75 G. PLEASE, I NEED HELP choosing Eheim canister ASAP!

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Except for the first time installation or when the intake pipe had to be removed out of water for some reason, the siphon is still there so no need for sucking the output hose. And you don't need to remove the intake pipe when cleaning the filter. Here's what I do step-by-step when cleaning one of my 5 classic's:

1. Turn off the power
2. Switch off the double tap connectors on both intake and output (4 switches total)
3. Disconnect the hoses and remove the canister
4. Drain water from the canister to a 5g bucket, dump the media into it and give it a good clean
(Note: don't try to open or close the lid when all the valves are close)
5. Clean the impeller housing if needed
6. Put the media back and close the canister lid (remember to have the valves on the hoses open or you won't have a tight close)

Priming:
1. First time (or when siphon is lost):
a. Install all hoses per instructions with all valves on double-tab open
b. With the outlet connector not attached and the inlet attached, suck on the outlet
c. Quickly attach the outlet connector (you'll have about 5-7 seconds to do this)
d. Wait for water to fill the canister fully, and optionally give it a shake to purge any air from the canister, plug in the power

or

2. After cleaning with inlet siphon still remained:
a. Drain water from the output hose (simply lift it out of the tank water, open its valve at the double-tab and catch the water with a cup)
b. Put the outlet pipe back in the tank and connect the double-tabs on both inlet and outlet
c. With the outlet valve open, now open up the inlet valve. The siphon should kick in and fill the canister with water.
d. Same as 1.d above

The process may seem long with my step-by-step instructions above, but it's very simple on the second time onward. I can get one cleaned in 10 minutes if the media is not very dirty.

Don't use the spray bar if you prefer a little more current from the output.

And most if not all canister filters will auto-restart after a power outage so no worries there.
 
Oh man you are all great help. I suck hoses to start water changes, I hang the siphon out a window. BUT I can SEE the water getting closer so I don't end up with a mouthful. I bet canister hoses aren't see-thru huh?
Oh well.
Are there any kind of diffusers for adjusting output hose current, & would that be an accessory I have to buy separate? are the 2217's already able to be directed wherever we want in tank?

I live HOURS away from Aq stores. My husbands' trip today is the only reason I MIGHT be able to find things at walk-in stores.
Ya if that doesn't workout, I'll have go with mail order.
 
PS. and just to clarify: WHEN (Not 'if') I get short power outtages, everything will restart automatically, RIGHT? bcuz sometimes I get 'em in repeated waves.
 
oh, duh. I overlooked nate's last sentence. never mind last Q.
 
Barb, if the output flow seems too much, you can slightly close the output valve ONLY. This will reduce the flow but also reduce the amount of water being filtered.

All the Classic series filters come with a spray bar that can easily be rotated to direct the flow of water where you want it. Some people enlarge the holes to reduce the velocity of the water OR they make their own longer length spraybar using the appropriate diameter of PVC pipe and drill holes in the pipe.

You can also purchase an accessory part called a wide mouth outlet pipe that replaces the spray bar section.
 
Dee & everyone, THANKS!
I'm ordering the 2217 eheims online. probably get their media bags for the chemical layers. it'll make me feel like I almost have baskets. LOL.
One more question: Has anyone used Eheim's "Priming Aid" tool? it's for getting the classics started. I think it eliminates sucking, which seems pretty gross on a dirty canister.

I'm appreciating all the help!
 
well I ordered two eheim 2217's. still waiting for them, due to online delay.
I hope some of U will be around if I need technical help bcuz my husband will be away for a whole week!
I was surprised to read how BIG these things are. My cabinet will be full.

I want to put some Ammo-chips in them, using media bags. Eheim seems to send them somewhat lacking in chemical media. Will that be OK: not mess up the flow rate? I want to load them both the same, for most 'insurance' and flexibility. When I start another tank, I can move an established filter to it and put a new one on old tank, etc...
 
im not sure about you but whenever i have to suck a hose to get water out of the tank. I never put my mouth directly on the tube. I cover the rim of the hose with my fingers to keep me from putting my mouth on the hole. I hope that makes sense? I have never used a eheim but all the canisters i have came across, as long as you don't remove the intake hose from the water and break the siphon. You should not have a problem with it restarting by itself. Hope that helps
 
I personally don't use 'chemical' media in any of my filters as I haven't seen the need for it. Media won't affect the flow rate unless you pack the filter with floss.

I haven't used the priming tool. If you are leery of using your mouth to suck on the output hose to start the initial priming, just place your hand around the hose and suck against your hand. It will work the same way or you can use a turkey baster inserted into the end of the output hose and squeeze the bulb. It doesn't take much to start the filter filling with water.
 
I see you went with the Eheims. I am and FX5 fanboy as well. But can say i had 2 Eheim Pro IIs and they were nice untill the day they died. Haven't run a Classic and I hear much better reviews about the classics. Eheim, FX5 either way your fish will appreciate it.

Look in the DIY section and search Spray Bars. Lots of guys and gals on here have posted tons of pictures of their amazing PVC skills. That way instead of slowing down your return you can diffuse it over a greater area and not impede your filters true potential...

Good Luck With It!

Mike
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom