New Canister Filter Question

[Mtvrdik10]

Hey guys my girlfriend and I just set up a new filter in our 55 gallon tank today (Eheim Classic 2215). Everything was set up as explained. However, this is my first time ever having a canister filter so how do you know that its set up exactly right? It's powered on...water is flowing..the chemicals and such are in the correct order in the canister itself..and water is flowing through the tubes. Is there a way to test the filter itself to see if it's running properly? I'm almost positive it is...but i'd much rather be safe than sorry!

 

[raptorrex]

Hey guys my girlfriend and I just set up a new filter in our 55 gallon tank today (Eheim Classic 2215). Everything was set up as explained. However, this is my first time ever having a canister filter so how do you know that its set up exactly right? It's powered on...water is flowing..the chemicals and such are in the correct order in the canister itself..and water is flowing through the tubes. Is there a way to test the filter itself to see if it's running properly? I'm almost positive it is...but i'd much rather be safe than sorry!

providing you have water flowing, and the filter is quiet. there are few other test, except, experience.

there is more to a filter than its, mechanical, workings. its most important job is to grow bacteria, to clean your water. the "cycle",as i am sure you know, takes several weeks. you test for this with a "water Test" kit. (API seems popular)

 

[mattlee]

i have the same filter on one of my tanks and it sometimes gets air trapped inside the canister, especially after opening it up for service. just rock it side to side when fitted and running and the air will escape through the pipes and spraybar. it will make a strange noise while the air is being released but will soon be quiet again

 

[Mtvrdik10]

Ok guy's so as long as there is water flowing out of the spray bar the filter should be working properly? This is my first time with a canister filter...i'm used to two 350 penguin filters...one on each side of the tank. Meaning water steadily moving throughout the ENTIRE tank. With this Canister Filter it's only moving water on the ONE side of the tank. Meaning the water on the other side of the tank is just still. Is this normal? Sorry i'm a little slow with this whole canister filter thing seeing as it's my first time using one. Thanks guys!

 

[raptorrex]

Ok guy's so as long as there is water flowing out of the spray bar the filter should be working properly? This is my first time with a canister filter...i'm used to two 350 penguin filters...one on each side of the tank. Meaning water steadily moving throughout the ENTIRE tank. With this Canister Filter it's only moving water on the ONE side of the tank. Meaning the water on the other side of the tank is just still. Is this normal? Sorry i'm a little slow with this whole canister filter thing seeing as it's my first time using one. Thanks guys!

usually, though there is no strict rule, you place the inlet and outlet, at opposite ends of the tank (usually at the back). this draws water from one end to the other.

 

[Mtvrdik10]

Ok cool. So just move the spray bar to the opposite end of the inlet? That sounds easy enough....though I'm not sure if the hose is long enough =/

 

[raptorrex]

Ok cool. So just move the spray bar to the opposite end of the inlet? That sounds easy enough....though I'm not sure if the hose is long enough =/

yeah, its a problem, especially with second hand filters. if the tube is not long enough (outlet pipe is shorter). i am afraid you will need to buy more tube.
if you ain't got the instructions. Eheim 2215
I just received one myself, today (2213). so i may have more story's to tell.

 

[Mtvrdik10]

Ok I put the outtake to the otherside. Why does it matter which side it is on? Is it designed to push everything from the tank to the intake?

 

[raptorrex]

Ok I put the outtake to the otherside. Why does it matter which side it is on? Is it designed to push everything from the tank to the intake?

well, you are pushing the water up the outlet pipe, using pump power. inlet is, largely, by syphon. or that's how i understand it.