Stellar Air Pump

One of the most reliable and budget-friendly air pumps on the market. Powerful, high output pumps fulfill most aquarium air requirements and are built to ensure years of dependable, trouble-free use.

Rubber stabilizer feet and technologically advanced design offer smooth, quiet operation. Convenient air pumps can be wall-mounted to save space (wall brackets included with all models, except Mini).

Installation

1. Attach one end of airline tubing to outlet of air pump and the other end to undergravel lift tube or airstone. It is recommended to use a check valve if air pump is located below water surface of aquarium.
2. If air gang valve or air flow adjuster is used, insert valve or adjuster between air pump and check valve.
3. If you wish to hang the air pump, position air pump at desired spot and attach to wall with wall bracket and screw (wall bracket is not included with Mini air pump).

Operation

1. To prevent water from flowing back into the air pump in the event of loss of electricity, install a check valve or place air pump above water level of aquarium.
2. Adjust gang valve to obtain desired air flow. If air pump is used with an undergravel filter, position the undergravel lift tube exhaust so it is just below water surface for maximum aeration and gas exchange.
3. Use of a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) is recommended.

Maintenance

1. To ensure optimum airflow performance, it is recommended to replace or clean the airstones every month.
2. Periodically clean the air filter located at the bottom of the air pump. Gently brush away any dirt or dust. (Mini air pump does not have an air filter.)
3. If airflow diminishes, the air pump's diaphragm may be worn and in need of replacement.

Diaphragm Replacement

1. Unplug air pump from electrical outlet.
2. Remove the four screws from the bottom of air pump.
3. Pull air pump cover away from air pump body.
4. Unscrew the screw located at the base of the pump chamber unit holding the diaphragm in place and pull diaphragm away.
5. Using needle nose pliers, grasp the diaphragm bracket arm (part with magnet at end) at the bracket arm holder and pull up and away from holder.
6. Hold the diaphragm and unscrew the nut located at the back of the diaphragm bracket holder (if nut does not come loose, separate diaphragm from pump chamber and using a Phillips screw driver, unscrew the screw from nut).
7. Install new diaphragm/pump chamber, aligning the diaphragm so the flat side of the diaphragm gasket is positioned facing upwards.
8. Reassemble in reverse order.

Troubleshooting
If air pump fails to pump air:

1. Unplug cord. Check to see that wall outlet has power, reconnect to power source.
2. Confirm that the diaphragm is firmly attached to the diaphragm housing.
3. Check there is no blockage in the air line tubing and the tubing is firmly attached.
4. Try installing new airstone. Sometimes airstones become clogged and it is difficult to tell if they are in working order.

Important Safety Instructions
To operate the Stellar Air Pump safely, please read and follow these safety instructions:

1. If power cord is damaged, discard the air pump. The air pump's cord cannot be repaired or replaced.
2. To prevent water from dripping onto the wall mounted outlet or plug, arrange the power cord so a drip loop is formed. The drip loop should be positioned so the loop is formed below the level of the outlet. If the plug or outlet becomes wet, DO NOT unplug the power cord. First, disconnect the fuse or circuit breaker, which supplies electricity to the air pump. Now unplug the air pump's cord and examine the outlet for presence of water.
3. Do not insert or remove cord into/from electrical outlet with wet hands.
4. Do not use the air pump for other than intended use.
5. Plug air pump into standard 115 volt household receptacle. Verify voltage on air pump label is the same as your electrical supply.
6. Use of a GFCI, ground fault circuit interrupter, is recommended.