How to Prime an Eclipse Aquarium Filter

Setting up an Eclipse "hang on back" water filter has several advantages over carbon-filled cartridge filter systems because the Eclipse filter has a Bio Wheel filter that allows the water to rotate it as the water flows through the filter housing. This helps to aerate the water and keeps the water safe for your fish. Although Eclipse "hang on back" filters are easy to set up by hanging them on the back of the tank and plugging them in, they can present a bit of a hassle getting the water to flow from the tank into the filter.

Things You'll Need

  • 1 cup measuring cup
  • Water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Open the top of the Eclipse filter housing and place the Bio Wheel filter that came with the filter into the filter housing. The top of the filter is hinged on the back side of the filter housing so the filter lid must be opened from the front side.

    • 2

      Fill the housing with water using a measuring cup or a glass. You will need approximately 2 cups of water. The water will create the seal necessary to build enough water pressure in the filter tube to pull the water out of the tank and through the filter.

    • 3

      Plug the filter into an electrical outlet. There is no "on" switch. The filter will power on as soon as it's plugged in. After a few seconds the water level in the filter housing will rise and the Bio Wheel will start to spin as the water flows though it and back into the fish tank.