1. Overflow from Aquarium 

The surface feed into the filter unit removes fine waste materials produced by a marine aquarium which may begin to form an unsightly surface scum. The surface overflow into the filter helps to prevent water levels in the aquarium from dropping below a level that may harm any organisms living in it.

2. Down flow and settlement Zone 

This chamber provides a perfect environment for the location of a heaterstat, where the downward flow of water encourages an even distribution of water throughout both the filter and aquarium.

3. Dark refugia 

When established, the dark refugia provides the optimum environment and large surface for the nitrifying bacteria, and provides a specialist environment for the growth of a colony of light sensitive organisms. Many of these organisms have evolved within the deep, dark crevices of coral reefs where they have become extremely effective at consuming waste materials. Comparatively larger particles of stone, ensure an even flow of water up through the chamber, enhancing the performance of the entire filter and retaining larger particles of waste which are either consumed by the organisms in the chamber or fall to the base of the chamber where they can be siphoned off.

4. Up flow light refugia 

The light refugia not only provides the large surface area required for an effective nitrifying filter, but it also encourages extremely effective waste consuming organisms, that have evolved within the upper levels of coral reefs, to settle here. By retaining this specialist colony away from the inhabitants of the main aquarium, the diversity of organisms is enhanced and the effectiveness of the chamber as a filter is increased.

5. Downflow chamber 

Water is aerated as it cascades across a deflector into the downflow chamber and provides a visual indicator of when the aquarium requires a top up. During the maturation phase of the aquarium, when water quality may begin to deteriorate, the aquarist may use this chamber as a highly effective traditional biological filter by using the fine foam filter provided and optional activated carbon during the maturation phase. Once the aquarium has matured, it can then be replaced by lava rock or live rock to increase the capacity of the refugia filter.

6. Downflow dark refugia

The dark refugia as the final chamber within the system provides the ideal environment for those organisms that have evolved within the deep crevices of natural coral reef systems.

7. Circulation pumps

The pumps will provide the water circulation within the main aquarium to mimic the high flow velocity and turbulence associated with natural coral reefs to provide optimum environmental conditions.

8. Final chamber with protein skimmer

The skimmer removes the fine waste material that may otherwise lead to a decline in water clarity and quality. The pump provided circulates approximately 1000 litres for optimum performance.

9. Skimmer collection cup

The skimmer will produce a brown watery substance that is collected within the collection cup. The location of this cup enables the aquarist to remove, waste and replace it with ease.

10. Skimmer return

Water is aerated and returned to the aquarium.