emperor 400 filter setup problem

J

javaperl

Registered Member
Dec 5, 2004
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Hi All,

I have just purchased a brand new emperor 400 power filter.

I think I have followed exactly as what the manual says to set it up. However, when it is powered on, there are some big noises coming out from it, and I waited for at least over a few minutes, no water comes out from the filter. I think the pump just didn't work, as the noise is abnormal.

Then I tried to open all the parts and reassemble them, still no luck. Then I thought this one is malfunctional, and returned it for another brand new one. NO LUCK. Still the same result!!!

I believe I completely understand what the manual says and followed it. To be safe, I read the manual several times to see what I did that might be wrong. It is so fustrating to see that I can't setup this simple product for my aquarium.

Any hints or helps from you guys are highly appreciated.

Thanks.
 
I'm no expert

I bought mine used, and alas, no manual, but I experienced the same problem. I've kinda figured out how to get mine going. First, point the spray tubes so that they spray back down into the filter. Then fill the backs w/ a cup or something, and it should start sucking water up and just refilling itself. Then adjust the tab on the top until you get a proper suction to sustain filter without the spray tubes spraying back in.

You'll probably receive some better tips, but as no one else has posted yet, I thought I'd throw that out. Good luck.
 
Yup, fill it up. You will also have to do this any time you siphon the tank level below the filter level as the water will siphon out of you filter and cause it to de-prime. I usually fill mine with the water being pumped back in during water changes. the AC's do the same thing especially the little ones (almost any impellar pump in the world required a prime)
Dave
 
Same here, I fill up mine with a cup as I refill the tank. It still makes a heck of a wild noise until the suction gets established. You need to prime them as Dave said or you risk damaging the impeller or motor. I personally don't mess with the spray bars when re-starting the filter but if it works for you....

Phil
 
Thanks Archangel, daveedka, and philbe for helping me out this problem. I filled the filter up and eventually it works!

It is really confusing that the manual says to fill the filter half full. That way just doesn't work for me and wasted me a few hours and an exchange trip for it!

Hope marineland labs can fix this in their manual not to misleading other users any more.

Thanks.
 
Actually if it was half full it should have primed, although clear full would make it easier and faster. Is it on full flow or reduced flow. I have found with my older emp's they do not like to prime unless they are on full flow. The newest 400 I have is 10 years old so I just attributed it to age though. I do not remember if they primed on reduced flow when they were new.
Dave
 
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