Eheim Classic 2213 Query

[johnatkin]

I have recently bought an eheim classic 2213 External filter and am needing to add some more sand to my tank. I have read that it is best to switch off the filter when adding sand as it can damage the filter. It came with double taps and what I need to know is can I just switch the taps off when adding the sand or do I need to switch the filter off completely and whether this will mean I need to prime it again?

 

[Bloo]

Just switch the filter off. No need to close the taps. Unless you plan on dropping the water level while just adding the sand ? Which you don't need to do anyway.

Remember to pre-wash your sand well. If I add sand to an existing setup, I just take a cup full at a time and gently lower it into the water. Turn cup over and disperse sand. Always works perfectly for me !

No need even to remove fish or anything.

Ps: After you've added sand, just flick the filter switch and power up again. All should be fine.

 

[johnatkin]

Thanks for that Bloo. Do you use an Ehiem Classic?

 

[Bloo]

Thanks for that Bloo. Do you use an Ehiem Classic?

Yes - the 2213

 

[johnatkin]

When you disconnect the filter to clean it then re-connect it do you ever have problems priming it again? I haven't had to clean it yet but have heard some horror stories about them being a bit of a pig to prime again after cleaning. I had no problems priming it when I first set it up. I presume you just switch both sets of double taps of, disconnect it, clean, re-connect then switch them on again. Is that correct? Is it best to switch the filter off as well? Sorry about all the questions but it's the first external I have used, only used internals and trickle filter previously.

 

[Silverlady]

Yes switch filter off then close both sets of taps.

 

[norbie]

I have the same filter and just moved it today.

After cleaning it, your intake pipe into the filter should still have water in upto the tap. If this is below water level then it will naturally act as a syphon and it will all start itself going (as I found earlier when i didn't have the tap done up (Yes I got water everywhere lol)

If the pipe doens't have water in just give it a suck like a gravel cleaner to get the syphon started, do the tap up and connect it to the filter. Turn filter on, turn taps on and it should all go!

 

[Bloo]

Yes - mine was one of those horror stories when I had to prime it again after my first clean.
The initial setup (brand new) was no problem at all.

But when it came to the first clean, it all went horribly wrong because I just didn't understand how external filters work.

Firstly, I didn't know that I had to open the taps to release the vacuum so that I can actually open the top (oops!)

Then when it was all nicely cleaned – for the life of me I couldn’t get it to prime again. I tried everything and ended up (literally) in tears and everything was wet with tank water.

So: to avoid all of that – remember to open the taps to release the pressure to open the filter.

Then to prime it: (fill tank again first) reconnect canister (empty!). Then open the INLET taps and let the water run into the canister. Once it stops running in, open the OULET tap and wait till the air is pushed out and the water starts pushing up slightly into the outlet pipe.

THEN flick the power switch and start the filter running again.

Hope that helps

 

[johnatkin]

Yes that helped a lot and thanks for all your help