Brand New Aquarium Filter Won't Start!

Hello all,

I bought a new tank for my turtle and it came with a Zoo Med Turtle Clean 511 canister filter. I got it all set up and plugged it in and at first a little bit of water went through and I thought it just needed time to rev up but less and less water started going through until it stopped entirely. I've checked all the tubes and there is nothing blocking it. The filter makes a little bit of noise and vibrates slightly so I think it's on, but it just won't produce suction. Help!

Here is a photo:

 

Have you primed it? Priming means to fill the filter with tank water. This helps it start sucking up and spitting out water. Some filters self-prime and others need you to prime them. Just turn it off, fill it, then plug it back in.

 

I added dechlorinater to the filter and then filled it directly from the tap. It's filled to the brim.

 

Remove the outlet hose from the tank, put it into a bucket or something lower down, suck on the outlet until it starts siphoning out of the main tank. This should clear out any airlock, then turn on the filter. Once it's running well, turn it off, plug it back into the tank plumbing and turn it on. DONE.

 

Remove the outlet hose from the tank, put it into a bucket or something lower down, suck on the outlet until it starts siphoning out of the main tank. This should clear out any airlock, then turn on the filter. Once it's running well, turn it off, plug it back into the tank plumbing and turn it on. DONE.

It worked! Thanks!!!