Eheim Filter help (It won't fill up with water now)

[zhasan]

Hi, I'm setting up my new for me Eheim filter. It was previously used as a saltwater filter for a while so I'm wondering if I NEED to run it through Vinegar/water solution..

Also can I use the old media? The old substrat pro and the coarse media? Should I just boil it or run it through the vinegar/water solution?

Or should I just replace all media all together?

I'm already replacing the pipes for the filter and will be hooking up my inline heater with it.

Thanks for you help in Advance!!

Zee.

[The Guy]

Hi Zee: I got a XP1 that was used on SW to use in 1 of my FW tanks so I boiled the media and replaced the sponge and it worked out ok and I had no problems.

[tony1928]

I don't see any problems either. I've used sw filters again in fw and no problems. Might be nice to use the vinegar to get rid of some of the sw deposits but other than that, you should be good to go.

[hp10BII]

It's very good media, the substrat pro is sintered glass and the pores may be clogged with organics limiting it's bio capacity. I would consider soaking in a bleach/water solution to unclogged the pores.

[zhasan]

Thank for your replies everyone!

How many parts bleach and water should be used for the bleach/water solution? Also how long should it be soaked for? Is there any chance of bleach trace elements wiping out my tank?

[The Guy]

That's why I boil and not bleach, although I have done bleach method as well but I just feel better boiling the media.

[hp10BII]

The same way I regenerate Purigen, bleach to water 50/50. Just be sure to use dechlor to remove any traces of bleach:

Seachem. Purigen

[zhasan]

Hi guys, so I cleaned it all up and hooked up the filter and now the water won't come down to the filter for some reason. I followed everything exactly as It is listed in the filter manual. I see some bubbles coming out of the output and a little bit of water trickling down the intake line but it stops after 5 seconds... Any thoughts or tricks you might know of?

Would excess slack in the tubing cause this problem? I have about 3 - 4 inch slack in my tubing. I was scared of cutting it too short and in the process I ended up cutting it a little too big.

[tony1928]

What model of Eheim is this? Did you try the prime button? That sucks water into the intake. Also, you should begin with the filter full of water before plugging it in. In fact, I think the Eheim intake kits have a cap at the top of the intake hose that you use to fill the hose with water. The more water you get into the hose, the easier it will be for the filter. Also, positioning of the filter is critical. Ideally, the entire filter needs to be below the bottom of the tank for the siphon to work properly. I've placed my filter on the counter top along with my tank and the filter really struggles with the siphon.

You mention you have some slack but that's normally not a big problem unless the slack is causing a big "U".

[charles]

I have a different approach to start a canister...

Never fill the filter up with water. Have everything empty. Then put you intake in your tank. Then grab the outflow and give it a couple of good suction with your mouth. You won't drink any water. Then put the outflow in the tank. You will then hear and see bubbles coming from your outflow.

The water is being pull down by gravity causing it to push the air out through your outflow and that is why you see the bubbles. Once the bubble stops, then plug it in. Works every time.