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Marineland Emperor 400 Bio-Wheel Filter

17K views 14 replies 7 participants last post by  zombiefish610 
#1 ·
I purchased this particular filter about a month ago. I had not used it up until today. I did as it said in the instruction manual and added water until it over flowed into the aquarium, I then plugged it into power and it kinda gargled for a little while (which I assume means it was gaining prime?) then the noise dropped to a slight groaning which I assume is normal. My problem is that the water does come out of the 2 spray bars down onto the bio wheels, But does not flow from out of the actual "filter housing" and im not sure what to do...I read somewhere on the internet that theres a grey button or something that needs to be switched on or something of that nature.. Correct me if I read wrong. Any help is appreciated!! Thanks
 
#8 ·
There are black knobs on both sides of the Emperor, that turn the spray bars, so the water forced through the holes in the spray bar will hit the bio-wheels just right. If the holes are not angled toward the bio-wheels properly, the wheels will not turn.
Still no water flowing through the filter? Only coming through the spray bars? If you filled the filter with water, makes me believe that the intake is still not working properly.
Have you tried poring more water into the filter, after starting?
Try lifting the intake up and down, just a bit, see if that helps. Not something you should have to do, but maybe it will help.
 
#9 ·
If the spraybars are working, then the impeller is turning properly. You probably still have air in the intake tube.
On mine I would fill it with water, and have a pitcher full of more water on hand before plugging them in.
Once plugged in, I'd watch the water level inside the filter, and pour water from the pitcher to keep it full until it primed itself.
Often took most of the pitcher before it got all the air out.
 
#10 ·
I'm very happy! Yesterday I got the bio wheel working again, a little wiggling of the bio wheel its self must 've snapped it back into place or something but its working fine now. The water is now flowing quite wonderfully, I guess it had air in it that finally worked its way out. Man it sure works wonders on making the water crystal clear, I'm running it on a 29g tank FOR NOW, its really for a 50g tank but I'm using it for my 2 Kenyi i'm holding in the 29g. Thanks for ya'lls help!
 
#12 ·
Glad you got the filter running. I have eight of these filters in operation and have long ago stopped buying the filter cartridges in favor of ..MAGNAVORE SUPER CARTRIDGE They come with carbon insert which I remove and then stuff the opening with filter floss or bio- media such as ceramic beads,or Eheim Substrat pro. It is the Emperor 280 that is rated for tanks up to 50 gal. The Emperor 400 is rated for tanks up to 80 gal. I run an Emperor 280 on a 29 gal and it's plenty.
I have had no complaints with these filters and have a couple that are near ten years old and still performing well. I have had to buy replacement Impellers on two occasions. They are easy to clean,easy to get parts for,and are in my view,, quite reliable while delivering more flow capabilities than most all other Hang on the back type filters and some canisters.(note) I am not affiliated with Marineland in any way and do not receive compensation for plugging their filters.
 
#13 ·
Yes currently its on my 29g cichlid holding tank, but I bought it for my 50g tank thats being setup this weekend. I just couldnt take having it in the box anymore. I had to see it for myself lol. It works incredibly well for me, I'm very satisfied and will be buying more Marineland products in the future. I'm going to buy an extra impeller to have on hand incase something does happen I won't be without filtration. Twistersmom, Why do you make your own filters, Is there a plus to doing it that way?
 
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