Frequently Asked Questions

1. How It Works

The N-Clear Nano Filter uses an optical water-level sensor to detect clogging of the fleece media. When debris blocks water flow, the water level rises. Once it reaches the sensor, the motor activates and rolls fresh fleece, restoring flow and clarity.

2. Installation & Setup

Sensor Adjustment Tutorial:

1. Start with the sensor at the highest position during first setup.
2. With clean fleece, the normal water level inside the filter should sit below the sensor, about 1/2 inch below the sensor tip.
3. Only lower the sensor if the fleece is visibly dirty, the water level has risen, and the filter still has not advanced. Once it advances correctly, leave the sensor at that height.

3. Compatibility & Adapters

Please refer to our product page for the latest list of supported AIO tanks. If your tank is not listed, feel free to contact us with your tank model or chamber measurements/photos.

V2 adapter note: V2 adapters no longer include a silicone gasket layer. This is expected and does not affect normal installation.

4. Sensor Behavior

Default Mode: Advances after the sensor stays submerged for about 30 seconds. Best for normal daily use.

Long Delay Mode: Advances after the sensor stays submerged for roughly 11 minutes, helping ignore short pump-off or water-level events.

Timer Mode: Advances on a fixed schedule and should only be used when sensor-based triggering is not possible.

Sensor Adjustment Tip:

• After setup, the sensor should normally stay in one position.
• Raise it if the filter advances while the fleece still looks clean.
• Lower it only if dirty fleece has raised the water level but the filter is not advancing.

5. Fleece Roll Usage

Roll Frequency: Varies by tank bioload, flow rate, and sensor height. May roll every few hours to every 10+ hours.

Replacement Interval: Fleece rolls typically last 3-6 weeks, depending on tank size, bioload, flow, and setup. Each N-Clear filter includes 1 starter fleece roll. If a Nano roll is almost used in less than one week while the fleece still looks clean, first recheck water level, filter height, adapter seating, water barrier choice, and sensor position.

6. ATO Behavior

The filter may cause slight water level shifts between the display and rear chambers:

• Dirty fleece: More water stays in the display section.
• Clean fleece: More water shifts into the rear chamber.

This behavior is normal and usually stabilizes within 1–2 days. For best ATO stability, use Default Mode.

7. What Comes With Each N-Clear Filter?

Each N-Clear main filter includes the filter body parts, controller, optical sensor, motor, power adapter, and 1 starter fleece roll. Adapter parts depend on the model or kit selected. A Main + Extension kit includes one starter roll per filter, but the extension shares the main controller and sensor; it does not include a separate controller, sensor, or power adapter. Sensor, motor, and power adapter cables are each about 150 cm / 60 in.

8. How Does Main + Extension Work?

The extension connects to the main controller. It does not include its own controller, sensor, or power adapter. Both motors advance together when the main sensor triggers. If one roll stays much cleaner in a multi-sock sump, that opening may receive less flow; check for bypass or try placing the extension closer to the incoming water path.

9. What Should I Check If It Is Not Rolling?

Confirm the filter is seated snugly and water is passing through the fleece. If the fleece is dirty and the water level has risen, lower the sensor one small step at a time until it triggers. If pressing Manual does not move the dirty roll, check the lower roll path for sand, shell, small rock, or other debris.

10. What Should I Check For N-Clear M Bypass Or Water Blocker Gaps?

Make sure the N-Clear M is seated snugly and the water blocker is high enough to direct water through the fleece. If the shorter/lower water blocker leaves a gap or allows too much bypass, use the taller water blocker. In multi-sock sumps, also check unused sock openings or covers because water can bypass through an open sock hole.

11. Can I Connect N-Clear To Hydros, Apex, Or A 0-10V Port?

N-Clear is designed to run through the included controller and sensor. Do not wire the motor directly to Hydros, Apex, or similar 0-10V control outputs. Those ports are usually low-current control signals, while the N-Clear motor needs 12 V power with enough startup current when it rolls. If you need scheduled operation, use the controller's Timer Mode only when sensor-based triggering is not possible.

12. How Far Can The N-Clear Controller Be From The Filter?

Sensor, motor, and power adapter cables are each about 150 cm / 60 in. Keep the controller within reach of both the sensor and motor connectors. The practical filter-to-outlet reach is about 300 cm / 120 in total. The Main + Extension splitter cable is for running two motor heads; it does not meaningfully extend the controller-to-filter distance.

13. What If The N-Clear Controller Lights Flicker Or Shut Off?

Disconnect power and stop repeated testing. Reseat the plugs and make sure the controller and power adapter are dry. If the controller works until the motor is connected or Manual is pressed, the motor may have a short and should be diagnosed by support. If the controller stays dark even with the motor unplugged, check the outlet, power adapter, and barrel connector before contacting support.

14. What Should I Check If My ATO Alarms?

For N-Fill ATO, make sure both float switches move freely and are not blocked by debris, salt buildup, brackets, or nearby magnets. Keep the siphon breaker connector and cover inside the reservoir, with the vent above the reservoir waterline when possible. Keep the refill outlet above the aquarium water surface.

If the pump does not stop when both floats are manually lifted to the shutoff position, disconnect power and contact support before using the unit again.