Thanks for the replies, everyone!!
Wow that helps so much-- thank you!!!!!
I looked at the filter parts, and at the directions (or lack thereof) and thought, "WTF?" Now I know to get this baby going.
Thanks Justin, but I don't have a hubby! Haha, maybe someday.
I'm trying to think what to do with the hoses. The intakes will all be hidden behind the background but I want to use the spraybar in front of the background. You're right, the green is pretty obvious. I'm thinking about spray-painting it black. (What was that paint you used for your PVC pipes-- Krylon Fusion?) At any rate, I have to make sure it's aquarium-safe.
My other option is to not use the spraybar at all, and to have the output hose directly behind a hole in the 3D background (or even screwed into it somehow) to make sure 100% of the water flows forward in front of the background. At this point I think I'm probably going to use the spraybar.
I don't think I've mentioned this yet, but not only does this project involve a new tank but an overhauled living room as well. The tank will be the obvious focal point for the room (my TV is in another room-- I hate when big tanks and TVs compete for attention!). I'm going to get an area rug, sofa, and some decor to make it a really enjoyable room to sit and watch the tank.
So the tank will be brought down on Nov. 23. My family is visiting for the following five days or so, so I probably won't install the background until after they leave. I hope to have the tank up and running (and the room decorated) by the first week in December!!!
RedDwarf;4624401; said:This is what I pack my eheim with, from the bottom up
lower lattice screen (the one with the longer standoffs)
4.5L of eheim ehfimech
1" layer of eheim ehfifix
9L of Seachem pond matrix
2" layer of eheim ehfifix
4' layer of Soft-N-Crafty poly-fil
upper lattice screen (one with the shorter standoffs)
One thing I recommend you put on all O-rings is silicone oil or grease, you can find the silicone oil in hobby stores that sell Remote Control Cars, they use it in the shocks (the heavier the weight the better). The silicone helps lubricate the O-ring and help it seal better and also extend the life of the O-ring. A little goes a long way so use it sparingly.
You carefully press down on the top of the filter lid making sure you position the handles so they don't hit the sides of your stand and the return line is pointing in the right direction for your return line.
The way I prime the filter is to hook everything up and connect a line to the canister drain tap and run water into it at a fairly slow rate so you don't cause pressure leaks. Once the air is purged from the filter you can turn off the water and then after closing the tap, remove the water line from it and if your water level is high enough for the intake to function properly just plug in the filter and it should be good to go.
I would service the filter whenever you see a dramatic drop in pressure from the return or lots of particulate mater floating in the water.
Wow that helps so much-- thank you!!!!!
I looked at the filter parts, and at the directions (or lack thereof) and thought, "WTF?" Now I know to get this baby going.
JK47;4625803; said:Wow Natalie your pretty!You gotta lucky hubby and a lucky midas!
Have you decided on how to hide the Eheim hoses? Bright green is not easy to hide. I am looking forward to your opinion on it, I want one of those as well. I'm jealous!
Thanks Justin, but I don't have a hubby! Haha, maybe someday.
I'm trying to think what to do with the hoses. The intakes will all be hidden behind the background but I want to use the spraybar in front of the background. You're right, the green is pretty obvious. I'm thinking about spray-painting it black. (What was that paint you used for your PVC pipes-- Krylon Fusion?) At any rate, I have to make sure it's aquarium-safe.
My other option is to not use the spraybar at all, and to have the output hose directly behind a hole in the 3D background (or even screwed into it somehow) to make sure 100% of the water flows forward in front of the background. At this point I think I'm probably going to use the spraybar.
I don't think I've mentioned this yet, but not only does this project involve a new tank but an overhauled living room as well.
The tank will be the obvious focal point for the room (my TV is in another room-- I hate when big tanks and TVs compete for attention!). I'm going to get an area rug, sofa, and some decor to make it a really enjoyable room to sit and watch the tank. So the tank will be brought down on Nov. 23. My family is visiting for the following five days or so, so I probably won't install the background until after they leave. I hope to have the tank up and running (and the room decorated) by the first week in December!!!
holy crap $$..! 
