) The start button is impaired when the filter is put into operation.
My external filter makes loud, gurgling noises.
This is most likely due to a small bubble appearing periodically in the pump head of the CristalProfi which is then transported out of the filter.
If air enters the filter system, this may be an indication that a seal is no longer tight or that connecting pieces don’t close tightly. As there is constant slight low pressure during operation, this is not necessarily noticeable. In the event that there is a leak of this kind, you can test by switching off the filter temporarily, in which case a small amount of water would escape where the leak is. Please note: This test should only be carried out with careful monitoring.
Be sure to check the hoses on the inlet side for air pockets or fine streams of bubbles. Often this is merely because the hose no longer fits securely into the JBL InSet.
Another possibility: The filter material may be very heavily soiled, which can result in the formation of fermentation gas which is periodically pressed out of the filter.
Please restart the filter as follows:
Remove the water from the body of the filter and the hoses. Make sure that the two small stopcock levers on the pump head are in the “OPEN” position. During the following start up procedure, the water outlet pipe with the spray bar, etc. must be positioned ABOVE the surface of the water for optimal ventilation of the appliance. Press the “START” button on the pump head repeatedly with the palm of your hand until water begins to flow into the suction hose (hose on “IN”). Wait until the filter has filled completely with water and the water in the hose leading to the water outlet pipe (hose on “OUT”) is at the same level as the surface of the water in the aquarium. Connect the filter to the mains power supply. The water will now flow out of the water outlet pipe and into the aquarium. At first, it may be mixed with air that is still trapped between the layers of the filter media. Gently shake the filter to dislodge the air which will escape with the stream of water.
The start button of the CristalProfi external filter is stuck and does not return to the original position after is is pressed.
The most likely cause of this is the start button being pushed at a slight angle.
Solution: Please unscrew the 4 screws at the corners which secure the lateral handles. After the handles are lifted, you will see 4 more screws which secure the pump head cover. Unscrew these screws. Now you can lift the pump head cover.
This start button is screwed onto a connecting piece. Please turn the button to loosen it. The tension on the spring of the start button usually releases itself after the first rotation.
Replace the pump head cover and the handles in reverse order.
