Setting up first canister Eheim Pro 3e 2078, simple ques about the output line

[Damon0306]

Hey guys sorry if this may sound like a dumb question but here goes..

Setting up my first larger tank after many years on the outdoor pond setup.

I'm using my first indoor aquarium canister filter "Eheim Pro 3e 2078". All my other smaller tanks in previous years ran external AquaClear power filters. I'm making the move to a canister so I can have this larger tank closer to the wall to conserve space.

I plan not to use the spray bar and just the plain j-shaped output line to the tank.

Using powerheads for air/water/movement, the spray bar is not needed for surface agitation & want to maximize water flow to and from the canister.

The manual says to have the output line above the water surface, either because it expects you to use the spray bar for surface agitation or because of air/priming issues.

If I start the filter, say over night with the output line above the water level, and when the electronic thing thinks its fully primed, CAN I then fill the tank to rim allowing the output line to be fully under the surface of the water?

I understand during a restart of the filter I would have to do this again, if it can be done.

Thanks so much.. Gonna take some pictures of the stuff soon! I am very excited!, I just closed my 6800 gallon pond at my parents home because I moved, and I am so bummed out.

This tank is a much needed fish FIX booster . Its a 150-gallon, would have had it sooner, but of course damn stand came damaged so waiting on the new one.

 

[deeda]

I don't have this model Eheim but I just looked at the installation instructions online. It appears from the pictures & instructions that when 1st installed, the output/spray bar needs to be above the water surface when first priming the unit. Once the air is exhausted from the filter & its primed with water, then you can move the spray bar below the water surface. It seems Eheim recommends a maximum distance of 10cm / 3.93in from the top of the tank lip to the center of the spray bar.

I would think the only time this would need to be done is when the hoses have been emptied of water for cleaning or at initial startup. Hopefully someone who actually has this filter will put in their recommendations. I'll keep looking on some other forums to see if this has been addressed.

 

[WyldFya]

It doesn't really matter. I start mine up with the spraybar fully submerged, and there are no problems. I do use the installation kit 2, which has a far easier priming method.

 

[Damon0306]

Thanks for the input guys, The new stand is supposed to be in today, will get some pics of the tank on the stand once I get it.

 

[cjf]

I installed a 2078 last weekend. I didn't read the instructions (..as per) and so I primed with the outlet below water level with the same outlet set-up as you intend i.e. no spraybar and I didn't encounter any adverse effects.

I hope you are happy with your new tank when it's up and running, good luck