External Filters

[shrimply]

I recently got a fluval 304 second hand. After trying to get the lid on I managed to break on of the handles so that cost me £3 to replace it. Anyway my first problem is that the starter thing is useless I pump it up and down but the water doesn't think about coming down the tube. So I sucked the end of the tube and attatched the thing back on before I completely soaked the floor. It is now working fine but i would like to know why it didn't start like it was supposed to.

Also all that is in it at the minute is the sponges and a couple of carbon sacks so I really wanted to know what else I should add. The tank will soon be planted so the carbon will no longer be getting used.

Thanks

 

[karlp]

I used to use a Fluval external and from memory, the syphon pump works better if you fill the canister with water first (obviously tank water, not tap water).

Cheers

 

[Ginge]

I used to use a Fluval external and from memory, the syphon pump works better if you fill the canister with water first (obviously tank water, not tap water).

Cheers

Yes i did the same also.

 

[shrimply]

It really doesn't make any difference I cleaned it to day and flooded the living romm while trying to get it working again.

Can anyone help with what to put in it is there anything that you can use that you would find just lying about your house.

 

[smithrc]

how are you flooding the place??

cleaning should not mean removinghte hoses from the tank. disconect the hoses from the canister and move it to the sink. open and clean.

put the lid back on and return it to the tank - attach the hoses again and power it up.

If your having problems re starting it. turn it off and allow the air th ris to the top of the hoses. then pump the primer - hopefully the air will get pushed out on one or other stroke.

then try powering it up again.


as for media - get some ceramics for one of the trays

 

[shrimply]

Ceramics ? Sorry I know nothing about the things.

The primer is useless I can't get it to work. Anyway although it takes a while I think I know what I have to do now to get it started.

 

[smithrc]

Ceramics ? Sorry I know nothing about the things.

The primer is useless I can't get it to work. Anyway although it takes a while I think I know what I have to do now to get it started.

they are porous ceramic peices (sometimes called noodles) they have a large surface area and are great for breeding good bacteria on

place them after the sponge filtration

 

[shrimply]

OK that is great thanks I will look out for them.