Filteration Question

[OrangeCones]

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[achase]

Priming is filling the filter box with water before plugging it in so that the pump isn't running dry. I've had filters whose filter box doesn't empty during a power outage , so there's no need to prime it after an outage, but some filters (like my Cascade 1000 canister) require priming after any amount of time they aren't running.

Priming the filter means putting water in the filter's box, making it easier for the pump's motor to fill it up to start it functioning. The motor only needs to bring water up the tube to the box for the filter to working.

Oh ok....there is a technical term for that! Yes all my filters retain water so that has never been an issue. Thanks for explaining that!

 

[blue_ram]

I love it! After I figured out how to set it up (burned out the original motor, so I emailed Penn-Plax and they sent me a brand new one, free of charge!), it has run like a dream. It's a little tall, but now that I have a real stand for my 55gal (not the coffee table it was sitting on), that won't be an issue.

I have read a lot of reviews and it seems to be hit or miss on quality. I normally do not like Penn Plax products but the specs on the Cascade were amazing for the price.

Compared to my Fluval 305 the Cascade's flow is way better. The Cascade seems to catch more of the tiny particles than the Fluvall. The Fluvall is much easier to clean except the top is very hard to take off without spilling because it is a very tight seal. I like the Cascade's spraybar and tubes to the tank, but the hoses are rather heavy. I also like that you can adjust the water flow on the Cascade

Overall the bottom part seems a bit flimsy, but assembled it seems fairly sturdy. I will be doing my second monthly cleaning and will add in some Fluvall bio media to the top tray and toss the carbon if the sponges look seasoned enough, I will finally be able to swap it with the Fluvall to the 75. Then I can finish stocking the 75.

 

[bassbonediva]

The burned out motor was totally my fault. I'd never dealt with a canister filter before and since I bought it used, it didn't come with a manual or anything. I found one online, but it was kind of hard to understand (for me at least). Their customer service was INCREDIBLE, though! I emailed them first with what I thought the problem was and they walked me through the priming process in a way that made sense. Then, I emailed them two or three more times when what they had told me didn't work. Finally, I emailed them and asked how much it would be to order a new motor unit since I'd accidently burned out the original one. I made sure they understood that I had bought the filter used, so it wasn't under warranty anymore. They asked me for my address and two or three days later I had a brand new motor unit sitting on my doorstep.

The casing is a little flimsy compared to the Via Aqua 750 Professional I have, but the Cascade was MUCH easier to prime (STILL haven't gotten the stupid Via Aqua to prime).