Tetrafauna Viquarium User manual

Viquarium™
The Tetrafauna®Viquarium™will convert an ordinary aquarium into an aqua-terrarium, a combination of an aquarium and terrarium, which has a dry land part for terrestrial animals, a
water section for aquatic reptiles, amphibians and fish, and a divider part which allows amphibian animals to easily move from one section to the other.
A diverse group of animals can be maintained in Tetrafauna’s Viquarium. In the water section, fish and aquatic animals, such as African Clawed Frogs, will be at home. On the land
part, animals which normally live near water or those that require a high degree of humidity can be kept. Anoles and some species of geckos will do fine here, as will many tree frogs
and poison dart frogs. But the most interesting group of animals that can be kept in the Viquarium are those amphibians which divide their time between life in the water and life on
land. (i.e. aquatic turtles, newts, etc.)
Tetrafauna’s Viquarium will fit most aquariums that are at least 24” long, have a width of 12”-13, and a height of 16” or more. Most standard-sized 20 gal high, 29 gal, 40 gal and 55 gal
tanks can be used.
Filter box with filter chambers
(includes 2 chamber lids)
RepoFilter®medium cartridges (2)
Rubber spacers (2)
Pump chamber
80 GPH UL
submersible
pump
Riverbed
Waterfall lid
Waterfall
Riverbed extension
VIQUARIUM COMPONENTS
Place the outlet on pump
and then attach it to the
waterfall unit. Tip–Lubricate
the pump outlet with water
to ease assembly. Place the
waterfall unit on top of the
pump chamber. Make sure
the pump lies in vertically in
the chamber. Note–Make sure
the waterfall sits securely on
top of pump chamber. Do not
plug in the water pump yet.
Note–The waterfall has a built-
in fogger platform if you want
to use a fogger unit (fogger
not included). Follow fogger
manufacturer instructions.
LAND SECTION
1. Verify that the Viquarium
assembly has not shifted
position within the tank.
Then carefully fill the land
portion with washed, coarse
gravel (not included), with a
pebble size of about / ”–½”,
up to about ¼” from the
top of the filtration box and
the top of the walls of the
riverbed. Depending upon
the size of the land area,
between 45 to 65 lbs are
needed.
2. The gravel can be covered
with dried moss (available at
most dealers). If desired, you
can collect some patches of
live moss. Piece together to
form a continuous carpet on
top of the gravel; it gives a
more natural appearance.
3. For decorating the land area,
many species are available
in garden shops and flower
centers. Obviously only
plants that thrive in a very
humid environment should
be considered. Most ferns,
many types of ivy, pothos
and philodendron are fine
plants for the Viquarium.
Shake off most of the soil
and plant directly into
the gravel. For other
decorations, rocks, small
pieces of driftwood and
tree branches (cut to the
appropriate size) can be
used. Another option is to
use artificial plants. With
little imagination, very
striking set-ups can be
achieved.
WATER SECTION
4. As in an aquarium, the
bottom of the Viquarium’s
water section should be
covered with a layer of
gravel. Use fine or medium
gravel. Note–Do not use the
coarse gravel used in the
land area, as it will trap too
many food particles.
5. Fill the aquatic section with
tap water. As the water
section is filled, water will
also seep through the
openings in the wall and
into the gravel of the land
area. This is normal. During
the operation, the water
will be drawn through the
filter cartridge in the filter
chamber. If there is a small
amount of water bypassing
the filter chamber, it will still
be filtered through the gravel
in the land area and will help
prevent stagnant areas in the
gravel. Fill the water section
using the min and max
water level lines marked on
the outer sides of the pump
chamber as a guideline.
6. Now you can plug in the
water pump.
7. Aquatic and bog plants
(available in most dealers)
can be planted here. In
addition, any decoration
which is safe for an aquarium
may be used.
Place the filtration box into the
tank (inserting sideways) and
place at the bottom of the tank
(or Viquarium) with the rock
facing the water section.
2
Place the pump chamber snugly
in the selected corner.
3
7
There may be small gaps
on each end of the filtration
box and the tank. Aquariums
differ in width depending on
the manufacturer. To bridge
that gap, use the appropriate
spacer(s) to seal and lock the
filtration box in place.
5
Using the alignment posts, position the riverbed section
between the pump chamber and the filtration box. Then turn
the filtration box to correctly position it in the tank. Note–If you
decide to have a larger land area, add the riverbed extension.
Align holes and posts on both ends. Assemble the river section
as shown.
4
Remove the filter cartridges from the packaging. Rinse them
under cold tap water to remove carbon dust, and place them
into the slot of each chamber. Push the cartridge until it hits the
bottom and place lids to close chambers.
6
Decide whether the land portion of the Viquarium should be on
the right or left side of the aquarium as seen from the front. The
Viquarium can be assembled either way.
1
HOW TO ASSEMBLE TETRAFAUNA’S VIQUARIUM
*Replace filter cartridges
every four weeks or
sooner for optimal
performance.
8
Place waterfall lid.
38

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
READ AND FOLLOW ALL
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING- To guard against injury, basic safety precautions should be observed, including the following.
1. Read and follow all of the following safety instructions, as well as all notices on the appliance.
2. DANGER - Since water is employed in the use of aquarium equipment, special care should be taken to avoid
electric shock. For each of the following situations, do not attempt to repair the appliance yourself. Return it
to an authorized service facility for service, or discard it.
A. If the appliance shows any signs of abnormal water leakage,
unplug it immediately.
B. Carefully examine the appliance after installation. It should not
be plugged in if there is water on parts not intended to get wet.
C. Do not operate any appliance if it has a damaged cord or plug, if
it is malfunctioning, or if it has been dropped or damaged in any
manner.
3. To avoid the possibility of water dripping onto the appliance plug or outlet,
position aquarium stand and tank to one side of a wall-mounted outlet. A
“drip loop” (see illustration A) should be arranged for each cord connecting an aquarium appliance to an
outlet. The “drip loop” is the part of the cord below the level of the outlet (or extension cord connector) that
prevents water from traveling along the cord to the outlet. If the plug or outlet gets wet, do not unplug the
cord. Disconnect the fuse or circuit breaker that supplies power to the appliance. Then unplug the appliance
and examine the outlet for presence of water.
4. If an extension cord is necessary, a cord with a proper rating should be used. A cord rated for fewer
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.
5. Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used by or near children.
6. To avoid injury, do no touch moving parts, or hot parts such as heaters, reflectors, lamp bulbs, etc.
7. Always unplug an appliance from an outlet when it is not in use, before putting on or taking off its parts, and
before cleaning it. Never yank cord to pull plug from outlet. Grasp the plug and pull to disconnect.
8. Do not use an appliance for other than its intended use. The use of attachments not recommended or sold
by the appliance manufacturer may cause an unsafe condition.
9. Do not install or store the appliance where it will be exposed to the weather or to temperatures below
freezing.
10. Make sure the appliance is securely installed before operating it.
11. If this appliance is equipped with a polarized plug, one of the plug’s blades will be wider than the other. A
polarized plug fits into a polarized outlet only one way. If plug does not fit fully into the outlet, reverse the
plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician. Never use with an extension cord unless plug can
be fully inserted. Do not attempt to defeat this safety feature.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
MESURES DE PROTECTION IMPORTANTES
LIRE ET SE CONFORMER À TOUTES
LES INSTRUCTIONS DE SÉCURITÉ
AVERTISSEMENT- Pour éviter des blessures, respecter les précautions de base sur la sécurité, qui incluent ce
qui suit :
1. Lire et suivre toutes les instructions de sécurité ci-dessous, de même que tous les avis apposés sur
l’appareil.
2. DANGER - Comme de l’eau est utilisée pour l’équipement de l’aquarium, faire particulièrement attention
pour éviter un choc électrique. Dans chacun des cas suivants, ne pas tenter de réparer vous-même
l’appareil. Le retourner à un centre de service autorisé pour le faire réparer, ou encore jeter l’appareil.
A. Si l’appareil montre un quelconque signe de fuite d’eau
anormale, le débrancher immédiatement.
B. Examiner soigneusement l’appareil après son installation. Il ne
doit pas être branché si de l’eau est présente sur des pièces non
conçues pour entrer en contact avec de l’eau.
C. N’utiliser aucun appareil dont le cordon ou la prise est
endommagé, qui fonctionne mal ou qui a subi une chute ou un
dommage quelconque.
3. Pour éviter que de l’eau ne dégoute sur la fiche de l’appareil ou sur la prise, placer le support de l’aquarium
et le réservoir sur un côté de la prise murale. Former une « boucle d’égouttement » (voir l’illustration A) pour
chaque cordon électrique connecté d’un appareil de l’aquarium à une prise. La « boucle d’égouttement
» est la portion du cordon située plus bas que la prise (ou du connecteur du cordon prolongateur), et
empêche l’eau de couler le long du cordon et d’entrer en contact avec la prise. Si la fiche ou la prise entre
en contact avec de l’eau, ne pas débrancher le cordon. Débrancher le fusible ou le disjoncteur qui alimente
l’appareil en électricité. Débrancher ensuite l’appareil et examiner la prise pour y détecter de l’eau.
4. Si un cordon prolongateur s’avère nécessaire, en utiliser un dont les caractéristiques nominales conviennent
à l’appareil. Un cordon conçu pour moins d’ampères ou de watts que ceux requis par l’appareil peut
surchauffer. Veiller à placer le cordon de manière à ce qu’il ne puisse faire trébucher ou être tiré.
5. Une surveillance attentive est requise lorsque tout appareil est utilisé par des enfants ou à proximité de
ceux -ci.
6. Pour éviter des blessures, ne pas toucher des pièces en mouvement ou chaudes, comme des radiateurs,
des réflecteurs, des ampoules électriques, etc.
7. Toujours débrancher un appareil d’une prise lorsqu’il n’est pas utilisé, avant d’y ajouter ou d’en enlever des
pièces et avant de le nettoyer. Ne jamais tirer d’un coup sec sur le cordon pour le débrancher d’une prise.
Saisir la fiche et la tirer pour débrancher.
8. N’utiliser un appareil que pour l’usage pour lequel il a été conçu. L’utilisation d’accessoires non
recommandés ou vendus par le fabricant de l’appareil pourrait créer une situation à risque.
9. Ne pas installer ou entreposer l’appareil dans un endroit où il sera exposé à des conditions climatiques ou à
des températures inférieures au point de congélation.
10. S’assurer que l’appareil est installé de façon sécuritaire avant de l’utiliser.
11. Si cet appareil est muni d’une fiche polarisée, une de ses lames est plus large que l’autre. Une fiche
polarisée s’insère d’une seule façon dans une prise. Si la fiche n’ entre pas dans la prise, inverser la fiche.
Si elle n’entre toujours pas, contacter un électricien qualifié. Ne jamais utiliser un cordon prolongateur dont
la fiche ne peut pas être insérée complètement. Ne pas tenter de contourner le dispositif de sécurité.
CONSERVER CES INSTRUCTIONS
Questions? Problems? Missing Parts?
Before returning the product, please call our Customer Care Department at 800-
423-6458, Monday–Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Eastern USA Time or email us
at consumer@tetra-fish.com. Our Customer Care Department is here to provide
assistance to help you solve your problem.
Untied Pet Group, Inc. (UPG)
3001 Commerce Street., Blacksburg, VA 24060-6671, USA
www.tetrafauna.com • 1-800-526-0650
® Registered Trademark of United Pet Group, Inc.
or one of its subsidiaries.
© 2014 UPG
MADE IN CHINA.
ACCESSORIES
Covers for the Viquarium
Cover the Viquarium with a well-fitting screen (available at your pet dealer). Some
models come with cut-outs for routing electrical cords through – a most convenient
feature. Screens provide ventilation, but also cause heat loss. Instead, experiment by
partially covering the screen with solid glass or plastic sheet. Solid or hinged pieces of
may be used to cover the Viquarium, but other means of ventilation must be provided.
Purchase a small Whisper®air pump with the appropriated tubing length. Run the air
line into the Viquarium and plug in the pump. Even the smallest air pump can provide
enough renewed air in a tank every 1-2 hours.
Lighting
Lighting is important for your Viquarium. A light fixture with the adequate light spectrum is
required for keeping most amphibians, as well as for growing plants and mosses. Many
turtles and other reptiles require a heat radiating light source. A combination of UV and
incandescent light is ideal. Ask your dealer to recommend the best lighting that suits
your needs.
Heating
The temperature to be maintained in the Viquarium depends entirely upon the species of
fish and other animals to be kept. If a heat radiating incandescent light is used, it is not
always necessary to install a separate heater for the aquatic portion of the Viquarium.
However, if suitable temperature is not achieved with a heat lamp, a submersible heater
like Tetrafauna's Aquatic Reptile Heater may be used. Ask your dealer.
MAINTENANCE
Land Section
As in any enclosure where animals are kept, cleanliness is an important part of your
maintenance. Droppings and uneaten food must be removed on a regular basis.
Climbing animals like tree frogs frequently defecate on leaves and stems of plants, as
well as on the Viquarium glass walls. A wet sponge and/or paper towel can be used
to clean up. If live plants are used, there may be an occasional dead leaf that should
be removed, and vigorously growing plants may have to be pruned or replaced with
smaller ones.
Water Section
The water section should be maintained much like an aquarium. The filter cartridges
should be changed once every month or sooner if the filter is clogged or the animal
population is high. Also, be sure to keep the front slots of the filter chamber clear of
debris. This can cause the gravel portion of the land section to dry out, affecting the
efficiency of the water pump. If debris builds up, it can easily be removed. Simply pull
the cartridge out of the chamber and push a butter knife through the intake slots.
Avoid overfeeding. Any food that is not consumed quickly by the fish or other animals
will rot and cause pollution. Remove uneaten food promptly and feed less next time.
Partial water changes of 25%-50% are highly recommended and should be made
weekly, even though the water tends to be very clear in the Viquarium. Dissolved
pollutants, resulting from the metabolism of fish and other animals, plus the increasing
concentrations of minerals and salts in mineral salts in the water due to evaporation, will
create unsuitable conditions for the animals in the long run. This can be prevented with
regular partial water changes.
*Tip
–Use Tetrafauna's AquaSafe®for Reptiles and Amphibians every time water is added to the
tank.
LIMITED TWO-YEAR WARRANTY
United Pet Group, Inc. (UPG) warrants the products listed below against defects in material and
workmanship for the specified number of years from the date of original purchase.
If the product exhibits such a defect, UPG will repair or replace it without cost for parts or labor. The product
must be shipped postpaid to UPG (3001 Commerce Street, Blacksburg, VA 24060). Proof of purchase is
required. You are responsible for proper wrapping and the payment of shipping.
This warranty does not cover damage caused by accident, misuse, abuse or failure to follow product
instructions. All implied warranties, including any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for any
purpose, are limited to two years from date of original purchase.
In no event will UPG be liable for consequential damages resulting from the use of this product. Some
states/provinces do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the
above limitation may not apply to you.
This warranty provides specific legal rights. You may have other legal rights that vary from state/province to
state/province.
GARANTIE LIMITÉE DE DEUX ANS
United Pet Group, Inc. (UPG) garantit les produits énumérés ci-dessous contre les défauts de
matières premières et de fabrication pour le nombre d’années spécifié à partir de la date d’achat
original.
Si le produit présente un tel défaut, UPG le réparera ou le remplacera sans frais de pièce ou de
main-d’œuvre. Le produit doit être expédié port payé à UPG (3001 Commerce Street, Blacksburg,
VA 24060). Une preuve d’achat est requise. Vous êtes responsable de l’emballage et du paiement
des frais d’expédition.
Cette garantie ne couvre pas les dommages causés par un accident, une utilisation incorrecte ou
abusive ni le non-respect du mode d’emploi du produit. Toutes les garanties implicites, y compris
toute garantie de valeur marchande ou d’aptitude à un usage particulier, sont limitées à deux ans à
compter de la date d’achat original.
En aucun cas UPG ne saurait être tenu responsable des dommages indirects liés à l’utilisation de
ce produit. Certains États/provinces ne permettent pas l’exclusion ni la limitation des dommages
accessoires ou indirects; les limitations qui précèdent peuvent donc ne pas s’appliquer dans votre
cas.
Cette garantie confère des droits légaux spécifiques. Vous pouvez jouir d’autres droits qui varient
d’un État/d’une province à l’autre.
Drip loop
Power
supply
cord
Illustration A
boucle
d'égouttement
Illustration A
25931-901 Rev. B