Marineland Biowheel question

[JCSReefing]

I bought a biowheel filter trying to just hang on my sump for my frag tank. Question is, does the water level need to be over the little vent that is half way up the intake tube to get it to pump/suck in the water? I cannot get it running/pumping with just the bottom intake under water so wondering if that middle vent also needs to be submerged?

 

[Bender]

You have to fill the HOB unit with water before you turn it on to allow the pump to start its suction. Sometimes you might have to have that covered depending on if air is getting through or not. If this is an issue you can try to seal the vent.

 

[Ty Hamatake]

+1 on trying to seal it somehow. I ran one on my freshwater and it was a gamble during water changes whether or not the connection would turn into an air vent and stop the water flowing.

To answer you question though, yes, the water needs to be above the connection. That is unless you have sealed it somehow.

 

[JCSReefing]

yes, i have filled the back multiple times but the pump just keeps making a rattling/clicking noise. im trying to get it to work where i do not have to have my sump filled all the way past that air intake spot but they don't give you a peice to leave that section out

 

[Bender]

Glue or silicone it shut so it wont draw in air? Also id be worried the pump would be unable to draw a suction if the water level was to low.