Elite 799 User manual

ELITE
AIR PUMPS
799 / 800 / 801 / 802 / 803
LISTED
85E3
E114229

CONGRATULATIONS
On your purchase of an ELITE air pump. So that you may
enjoy your new air pump to the fullest, please take a few
moments to read this instruction booklet to become familiar
with the installation and operation procedures. Be certain to
read the SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS before using your air pump.
IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: To guard against injury, basic safety precautions
should be observed, including the following.
1. For the complete enjoyment, use and understanding of this product
READ AND FOLLOW ALL
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
and all important notices on the appliance before using.
Failure to do so may result in damage to the unit.
2. Danger – To avoid possible electrical shock, special care
should be taken since water is employed in the use of
aquarium equipment. For each of the following situations,
do not attempt repairs yourself; return the appliance to the
manufacturer for service or discard the appliance.
A. DO NOT immerse in water. If the appliance falls into the
water, DON’T reach for it! First unplug it and then retrieve it.
If electrical components of the appliance get wet, unplug the
appliance immediately. (Non-immersible equipment only)
B. Carefully examine the appliance after installation. It should not
be plugged in if there is water on parts not intended to be wet.
C. Do not operate any appliance if it has a damaged cord or plug,
or if it is malfunctioning or if it is dropped or damaged in any
manner. The power cord of this appliance cannot be replaced:
if the cord is damaged, the appliance should be discarded.
Never cut the cord.
D. To avoid the possibility of the appliance plug or receptacle
getting wet, position aquarium stand and tank to one side of a

wall mounted receptacle to prevent
water from dripping onto the receptacle
or plug. The “drip-loop” (see illustration)
should be arranged by the user for each
cord connecting an aquarium appliance
to a receptacle. A “drip-loop” is that part
of the cord below the level of the
receptacle, or the connector if an
extension cord is used, to prevent water
travelling along the cord and coming in
contact with the receptacle. If the plug or
receptacle does get wet, DON’T unplug
the cord. Disconnect the fuse or circuit
breaker that supplies power to the
appliance, then unplug and examine for presence of water in
the receptacle.
3. Close supervision is necessary when an appliance is used by
or near children.
4. To avoid injury, do not contact moving parts or hot parts
such as heaters, reflectors, lamp bulbs, and the like.
5. Always unplug an appliance from an outlet when not in use,
before putting on or taking off parts, and before cleaning.
Never yank cord to pull plug from outlet. Grasp the plug and
pull to disconnect.
6. Do not use an appliance for other than intended use. The
use of attachments not recommended or sold by the
appliance manufacturer may cause an unsafe condition.
7. Do not install or store the appliance where it will be
exposed to weather or to temperatures below freezing.
8. Make sure an appliance mounted on a tank is securely
installed before operating it.
9. Read and observe all the important notices on the
appliance.
10. If an extension cord is necessary, a cord with a proper
rating should be used. A cord rated for less amperes or
watts than the appliance rating may overheat. Care should
be taken to arrange the cord so that it will not be tripped
over or pulled.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Drip-Loop
Check
Valve

INSTALLATION:
The air pump should be installed by following either of the two
recommended methods:
1. Place the air pump on a surface lower than the water level
of the aquarium. To avoid damage from accidentally spilled
water, do not place the air pump directly below the aquarium.
Important: It is recommended to
always use a Check Valve (sold
separately) in the air line between
the air pump and the aquarium.
The Check Valve will help prevent
water from siphoning out of the
aquarium through the air hose and
into the pump in the event of a
power failure, or when removing
filters and other air-driven
accessories from the aquarium.
2. Place the air pump on a surface higher than the water level,
such as a shelf. The surface should
be at least 12 inches (30 cm) higher
than the water level of the
aquarium, but not be positioned
directly above the aquarium. The
surface should have a raised edge to
prevent the air pump from sliding
off. Use a Check Valve (sold
separately) in the air line between
the air pump and the aquarium to
prevent back-siphoning.
Once the air pump has been installed, do the following:
1. Attach one end of the air line tubing (sold separately) to the air
outlet(s) on air pump.
2. Attach the other end of the air line tubing to filter(s), airstone(s),
ornament(s) or any other air-driven aquarium accessory.
Ensure that the airline tubing has no restrictions or kinks.
3. Plug air pump into outlet. Be sure to allow for a “drip loop”
(see illustration).
Check Valve
Check
Valve
Drip-Loop
Drip-Loop

INSTALLATION TIPS:
• The pump should be placed in a location which is dry and
relatively free from dust . Do not place the air pump on
carpet, as fibers might collect on the pump and clog free-
flowing air from entering pump. This will reduce the air
output and the service life of the pump.
• Air control valves with multiple outlets may also be used to
power additional apparatus in the aquarium. When using
multiple air valves, it is recommended to have one more
outlet than required by the accessories; this will be used to
bleed overproduction of air due to back pressure build up.
For more information about back pressure see (BACK
PRESSURE).
• Air Pumps can be used to operate a variety of aquarium
accessories such as air stones, corner filters, under gravel
filters, and ornaments. Follow installation instructions for
your particular aquarium accessory product.
CAUTION:
Care must be taken during installation to ensure that water
cannot siphon out of the aquarium through the air hose and
damage the air pump. To prevent back-siphoning when
removing filter(s), air stone(s), ornament(s) or any other air-
driven aquarium accessory from the aquarium, do the
following:
1. Install a Check Valve
2. Leave the pump running while you disconnect the tubing
from the pump. Disconnect tubing and tape this end of the
tubing to the very top frame of your aquarium.
3. Filter(s), air stone(s) and other air-driven ornaments can now
be safely removed from your aquarium.
AIR FLOW ADJUSTMENT
In order to achieve correct airflow, a balance between the
valve setting and the pump output is necessary. The ideal
setting is obtained by minimum back pressure or nonrestriction
of flow of air. Never physically restrict the output of the pump.
Restriction causes damage to the diaphragm. (SEE BACK
PRESSURE). Adjust air valve output as required.

To regulate air volume using an air control valve with multiple
outlets, it is recommended to have the last valve available to release
excess air pressure build up (see BACK PRESSURE). In regulating
the air pressure, it is best to work from the valve farthest from the
input of the air valve. Remember to have the last valve completely
closed so as not to lose any air pressure. Proceed to make
adjustments on the remaining valves. Once the adjustments are
complete slowly open the last valve to the point where no loss of air
output is noticed from the items controlled by the other valves. To
achieve and maintain an equal balance of air pressure to the
accessories in the aquarium, further adjustments of the air valve
may be required depending on the items powered by the air pump.
Note: If the first valve on the air control assembly is fully
opened, air volume to the remaining outlets will be reduced.
To alleviate excess air pressure or overproduction of air, it is
recommended to open the last valve every 2 weeks, or when
required. In doing this, you will increase the life of the pump
and diaphragms by preventing premature wear.
BACK PRESSURE
Back pressure is the buildup of pressure on the diaphragm due

to restricted air flow. This occurs when excess air is produced
by the air pump, or when the air channels are inadvertantly
blocked. Back pressure over time resulting from clogged air
stones or other air system blockages and restrictions will cause
the diaphragm to expand or rupture. An expanded diaphragm
leads to a loss of air volume while a rupture results in the total
loss of air.
MAINTENANCE
(EXTERNAL APPEARANCE)
Remove dust and grime with a soft, damp cloth. Do not
immerse pump in water.
AIR STONE, AIR LINE, AND
ORNAMENT MAINTENANCE
This pump requires no regular internal maintenance during its
life. The rest of the air system should be periodically checked
and cleaned.
• Air lines should be carefully inspected whenever standard
aquarium maintenance is performed. Adjust, or if required,
replace all sections which are pinched, kinked, or otherwise
damaged.
• All attached air-driven aquarium ornaments should be regularly
maintained. Algae growths should be removed from moving parts
and kept as clean as possible. Internal air tubes should be cleaned.
• Air stones should be kept clean and free of debris or algae
build-up. The ideal situation is to replace them every month,
alternating with an extra set which has been dried over that
period and cleaned before being placed in the aquarium.
Two complete sets of air stones alternately changed each
month will extend the life of the air stones and help keep
back pressure to a minimum.
Clogged airstones and air-driven aquarium ornaments will lead
to low air pressure output and also reduce the life of the
diaphragms.

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS
If the air pump fails to produce air, check the following:
1. Ensure that the air pump is plugged in.
2. Ensure that there are no blockages in the air hose assembly
and that all valves allow air passage. If no air is produced
by the accessories in the aquarium, remove the airline from
the pump and ensure that air is being produced.
3. If the air pump produces no output, the most common
problem encountered with any air pump is a ripped or
weakened diaphragm. Inspect the diaphragm for tears or
rips. Any opening in the diaphragm will make it impossible
for the pump to produce air for aeration purposes. Always
inspect the diaphragm first before replacing other parts in
the pump.
REMOVING THE PUMP
Whenever the air pump must be shut off and removed from the
aeration system, always take off the air line before the pump is
unplugged. This will prevent water from siphoning back into
the pump. If the air line cannot be removed before unplugging
the power cord, raise the pump above the water level.

REPLACEMENT PARTS
Repair kits for all wearable parts are available for all ELITE,
MAXIMA, MAXIMA-R, and OPTIMA Air Pumps. These can be
easily obtained at your local aquarium and pet supply store.
Failure of the electric coil, or any other electrical part requires
proper service, and should be returned to the manufacturer for
repairs or replacement (see warranty for full details).
Art. #A-18030: Elite 799 Repair Kit
Art. #A-18080: Elite 800/801/802 Repair Kit
Art. #A-18190: Elite 803 Repair Kit
Art. #A-18285: Maxima/Maxima-R Repair Module
Art. #A-18330: Maxima/Maxima-R/Optima Repair Kit
Art. #A-18335: Optima Repair Module

ACCESSORIES
Elite Check Valve
Art. #A-1165
Prevents damage to air pump from back-
siphoning in the event of electrical power failure
or when removing air-driven ornaments and
accessories from aquarium.
Elite Air Control Valves
Customize your aquarium set-up with
Elite Air Control Valves.
Art. #A-1178:
Elite 2-way Air Control Valve
Art. #A-1179:
Elite 3-way Air Control Valve
Art. #A-1180:
Elite 4-way Air Control Valve
Art. #A-1181:
Elite 5-way Air Control Valve
Elite Flex-Air Tubing
Soft, pliable tubing that will not harden. Remains kink-resistant
for long periods. For filters, pumps, valves, air-driven
aquarium ornaments and accessories.
Art. #A-1123: Elite Flex-Air Tubing
3 M (10 ft)
Art. #A-1124: Elite Flex-Air Tubing
6 M (20 ft)