Habitat - Indoor :: Eheim canister question

[staman]

I recently bought an Eheim 2217 canister filter. I was really impressed with its overall construction and engineering. What I couldn't believe is how bad the instructions were. One page of tiny english and diagrams that were misleading at best. I figured it all out by looking at the pictures except for one thing. My canister setup came with a set of "siphon valves" which are used (im guessing) to prime the canister. How they work or how to install them i have no idea. No instructions or pictures. Im guessing this happened because the original model didnt include them.There is one for the large intake hose and one for the smaller outtake hose. Anyone currently using these? If so did you have to buy extra tube or did you just cut the tube that was provided...

[steve]

I don't have an Eheim, but I do have 2 other canisters. The Fluval has a built in self primer, an XP3 has a funnel to add water.

Does your have the lever?
http://www.eheim.com/ecco.html

Hope that helps...

[staman]

I figured it out. The syphon valve is really just 2 shut off valves with a joiner in the middle. The syphon valve is connected to the outtake at the top of the canister. You open the joiner, suck into the hose and then close the valve. This will fill up the whole canister with water. When full, open the valve and all the air will rush out, then reconnect the joiner. Connect to the spray bar, open the 2nd valve and voila a perfect prime. Too bad theres no mention of it in the instructions. As for the water quality--its unbelievable. Its like looking through glass. My aquarium is completely odourless as well. Makes my fluval 4+ look like a kids toy. I have a 75 gallon 3/4 full and an Eheim 2217. I believe its rated to 175 gallons. I fully recommend it.

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