Instructions
Assemble the filter per the manufacturer's instructions.
Pour approximately 2 gallons of tank water into the filter canister.
Check the bottom of the filter canister lid to make sure the rubber seal is in place. Place the lid on the filter canister. It will only fit on one way.
Tighten the six fasteners on the lid by hand.
Screw in the intake and outflow hoses running to the aquarium. Make sure that the valves on the hose connectors are in the open position.
Check the purge valve at the base of the filter pump to make sure it is closed.
Plug in the filter. It will run for two minutes, then stop for two minutes to allow air to escape from the canister. Then the pump will start again and run for 24 hours before stopping again for two minutes to purge the air.
How to Prime a Fx5 Fluval
The Fluval FX5 canister filter uses a self-priming system that makes it easy for the user to start the pump. Air is automatically purged from the system every 24 hours. The self-priming system only works if the filter is no more than 7.8 inches below the water level in the tank. If you cannot start the filter in this position, you will need to prime the filter manually by adding water to the filter canister.