Loses prime when replacing media

by Steve Biondi
(Pacifica,Ca)

My Rena 3 loses prime when I replace the filter media. I have to prime it alot until it finally starts back up. It's about 4 years old now .
Is there anything that I should do differently to keep it from losing it's prime? How can I keep all the water in the tubes and make it start as soon as I plug it back in?

Thanks, Steve

A: If you lift the handle and remove the Quick Disconnect the water should stay trapped in the tube. Then, when you reconnect the empty filter, install the Qucik Disconnect and lock down the handle the water trapped in the inlet tube should create a vacuum in the tube and this will pull the water from the aquarium into the inlet tube and fill the canister. If this is not happening you have air leaking into the inlet side from somewhere. Possible solutions can be found here:

http://www.planetrena.com/rena-filstar-performance-questions.html

http://www.planetrena.com/Filstar-Rena-FAQ.html

You will need to scroll down the page to find them but there are at least 4 or 5 questions and troubleshooting guides on this subject on either page.