Need Help getting my Eheim to work

[VickiB]

Hi, I just purchased a Eheim Pro 3 2080 XL (not the e version) used very slightly for a show (so they tell me). I got it together (came mostly together) and rinsed the media and put it together per the manual I found online.

I got the unit primed and plugged it in. It will not start sucking water. The lines are mostly filled but there are large air bubble just sitting in the lines.

The motor propeller spins I know that because i briefly, for one second, looked at it while the top was off.

Everything is in place according to the directions in the manual online. I tried moving the trays a little and taking the cover on and off.

All the seals appear to be in nice shape.

I know Eheim is supposed to be a great filter. It has been running for 20 minutes now and it wont clear the bubbles in the lines (the two out and the one in).

I also know something is not right because these filters are supposed to be almost silent and it is noisy because of the air I am guessing.

Has this happened to anyone? Does anyone know how to fix this cause I have already been in tears and are extremely frustrated.

Thanks so much. I really dont want to put my old hang over the edge (6 y/o) filter back on.

Vicki Burke

 

[deeda]

Hi Vicki and Welcome to MFK!

Do you have any loops, sags or excess hose length that can be preventing the filter from properly expelling the air during the priming process?

Did the manual give the maximum recommended installation height for the filter?

One thing that always works for me is to unplug the filter from the power source, disconnect the output hose from the spray bar or return outlet in the tank, place the hose end in a bucket or pail and let gravity help purge any remaining air in the filter. Keep a towel handy to wipe up any spilled water.

If the filter continues to get air trapped, it's possible the intake connection in the aquarium isn't snug and is allowing air to get drawn into the filter. Also be sure there aren't any air operated devices near the intakes.

 

[bomber]

Hello Vicky and welcome to MFK,

Here is what I would do to solve this issue... It sounds like you need to take a pump of some sort and pump water directly into your "intake" of your canister while it is running... when your canister, intake hose, and spray bar is filled up with water... you should have a silent running canister.

Hope this helps.