How do I prime my Eclipse 12 filter system?

Question

I just got a used Eclipse 12 gallon system, and I was told that I would need to prime the filter before I can use it, but I have no idea what that entails. Any information on how to prime the thing would be wonderful, thanks!

Answer 1

to prime your filter you need to shake & rinse the filter cartridge, then add dechlorinated tap water into the filter itself so that the impeller(motor) can get a vaccum action to "suck up" tank water through the intake. You may also want to look into "cycling" the tank but this is not what is ment by "priming the filter"

Answer 2

I think what they might be referring to what is called "cycling a new tank". There is 3 ways to do this but the main thing is that it needs to be allowed to grow a good bacteria base and once this happens you can add fish and not lose them to "new tank syndrome", which has to do with ammonia, nitrates and nitrites. You will need to get a test kit that checks; PH, Ammonia, Nitrates and Nitrites...
http://animal-world.com/encyclo/fresh/information/CycleAquarium.php

Hope this helps, this site is awesome.

Tammy