Help with Dophin 1300 Cannister filter please

Hi all

I recently got a second-hand Dophin 1300 external cannister filter from someone, but unfortunately that did not include the box or instruction manual, although everything is still intact and complete and it seems to have hardly been used (still has a new smell to it).

I have done some googling and forum searches, etc. so I have a fair idea of how everything needs to be put together and how it works, but I still have a few questions that google did not answer. So I am hoping some people who have experience with this particular cannister filter could help me out.

1. It has 4 different trays for filter media, so in what order do I place the media? (I am going to be using filter wool, the sponge that came with the cannister filter, ceramic noodles and activated carbon.)

2. I read somewhere that it is "self-primeing" but I am not sure how accurate the source of that information was, so I would rather hear the facts from you guys. If it is not self-primeing, what process is involved with getting it primed and working?

3. Some tips on the routine maintenance procedures would be great

4. Anything else I need to know/need to keep in mind? (Like with noise control or power outages)

Would really appreciate the help as I want to set it up soon

 

(1) the filter flows from bottom-to-top... Bottom tray you put your mechanical filtration -the sponge & some floss , 2nd tray put some biological filtration like ceramic rings/seachem Purigen , 3tray you can put your carbon/seachem Purigen & then the last tray you can put some more filter floss... (2) all you need to do is fill filter up with water , close it up & then pour water in the inlet till it comes out by the outlet -that should be sufficient (3) repalce filter floss @ least once a month & rince out the rest of the media every 4-6 months about , make sure to clean the impeller also with this routine (4) Dophins are quite so don't stress to much about noice power usage should be about 25-40w

 

I would also rather put in BATTING(Pillow/fabric/ inner) rather that filter floss

 

The Dophin comes with a priming knob on top of the canister. Put the filter below the water level, open the valves, wait a few minutes, switch on and then press the knob a few times. You'll see air bubbles coming out of the outlet. When that stops, the filter is ok.

 

From Products - Filters

If my understanding is correct - water drops in on the filter plate 4 down past 5,6,(7),89 an up via 3 and out. don't think your has 7.

That being said to reduce maintenance I would look at adding some open cell sponge on the intake to act as a pre-filter, unless you like doing regular canister maintenance.

Later Ferdie

 

Thanks for all the help and pictures! You guys are awesome can't wait to get the Cannister up and running.