What Is Ment By "primeing" An External Filter?

[super-MAGuire]

I have no real experience of external filters, however thinking of setting up a tetratec 1200. Just curious what "priming" the filter?

I have cleaned an external before a aqua one 2450 filter, and siphoned water though the inlet pipe before reattatching it to the tap. If you dont prime it, does it cause any damage ect ect.

So how would i prime each of these filters, what does it do? cheers

if you are careful, you should only have to "prime" the pump once. (well strictly speaking never)

if, after you clean it,. you refill the filter with tank water. and providing the pipes have been turned off, simply reconnecting the pipes and switching on the filter, should do the trick.
however if the water level falls below the outlet pipe, you will need to prime it.
but basboi85 suggests a way that will work for all externals.

I only found my way out as a experiment that worked well luckily plus when I do a weekly w/c I use a long bit of hose attach it to the return pipe and let the filter do the hard work for me emptying the water whilst I get on with the rest of the cleaning

And remember if you do choose to use method I use

AS SOON AS THE SYPHON STARTS TAKE PIPE AWAY FROM MOUTH

As you WILL get a mouth full of water that doesn't taste very nice.

1st hand experience lol

Yeah, i have found fish tank water in my mouth... well just say alot! never mind! haha

Good news is i tested the filter in the sink for over a hour... and it ran nice and silent... no leaking and well a fair old whirl pool in the sink, i think it may be a bit much for my 125litre... might modify a intake as a long spray bar style along the bottom of the tank, hidden behind plants and bogwood... and then the outlet as a submerged spray bar under the water by a couple of inches to stop fountains flooding my house!

I will also need to cut my cabinate (a juwel rio 125) to fit the LARGE tetratec ex1200 in, anyone done this, as i am worried about the structure and not suppoirting the wieght of +120kg of water and sand ect ect..

The jubilee clips seem to work a treat too if anyone strugglers for taps, a snug pipe, vasoline and clip... winner!

Also if anyone else need a hand with a tertatec. It is super easy to tackle, I think 12 screws, 6 or 8 o rings max, and 1 or 2 gasket type material things.... So a doddle, instead of £+60 for a new one. Give me a shout if you get stuck, or if your near newcastle just drop in.