Eheim Canister 2213 / Classic 250

HI everyone. I recently received an Eheim 2213 Canister filter, also known as the Eheim Classic 250. I know that you have to start a syphon with your mouth to get it going and I was wondering if I am meant to start sucking before or after I switch it on? If it's before how do I know when to switch it on?

Also, if anyone could let me know how long the impeller shaft is meant to be for this filter that would be amazing as I am unsure if mine is broken or not.

Thanks in advance

 

I couldn't tell you exactly because I've never used it and don't know how it is set up but the important thing is that you never want to run a pump while it is dry.

 

Hi,
Here's how I start the siphon:
With the filter assembled, and pipes running the way you want:
- Open the 4 taps (2 inlet, 2 outlet)
- Disconnect the return tube from the spray bar
- Suck on return tube
.... water will start filling the canister ...
- Once the canister is full (as evidenced by water coming out return), shut off one of the input taps. This will stop the water 'levelling out' in the tubes and breaking the siphon.
- Reconnect return tube to spray bar.
- Turn the filter on
- Open the input tap you shut off
... water should start returning the display...
You'll likely get a lot of air coming out the spray bar, to help speed the process, remove the gray stopper at the end of the spray bar.
- Once it all settles, refit the stopper (if you removed it)
- Gently rock the canister to help get all the air out

By the time you're done (no more than a few minutes), you shouldn't hear any water rushing sounds, the filter should be dead quiet.


The following may also be useful:

As for the impeller length, I'm not sure. Are you talking about the ceramic centre shaft? Or the impeller itself

EDIT: AND A CAUTION - Ensure your filter head clips (4 silver clips) are firmly secured before filling with water

 

Thanks heaps Ryan! And I am talking about the ceramic centre shaft

 

Well per the 2 spares I have, the ceramic shaft is 72mm.

It should be perfectly flat at both ends (no sign of breakage), and be long enough to insert both rubber bushes (one in the filter, the other in the impeller cover)

 

Is this for the 2213 Ryan? Looks like mine must be broken then. The person I got it off did say it is broken, it just didn't look it haha.

 

Yep, the 2213 - should be 72mm (or there abouts, I wasn't using precision measuring equipment)

How long is the one you have?

EDIT: If it is broken, DO NOT turn the filter on.... I did once, and the impeller was spinning off centre and ruined the filter head

 

The one I have is about 53mm. So quite a bit off then. I will order a new one now. thanks heaps for your help!

 

No problem.

So it sounds like the shaft would not even go through the impeller, let alone to the rubber bushes? If so, it's definitely too short.

 

It went through the impeller but is obviously too short

I have another question. Would it be okay to run this filter on my 70 litre / 20 gallon tank until I get my new one set up? It wouldn't be too powerful or anything?

 

Not too strong. I have one on a 20 gallon tank.

 

Awesome thank you so excited!

 

I have another question. Would it be okay to run this filter on my 70 litre / 20 gallon tank until I get my new one set up? It wouldn't be too powerful or anything?

Depends what you're keeping, but the 2213 is typically fine on a 20G, I had one running on mine (upgraded to the Pro 2222)

 

I have 5 harlequin rasboras, two platys, a bristlenose and some baby guppies. I guess I'll try it out and see, if it's too much I'll just have to leave it until I set up my new tank, it's 45 gallons.

 

That should be fine with those fish.

Might want to cover the intake strainer to prevent baby guppies getting sucked in.

EDIT: You can also adjust the flow by closing the taps slightly (not recommended) or drilling the spray bar holes a little wider. Though if you want to use it on your 45, taps might be the better option.

 

I just set it up and it's making a really loud rattling noise? Any idea why?

 

Did you replace the impeller shaft?

Also, could be air, gently rock the canister to allow the air out.

Did it break the siphon?

 

yeah the impeller shaft is replaced it didn't sound like air, it was more of a rattling sound, but I'll try that. and the siphon still worked, it was going but sounded horrible.

I'm reading your guide on this filter right now, I'll try cleaning it all out properly tomorrow.

 

It's all fixed now! Turns out my friend gave me the wrong impeller - whoops! I'm not complaining though, because it was free! It's is running now with just a gentle whirr. thank you for your help everyone!