My First External Filter - A Little Help?

[flix_cw]

My Eheim 2213 arrived today!

I've never had an external filter before, and i'm unsure about a number of things:

1. I was hoping to simply put the canister next to the tank since it'll be on a kitchen worksurface. However, having witnessed just how tall the 2213 is, the pumphead will be level with the water surface, maybe even a few mm above. Is this a big no no or can i possibly get away with it? There is a shelf underneath the tank i can probably squeeze it on to, but it will be tight and major re-organisation required.

2. My 2213 came with two tap units. Each unit for some reason has TWO taps, why is this? I'm not sure where to install them, is it best to keep them as close to the canister as possible? I heard they were very handy indeed when it comes to maintenance.

3. I'm not familiar with what "priming" the filter involves. Is this simply filling it with water so that it's ready to go? It says i can do this by sucking on the outlet pipe to draw water into the canister.

4. The U-pipe with the strainer at the end is taller than my tank, so the strainer would pretty much sit in the substrate. I've heard you really need to keep the strainer a good 6" above substrate if it's sand. Shall i just measure how far in i want it and take a hacksaw to it?

5. I'm not entirely sure what each layer of filter media is for. I've looked in the beginner's resource centre and now have a vague idea, but a few things need clarifying. The bottom layer (ie. first contact for water coming into the canister) is ceramic noodles, called EheimMECH. Are these purely for mechanical filtration, or are they the major site for the bacteria colony? The next layer up is a blue filter pad. Again, it's purpose is what? Then there are ceramic-looking balls, called EheimSUBSTRATpro. I assumed this was the main colony site. With this in mind, can i mix in some of my current tank's 5mm gravel with this layer? My current tank is an undergravel filter so will have plenty of nitrifying bacteria on.
Next layer is a fine white filter pad, not sure what this one's for. Finally there is a thin carbon pad. Is this absolutely necessary when starting a new tank?

6. Since i'm planning on planting the tank heavily and doing a fish-in cycle, the plant resource centre recommends using Zeolite. Is this a good idea, and if so, which layer do i put it at in the canister? I would have thought at the very top so the bacterial colonies have first dibs on any ammonia?

Thanks for any help!
Felix

 

[raptorrex]

My Eheim 2213 arrived today!

I've never had an external filter before, and i'm unsure about a number of things:

1. I was hoping to simply put the canister next to the tank since it'll be on a kitchen worksurface. However, having witnessed just how tall the 2213 is, the pumphead will be level with the water surface, maybe even a few mm above. Is this a big no no or can i possibly get away with it? There is a shelf underneath the tank i can probably squeeze it on to, but it will be tight and major re-organisation required.

2. My 2213 came with two tap units. Each unit for some reason has TWO taps, why is this? I'm not sure where to install them, is it best to keep them as close to the canister as possible? I heard they were very handy indeed when it comes to maintenance.

3. I'm not familiar with what "priming" the filter involves. Is this simply filling it with water so that it's ready to go? It says i can do this by sucking on the outlet pipe to draw water into the canister.

4. The U-pipe with the strainer at the end is taller than my tank, so the strainer would pretty much sit in the substrate. I've heard you really need to keep the strainer a good 6" above substrate if it's sand. Shall i just measure how far in i want it and take a hacksaw to it?

5. I'm not entirely sure what each layer of filter media is for. I've looked in the beginner's resource centre and now have a vague idea, but a few things need clarifying. The bottom layer (ie. first contact for water coming into the canister) is ceramic noodles, called EheimMECH. Are these purely for mechanical filtration, or are they the major site for the bacteria colony? The next layer up is a blue filter pad. Again, it's purpose is what? Then there are ceramic-looking balls, called EheimSUBSTRATpro. I assumed this was the main colony site. With this in mind, can i mix in some of my current tank's 5mm gravel with this layer? My current tank is an undergravel filter so will have plenty of nitrifying bacteria on.
Next layer is a fine white filter pad, not sure what this one's for. Finally there is a thin carbon pad. Is this absolutely necessary when starting a new tank?

6. Since i'm planning on planting the tank heavily and doing a fish-in cycle, the plant resource centre recommends using Zeolite. Is this a good idea, and if so, which layer do i put it at in the canister? I would have thought at the very top so the bacterial colonies have first dibs on any ammonia?

Thanks for any help!
Felix

hope i can help
1, no way around this. the filter must go below the tank!
2, each fitment has two taps. this is so you can remove any section, without draining the whole system. i connect mine, just after the filter (on both sides.)
3, Priming, lol. i do it by sucking on the "inlet pipe" till water comes through. then i start the filter up.
4, simple this one. just cut the pipe to length. but i try to get about 3-4 inches over the substrate.
5, first layer, as you say is efhimech. this is pure mechanical filtration. (though its true there are some filtration bacteria there. its the nature of the beast, not a specific design intention.) the blue pad is to catch any larger bits of debris, prior to the water reaching the next stage. the substrate pro is the entire (designed) bio area. no i would not recommend adding your old gravel (however i would load it all into an old stocking, and place it just below the filter intake, for a few weeks) the white pad is for water "polishing", and need replaced on every clean. i, personally would depose of the carbon pad. its of little use in a modern tank (its good for removing, spent, meds though).
6, personally i would use Zeolite, after the filter has "bedded in to your tank. say 2 months?

I'm a bit tight on time ATM. but i will answer, to the best of my ability, any firther question.

oh yeah, BEST OF LUCK!

 

[flix_cw]

6, personally i would use Zeolite, after the filter has "bedded in to your tank. say 2 months?

Thanks for your help!

Wouldn't the zeolite be better off in from the start though? Surely adding it in at a later date will just remove some of the ammonia for the bacteria to feed on.

If in from the start doesn't it help prevent ammonia spikes and algae problems?

Which layer would i put it in?

Thanks!

 

[raptorrex]

6, personally i would use Zeolite, after the filter has "bedded in to your tank. say 2 months?

Thanks for your help!

Wouldn't the zeolite be better off in from the start though? Surely adding it in at a later date will just remove some of the ammonia for the bacteria to feed on.

If in from the start doesn't it help prevent ammonia spikes and algae problems?

Which layer would i put it in?

Thanks!

you may well be right. for me personally, i would use it after. Zeolite, will not make the ammonia, unavailable to the bacteria. indeed it will collect it, and store it, right where the bacteria benefits most. it does not lock it away for good. well as i understand it anyway.

I cant confirm if it will, or it wont, prevent ammonia spikes. though i can confirm that algae is a problem caused by light, not by anything in the water column.