Instructions for Installing a Water Level Filter in a Full Aquarium

The Eheim wet/dry 2227 is the only canister filter that fills and empties itself on an ongoing basis. The colonies of beneficial bacteria that colonize the filter material are therefore able to draw the oxygen that they require from the air and do not compete with the fish for this essential commodity. In order for the Eheim to operate correctly, it must be positioned at a very specific level below the aquarium water level.

Things You'll Need

  • Eheim Wet/Dry 2227 Canister Filter
  • Aquarium, at least 3.3-feet high
  • Large plastic bucket
  • Hot water
  • Scissors (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fill a tall plastic bucket with very hot, but not boiling water.

    • 2

      Straighten out the green plastic in flow, exhaust and breathing tubes and place them vertically into the bucket. Keep them in the water for just over a minute. Turn the tubes around if they are too long to fit into the bucket without bending and place the other half into the water, once the first has been removed.

    • 3

      Request that an assistant help you to keep the tubes pulled taut for a few minutes, until they mold in that position.

    • 4

      Place the Eheim 2227 canister filter on the ground next to the aquarium.

    • 5

      Measure the distance from the Eheim filter to the water level in the main aquarium. The distance from the bottom of the filter and the water level must be between 3.3 and 3.11 feet.

    • 6

      Cut the three green tubes to the correct length, as required.

    • 7

      Push the smallest diameter, breathing tube onto its nipple on the integrated double tap connector. This breather tube or hose must be hung over the tank without obstructing its outlet in any way and must be clear of the water's surface. Ensure the outlet is not sitting on any of the aquarium's stress support panels. The wet and dry purge cycle, will not function if the outlet is restricted in any way.

    • 8

      Push both the inflow and exhaust tubes onto their respective nipples on the integrated double tap connector and push into the top of the canister filter.

    • 9

      Place the strainer onto the bottom of the inlet tube and place this tube into the aquarium.

    • 10

      Attach the spray bar to the outlet tube and attach the plastic suction cups to the spray bar. Attach the spry bar, in a horizontal position, to the inside of the aquarium, just above the water line. Do not drill any additional holes into the spray bar, as doing so will affect the functioning of the wet and dry purge action.

    • 11

      Plug the Eheim into a wall power source and turn on.