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Auto-Clean & Deep Cleaning GuideUpdated a month ago


Regular cleaning is essential to keep your aF4 operating at peak performance and to prevent bacteria growth inside the unit. This guide covers both the routine Auto-Clean cycle and the full deep clean process.

⚠️ Never activate Auto-Clean while the output tube is directed into the aquarium. Running a clean cycle will flush the full contents of the reservoir through the system. Always redirect the output tube to a sink, drain, or container before starting.

How often to clean

We recommend performing a full Auto-Clean cycle between every reservoir refill. The process only takes a few minutes and will keep the aF4 running smoothly and minimize any bacteria growth in the system.

Failing to maintain the aF4 can result in bacteria growth inside the unit, which risks contaminating the food entering your aquarium.

Part 1 — Manual pre-clean

Before running an Auto-Clean cycle, manually clean the key areas where food is most likely to accumulate.

Tools recommended:The inD Aquatics Cleaning Kit includes brushes specifically designed for the aF4 — sized to reach inside the tubing and clean between the probe holding teeth of the reservoir where food tends to stick most.

Steps:

  1. Remove the aF4 from the aquarium and empty the reservoir
  2. Rinse the reservoir with warm water, using the reservoir brush to scrub all surfaces — pay particular attention to the spaces between the probe holding teeth, as this is where food is most likely to accumulate
  3. Using a straw cleaning brush, scrub the inside of the black intake tubing and the gray output tubing as deeply as the brush will reach
  4. Using the straw cleaning brush, clean the inside of the food intake tubing and the temperature probe
  5. Fill the reservoir with approximately 180-200 mL of hot water
  6. Replace the reservoir in the aF4, along with the food intake tubing and temperature probe
  7. Place the ends of the gray output tube and black intake tube into the reservoir — you can leave them in the tank mount if preferred
  8. This setup allows the aF4 to recirculate as it cleans

Part 2 — Auto-Clean cycle with cleaning tablet

The Auto-Clean function cycles the pump and solenoid, pushing liquid through the entire internal system. It works in the same way as a descaling cycle on a coffee machine — flushing and sanitizing all internal pathways.

Steps:

  1. Drop one inD Aquatics cleaning tablet into the reservoir
  2. Allow the tablet to fully dissolve — this takes approximately 15–20 minutes. For a more thorough clean, allow it to soak for longer
  3. Press and hold the Auto-Clean button for 10-15 seconds — the Auto-Clean LED will illuminate and you will hear the solenoids cycling
  4. Allow the cycle to complete — it will finish in approximately 3 minutes. The end is signaled by a beep and the Auto-Clean LED turning off

Cleaning tablets: inD Aquatics cleaning tablets are non-toxic — no evidence of harm to aquatic life or the environment has been found from their use. They will not degrade the food-grade silicone tubing used in the aF4. Use of third-party or homemade cleaning solutions is not recommended. Replacement tablets are available at indaquatics.com.

Part 3 — Post-clean rinse

After the Auto-Clean cycle, flush the system thoroughly to clear all cleaning solution before reloading food.

Steps:

  1. Empty the reservoir and rinse it thoroughly with clean water
  2. Fill the reservoir nearly full with clean water
  3. Fill a 12oz cup with warm water and submerge the end of the black intake tube in it
  4. Direct the gray output tube into a sink, drain, or large container
  5. Run the Auto-Clean cycle again to flush the cleaning solution from the system
  6. Once complete, empty the reservoir and refill it with clean water. Refill the cup for the black intake tube as well
  7. Press Feed Now on the 50 mL setting to flush the system
  8. Press Feed Now once more on the 50 mL setting with an empty reservoir and empty cup to clear the remaining water from the system

Your aF4 is now clean and ready to be reloaded with food.

Important notes

  • Always make every effort to prevent cleaning solution from entering the aquarium. While the tablets are non-toxic, directing clean cycles away from the tank is best practice
  • Do not use bleach or other household cleaning products inside the aF4
  • Third-party cleaning solutions are not recommended — use only inD Aquatics cleaning tablets for best results

Questions about cleaning? Submit a support ticket and our team will help.

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