Thanks for the suggestions guys...

...
"try turning the filter off, and adding water into the filter via the tube from the top with a funnel (should be a little cap you can twist off) and keep filling that up until the water level in your filter is high enough"
I fill the canister until it is almost overflowing when i cap it, then pour thru the tubes, trouble is, it flows out the other tube! lol i had both tubes straight up int the air while trying to pour & & have air come out the other tube & not make a mess...but air would still be in the filter when both tubes are full...
"extra cup of tank water into the filter to have the canister filled to the top, then try turning it on. On one of mine thats what I have to do. "
It just pours out the other tube....
"water line higher than the highest connection on the intake side? You know the blue plastic pieces you slip into one another to make up the intake, if it's not fill the water level up beyond that and shut off the unit, empty the canister and begin the siphon process from the top"
Im not sure...but i will have a look when i get home and try it...
Thanks again...theres still hope!