Starting An External Filter After Cleaning

[fry_lover]

These are specifically to do with Eheim 2028's but i guess the principles apply to a range of externals.

When i want to inspect or clean the media, i drain the cannister of water, check the media, then fill up the cannister with tank water. Once the filter is almost completely full of water (about 1" from the top rim of cannister) i put the filter head back on and prime once or twice then plug in an it starts.

Questions-

1. Is it best to do it this way regarding water content in cannister when starting or should i be leaving the cannister empty of water and just prime the filter until it's full of water once the head is back on?

2. Am i right in thinking you only prime the filter when the power is off?

3. Does it matter if my in-flow pipe begins half-way up the tank? (i.e. tank is 24" high and in-flow pipe and plastic mesh are start at about 12" tank height)

I just wanted to check a few things to make sure i am giving my externals their best chance to work as efficiently as they can.

 

[rabbut]

1. Is it best to do it this way regarding water content in cannister when starting or should i be leaving the cannister empty of water and just prime the filter until it's full of water once the head is back on?

I find this method has been prone to caursing air locks with any filter I've used. I don't run Pro2's though, so your mileage may vary.

2. Am i right in thinking you only prime the filter when the power is off?

Correct, bar the exeption of one brand that primes itself after being pluged in. Priming the filter while switched on makes it run dry, and can damage the motor...

3. Does it matter if my in-flow pipe begins half-way up the tank? (i.e. tank is 24" high and in-flow pipe and plastic mesh are start at about 12" tank height)

Works for me

 

[fry_lover]

1. Is it best to do it this way regarding water content in cannister when starting or should i be leaving the cannister empty of water and just prime the filter until it's full of water once the head is back on?

I find this method has been prone to caursing air locks with any filter I've used. I don't run Pro2's though, so your mileage may vary.

2. Am i right in thinking you only prime the filter when the power is off?

Correct, bar the exeption of one brand that primes itself after being pluged in. Priming the filter while switched on makes it run dry, and can damage the motor...

3. Does it matter if my in-flow pipe begins half-way up the tank? (i.e. tank is 24" high and in-flow pipe and plastic mesh are start at about 12" tank height)

Works for me

Thanks Rabbut

With regards your first point, do you mean that filling the cannister to the top with water then putting the head on can cause air locks? I think i do actually remember reading something along these lines on another site.

Thanks for input

 

[rabbut]

^^ Correct