Is my filter working corrrectly?

[UK2004]

Bought first of two tanks yesterday, this one for my bedroom is four foot and has external Fluval filter. I connected everything up and have got it going but ti doesn't seem to be pumping out with the force that I expected, occasionally there is a rapid burst of bubbles out the inlet hose and a funny noise, it does mention making sure everything is connected right but it seems ok, does this sound normal or is something wrong with the set up of the filter?

 

[duke33]

did you prime it?

 

[WyldFya]

What type of fluval external do you have specifically? The bubbles coming out every once and a while indicate that there is likely a leak somewhere on the filter, or that there is a bubbler under the intake. After you post more info, more help can be given.

 

[UK2004]

Is priming that pumping thing to make it suck water? Yes, did that.

I am worried there may be a leak. It's a fluval 205 external. How would I go about checking for a leak without ending up with water everywhere?

 

[WyldFya]

First thing you can try, is with the filter running. Start pumping the little stick/primer that the fluvals have, and pump for 20-30 seconds. You should see a lot of air come out at this time. Then if possible listen closely to different areas of the filter (valves, intakes, any connections, and the seal). You may be able to hear a leak.

 

[UK2004]

By a leak do you mena actual water leek?

I think I fixed it, I cut the hose as one was vertical and one diagional and moved the inlets nearer each other and also checked the canister out and is now pumping much faster. The bit where water is sucked up from aquarium doesn't seem to suck fast enough to draw debris to it but maybe it doesn't I'm not sure I just remmber before they sucked all the debris into the filter?

 

[WyldFya]

Canisters aren't the best at sucking up debris alone. Add a powerhead on the opposite side of the tank, at the bottom, pointed at the intake of the canister.