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Aquarist Forums => Equipment / DIY => Topic started by: cory on February 27, 2006, 01:42:57 PM

Title: FLUVAL HELP
Post by: cory on February 27, 2006, 01:42:57 PM
im havingproblems starting my fluval 404.
Title: FLUVAL HELP
Post by: darkdep on February 27, 2006, 02:10:17 PM
Ok...need more info...What are you doing exactly and what is the symptom?
Title: FLUVAL HELP
Post by: repeej on February 27, 2006, 02:23:16 PM
I'm eagerly awaiting the solution because I too have a hard time priming my 404 and 304.
Title: FLUVAL HELP
Post by: BigDaddy on February 27, 2006, 02:25:59 PM
The solution is to BUY AN EHEIM!!!!!!!!!!!!

:lol:
Title: FLUVAL HELP
Post by: repeej on February 27, 2006, 02:30:47 PM
Ah so you're the sucker that overpays for filters.  I always wondered who bought those green filters.   :lol:
Title: FLUVAL HELP
Post by: darkdep on February 27, 2006, 02:48:20 PM
I recently did a round of cleaning of all my canisters (x03, x04, and Eheim) and noticed how hard/easy they were to prime.  I found the x04's pretty damn easy, the x03's are a bitch, and the Eheim was easiest.  

This may seem dumb, but it helps to think about what it is you're actually trying to accomplish by priming your canister; while most people think of it as filling it with water, I find it better to think of it as removing all the air from the canister and lines.

Regardless of brand or whether it has a self-primer or not, what you need to do is get a siphon started from the tank into the canister.  This in and of itself is usually enough to do 98% of the work.  As the water pulls itself into the canister, air is pushed out of the out-take.  For best results in all cases, ensure the outtake is BELOW WATER LEVEL; this prevents any air going back down it as bubbles come out (this makes a huge difference).  You should end up with almost all air taken out.  When you don't hear water moving anymore, plug it in and you should see bubbles coming from the out-take for a bit until all remaining air is gone.

Going forward, unless you need to drain your lines,  it's usually easier.

On any tank, I've found the best way to start the siphon is to suck on the out-take (dreads the jokes that are likely to come).  It works better than anything I've tried, including the auto-siphon devices on the x04's.
Title: FLUVAL HELP
Post by: cory on February 27, 2006, 02:56:19 PM
alright...it was just being tempersome...i got them both working..thx for the reply's tho.

Cory
Title: FLUVAL HELP
Post by: repeej on February 27, 2006, 03:16:53 PM
Quote from: "darkdep"On any tank, I've found the best way to start the siphon is to suck on the out-take (dreads the jokes that are likely to come).  It works better than anything I've tried, including the auto-siphon devices on the x04's.

Appears that the auditions for Brokeback Moutain 2 will take place at Darkdep's place.   :lol:
Title: FLUVAL HELP
Post by: darkdep on February 27, 2006, 03:21:38 PM
See, I never saw that movie...but I'm guessing there was a whole lotta man love in it or somethin.

But, repeej, I'm glad you came through as always.  :)
Title: FLUVAL HELP
Post by: PowderBlueTang on February 27, 2006, 03:50:59 PM
I have a 404 and had a lot problem priming at first everytime I cleaned it,  Now I fill the whole canister with water and connect the top and never needs priming. Just plug and play

If you put back the cannister empty and put back the top it will draw all the water in your intake line into your cannister and break the suction and you will have to use the self primer to draw more water into the cannister until it is full before creating a suction.

When you release the top levers to take off the top it holds water in the intake and output lines, you must fill your cannister right to the top with water and put back the top and close the lever to lock the top it will draw a little water in the lines back into your cannister but not all, you will not lose your prime! Just plug it back in and no broken suction.

Hope this Helps!
Title: FLUVAL HELP
Post by: cory on February 27, 2006, 04:18:11 PM
i did that one the 2nd 404 ...thank you it worked like a charm.