How does Filter and what filter material do I use?

[jennyok]

I just got a 55gal previously saltwater tank. I'll be doning a freshwater maybe native tank. My question is about the filter. It came with an Eheim filter type 2017 (big green canister). I think its pretty old judging by the shape of the o ring. I was wondering if anyone could explain exactly how this filter works and what types of filtration stuff I can or should use in the canister.

Also, How do I test it to see if it even works? I have taken it apart and cleaned it. And when I plug it in the propeller (impeller?) spins.

My research is only begining. Thanks

 

[Dan F]

I have an Eheim 2017. They are basically identical to the 2217 (current model) except for the impeller. I know this because my impeller was broken and I called Eheim to ask about it. The 2017 was actually discontinued in 1983, so it is pretty amazing that thay last as long as they do!

If you wanted to you could buy Eheim media (Efi- Mech and Efi-Substrat, foam pads, carcon pads) made for the 2217. You could really use any kind of media that fits. Just remeber that it flows from the bottom up, so put your coarse media at the bottom and finest media at the top. Also, make sure you have the round slotted plates in the canister. One acts as a spacer holding the media off the bottom of the canister. The other acts as a spacer holding the media away from the impeller. The second one is very important to keep stuff from getting sucked into the impeller.

Good luck, post again if you have specific problems.

 

[jennyok]

Thanks, I knew it was old but I didn't know it was that old. I do have the two green plates or disks, thanks for that Info, I'm gonna keep checking out types of filter media, I'd like to do it right without spending an arm and a leg. Thanks again

 

[Wolf3101]

A couple of Eheim mechanical filter pads sold for the 2217 and a bunch of ceramic rings for bio are all you really need. By the way...don't plug in the motor assembly and let the impeller spin dry.

 

[jennyok]

Thanks I kinda figured that would be a problem, so I didn't Plug it in for long.
I filled the canister completely full with water to figure out how it worked. But I think I need to prime it. How do I do this, The only thing I can think of is pouring water down all of the hoses and sticking the ends in a tub of water. I'm also having a hard time getting the latches to latch. I'm not sure of the correct placement of the o-ring.

 

[Dan F]

The o-ring should be placed on the top half (motor head). Then you just push the top straight down into the canister. Check your o-ring for cracks or cuts, this WILL make it leak. I had to replace the o-ring on mine. If you have access to silicone 0-ring grease, coat the o-ring with a very thin coat to make everything slide together easily.

The easiest way to prime it is to load everything, close it up, and place it where it will be running. Situate the intake (Bigger hose with strainer on the end) where you want it in the tank. Finally, suck on the outflow (small hose) to start a syphon. Be careful, if you hold the hose below the water level in the tank you can syphon water onto your flow!

Once everything is full of water, hook up the spraybar and turn it on.

Good Luck!

 

[ziggy2]

You can use vasoline to treat your o-rings too. It works great.