Yes, but the 404 is just a newer model, it is the same size as the 403.
Originally posted by Elmo
If you do what Joe suggested and fill the canister before putting the top on, you don't have to prime it. Just open the valve and plug it in.
Even if I fill the canister to the brim, there is still air trapped in the impeller area since it resides above the canister chamber. When I reopen the valves between the lines and filter, a siphon starts, and I think I can start the filter. Not so, it makes a dreadful crackling noise (airlock in the impeller) and doesn't pump. So I remove the canopy, unplug my spray bar, stick that big bulb thing on the end and start sucking air out. Oh wait, it's full of water since I used those convenient valves to "maintain" a siphon. Ok, so I need to get the water out of the outlet tube, first, I blow into the tube, clearing the outlet tube and connecting the air pocket in the impeller to the atmosphere. Good, now I'm ready to start a siphon with the clever little bulb thingie. I squeeze and release, squeeze and release, I hear air being sucked out of the canister but it's a slow process. Finally I see water being pushed out of the bulb, the lines are full of water and I can start the filter. I somehow hold the bulb tightly against the outlet and reach over to plug the filter back in with my wet hands. Still a clicking noise. I didn't get all the air out. That little bulb couldn't possibly make more than a few inches of sealed suction. I throw it maliciously across the room and try something else.
I tilt the canister to the side, allowing the air to fill the impeller chamber and pushing the air to the side of the canister. Hold large canister full of water with one hand and plug in with other hand. Ahhh, success, I hear it start to pump and a mass of rushing water comes out of the outlet tube. I slowly move the canister upright and that pocket of air on the side rushes into the impeller. A loud crashing noise as the air churns through the impeller. No problem, I'm holding the canister delicately on it's side, slowly feeding the air through the impeller a little at a time, carefully preventing airlock. My arms are tired from holding this 10-20 lb weight on its side but this is worth it, I tell myself. A clean filter is a good filter. My attention strays and I allow too much air into the impeller. Airlock again. Back on its side, get the impeller moving, slowly upright - feeding the air through the impeller until it is finally running. I'm a Mechanical Engineer, and I couldn't imagine designign a product that is this frustrating to use.
My next filter will never be a Fluval.
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