Does anyone know about Fluval 203 canister filters? Got one last year when I purchased a tank on Trade Me, among other crap, but can not seem to get the water flowing, salvaged hoses, spray bars and other bits from an old canister that died. I filled it up with water due to no obvious priming device.

I have checked on Google and You Tube for visual aid but can see what I did wrong? Any ideas or perhaps a photo of it connected properly? Thanks in advance.

Below is how I figure it is meant to be set up? Left hand side is connected to the water inlet and the right hand-side, disconnect as in photo, is the water outlet e.g. spray bar. Perhaps back to found? Either way it didn't work.

Why don't you post how you've set it up now with some annnotations on which is which.

Why don't you post how you've set it up now with some annnotations on which is which.

Good idea, will take a photo....brb

Ah... the loveable Fluval 203, had 2 of those.

On the top plate is should say whether the tube is for "in" and the other for "Out"

The filters work from the bottom up. so use the most course filter media for the bottom tray, finer for the middle and sponges for the top.

When you plug the canister to power, do you hear the impeller going?

If not, then you will need to check to see whether it is broken or not.

Hollywoods have the impellor in stock, I checked last week cause I was getting a new impellor for my 405.

If the impellor is working then you will need to fill the canister to the top and put on the top motor, fill the tubes with water, and then turn on, if you get covered in the water, then the canister is working.

Nice and simple. :cofn:

Ah... the loveable Fluval 203, had 2 of those.

On the top plate is should say whether the tube is for "in" and the other for "Out"

The filters work from the bottom up. so use the most course filter media for the bottom tray, finer for the middle and sponges for the top.

When you plug the canister to power, do you hear the impeller going?

If not, then you will need to check to see whether it is broken or not.

Hollywoods have the impellor in stock, I checked last week cause I was getting a new impellor for my 405.

If the impellor is working then you will need to fill the canister to the top and put on the top motor, fill the tubes with water, and then turn on, if you get covered in the water, then the canister is working.

Nice and simple. :cofn:

Yip all is connected, layered and working just won't draw in and expel water. Weird.

Try filling the tubes up with water first and making sure they aren't twisted. Sometimes that can help.

Try filling the tubes up with water first and making sure they aren't twisted. Sometimes that can help.

Done and done :dunno:

Can you syphon water through the filter?

Once the syphon is working turn on the filter. Then, if as wok said, you get wet it's working

Can you syphon water through the filter?

Once the syphon is working turn on the filter. Then, if as wok said, you get wet it's working

The things we do.....will give it a go.

Can you syphon water through the filter?

Once the syphon is working turn on the filter. Then, if as wok said, you get wet it's working

+1

Beat me to it. :thup:

Nope, can't syphon at all.

So there must be a leak somewhere. By you say you can't syphon it all, do you mean no air will come through or no water will Come up (when pulling water through the tubes)?

so you cant even suck air through the pipes?

So there must be a leak somewhere. By you say you can't syphon it all, do you mean no air will come through or no water will Come up (when pulling water through the tubes)?

Both, like trying to suck through a straw with your finger over the end.

so you cant even suck air through the pipes?

Nope. I can blow air into it and water pisses out the side, oh wait that's the issue :oops: There is a black seal but clearly it isn't working.

You sure you're sucking on the right tube? It sounds like it has one of those no return bits.

You sure you're sucking on the right tube? It sounds like it has one of those no return bits.

Not that I'm an expert of "sucking on bits or tubes" but will have another go and try both ends.

So, you can blow air through one way, but not the other?

could there be a non-return valve that is around the wrong way on a pipe?

So, you can blow air through one way, but not the other?

could there be a non-return valve that is around the wrong way on a pipe?

Switched them over and still no go....will give it up for tonight and have another go during the week. Thanks for all your help.

I could possibly come over and help ya this weekend if you want.

Not that I'm an expert of "sucking on bits or tubes" but will have another go and try both ends.

I could possibly come over and help ya this weekend if you want.

*faints

I can pop over and help if Wok is not available. I live nearer to you.

*faints

:lol:

Is the impellor spinning?

If you lie the 'out' hose (as in the hose that takes the water out of the cannister and back into the tank on either the ground or at a lower level than the cannister itself and turn it on, what happens? If everything is full of water to start with the flow should start when the power comes on. If there is an airlock this should assist it to clear.