[CichlidAdmin]

Cascade 300 - Power Filter Tricks
by William McReynolds


Tools

• (1) Pair of Scissors or a Single Edged Craft Razor
• (1) Black, Felt Tip Marker
• (1) Large Sized, Re-Sealable Plastic Freezer Bag

Supplies

• (1) Sheet of Hi-Density, Blue/White Pond Filtration Foam, (Pondmaster)
• (2) Blocks of Lo-Density, Black Pond Filtration Foam, (Pondmaster)
• (1) Small Sized, Rubber Band
• (1) Supreme Made, Mag-Drive Submersible Pump Foam Pre-Filter for Models 2 thru 5

Optimization Steps

1. Remove the 2 sheets of Carbon Impregnated, Black colored filter foam from the plastic filter screen insert/holder. Using the Felt Tip Marker, trace the outline of these 2 sheets of black, filter foam onto the sheet of Hi-Density, Blue/White Pond Filtration Foam. Place the 2 sheets of Carbon Impregnated, Black Colored filtered foam and the 2 plastic, granular carbon filter screen inserts into the Re-Sealable Plastic Freezer Bag for safe-keeping and possible later use as chemical filtration to remove medications from the aquarium, etc....

1. Using scissors or a Single Edged Craft Razor, carefully cut out the new filter screens from the sheet of Hi-Density, Blue/White Pond Filtration Foam. Place the new filter foam sheets into the plastic filter screen insert/holder.
   
2. Place Supreme Made, Mag-Drive Model 2-5 Submersible Pump, Foam Pre-Filter onto the intake of the power filter. Use the Rubber Band to keep the pre-filter securely affixed onto the filter intake.

1. Place both blocks of Lo-Density, Black Pond Filtration Foam into the media area of the Power Filter, and hold as shown in overlapping manner to determine fit for marking. Carefully holding the 2 blocks in the overlapping position they were in when placed into the media area of the power filter - pull the 2 foam blocks out and set flat onto a level surface.
   
2. Using the Felt Tip marker, trace the outline of one foam filter block where it overlaps the other.

1. Using scissors or a Single Edged Craft Razor, carefully cut out the new shape from the block of Lo-Density, Black Pond Filtration Foam.
   
2. Assemble the power filter. Place the filter screen with Hi-Density, Blue/White Pond Filtration Foam sheets first into media tray. This screen goes closest to the pump, or in the screen slots furthest away from the water discharge/spillway. Next, slide down the 2 blocks of Lo-Density, Black Pond Filtration Foam between the plastic filter screen insert and the water discharge/spillway. Set the spillway 'bio-track' down, gently squeezing the black foam blocks out of the way.
   
   
   
   The 2 blocks of Lo-Density, Black Pond Filtration Foam should be cut to a height that is just higher than the top of the plastic, 'bio-track', to insure full filtration and no water bypass around the foam media occurs. Assembled power filter should resemble the example shown in the picture.

Operation Of The Optimized Cascade 300

1. The Foam pre-filter must be carefully cleaned in de-chlorinated water with each water change to insure high rates of water flow through the filter.
   
2. Clean the Blue/White Filter screen foam and the black foam blocks periodically to insure high rates of water flow through the filter. Frequency of required cleaning of this power filter will vary considerably with the bio-load of your aquarium, water chemistry and other factors.
   
3. Replace the Blue/White filter screen foam, black foam blocks and foam Pre-Filter ONLY when they become excessively worn.

Responsibility Disclaimer: By performing any of these alterations or modifications to your power filter, you agree that the Author and Cichlid-Forum are NOT Liable for any problems or damage that may occur as a result. Manufacturers should be contacted first prior to any modification or alteration being performed to this equipment if doubt exists concerning the ultimate proper and safe operation of aquarium filtration equipment modified from the manufacturer's original specifications.