How to Prime an Aquarium Filter Pump

The aquarium water filter is considered the most important equipment in a fish tank. It helps not only to aerate the water but to remove detritus and harmful chemical buildup from the habitat. The filter is also the medium on which beneficial bacteria colonize to keep the water quality in balance. Water needs to flow continuously through the filter. The pump that makes that happen needs to be primed before it can do its job.

Things You'll Need

• Filtration equipment
• Small cup

Instructions

1. Assemble the filtration equipment following the manufacturer's instructions. Check that all the parts are properly locked in place.

2. Insert or install the recommended filter media following the manufacturer's instructions. The filter media must be in place in the filter apparatus before you prime the pump.

3. Scoop water from the aquarium using the small cup and fill the filter's main cavity until water overflows back into the tank.

4. Turn the pump on. After pouring water into the filter to prime the pump, the machine could take up to a minute to generate a constant flow of water through the filter.

Tips & Warnings

• Some filtration systems are designed so that the pump is submerged in the aquarium water. In this case, priming is not required.

• All aquarium filtration systems carry a warning that the pump motors should not be allowed to run without water. Filter motors are wet pumps and will overheat when allowed to run dry.

References

• Animal-World.com: Freshwater Aquarium Basics