How to Prime a Canister Filter

Canister filters stand next to or below the aquarium and are attached to it via tubing. These filters are highly prized in the hobby, as they function as mechanical, biological and chemical filters. Despite their positive qualities, canister filters are sometimes difficult to prime. Many newer models have a priming button, but it is still a good idea to fill the canister filter with aquarium water before attempting to prime it.

Things You'll Need

  • Canister filter
  • 1-pint plastic jug
  • Canister filter instruction manual
  • Submersible pump
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Instructions

    • 1

      Attach both the intake and exhaust tubes to the body of the canister filter. Ensure there are no kinks or unnecessary bends in the tubes.

    • 2

      Fill a one-pint plastic jug with aquarium water. Fill the canister filter with water from the jug to just below where the lid fits on.

    • 3

      Place the lid onto the body of the canister filter and secure tightly, using the mechanism provided with the specific model canister filter that you have.

    • 4

      Plug the canister filter in a wall power source and turn on the wall power source.

    • 5

      Switch on the canister filter.

    • 6

      Depress the priming button, if the canister filter model that you have has one. Follow the instructions for your specific model, but four to six depressions of the priming button are normally required before the filter begins working.

    • 7

      Tilt the canister filter slightly onto its side if it does not prime despite your use of the priming button.

    • 8

      Place the canister filter squarely on the floor or shelf on which it is to be permanently positioned and depress the priming button once again. Depress the button four to six times.

    • 9

      Switch the canister filter off if it still does not prime.

    • 10

      Rinse your hands under tap water to remove residue soap and body oils and place your hand into the aquarium to direct the exhaust nozzle from a submersible aquarium pump toward the intake tube of the canister filter. The water pumped into the canister filter from the submersible pump displaces any bubbles that have been trapped within the body of the canister filter and allow the filter to begin working.

    • 11

      Switch the canister filter back on.