Filter startup?

[Pazda]

Hi, I just ordered an Aquarius tank that came with a filter. In the instructions it just said to take it out of the box, attach the clip and put it on the aquarium so I did. After plugging it in and waiting 30 minutes, nothing happened - didn't start up or anything. The filter is called Mini-Might. Any idea why this is happening?

Thanks

[Limming]

I don't know about your filter but if its a hang on back filter pour water into it to start priming it. Other then I'd turn it off as running a filter dry is very hard on it and look online for a FAQ or other information from the manufacture.

[Pazda]

Yeah, it's one of those. How much do I need to pour over it?

[mommy1]

Fill it to the top. If that doesn't work, check to see if the impeller is properly seated.

[Pazda]

How do I do that? lol, sorry.

[Betta113]

I have the same one. There is a line on the filter for the optimal water level...make sure the water is at that level before you plug in the filter. The first time I didn't have the problem you described, but after a water change same problem. First, unplug the filter when you do a water change. After the level is back (new water added after the change), start pouring some of the tank water directly into the top of the filter, after the second pouring, plug in the filter while pouring water over the filter and it should restart.
As far as the impeller...you will have to take the filter apart. Make sure you pay close attention to how the filter goes back together (especially how the power cord is routed through the plastic guide (only fits one way and how it snaps in is a little weird). Also, make sure to note which way the filter cartridge is facing. The impeller is all the way at the bottom and it is the only part that turns-make sure it can spin freely.
Try the priming (pouring water into the filter) first, that should work.

Fee free to ask me if you have any more questions and good luck! What will you be putting in the tank?

[Betta113]

Also, its an internal/not submersible filter, not a hang on the back (HOB) filter.

[Pazda]

Does splashing it with a new plastic spoon (water washed and all) count? Not sure what I can usen that's clean.

I'll be putting a few zebra danios and tetras in it!

[Betta113]

You need to saturate the cartridge, so you need a better flow/bigger volume of water. Make sure you use conditioned/treated water to remove chlorine/chlorimides because the beneficial bacteria will live in this filter and chlorine will kill this bacteria. If you have the five gallon, that's too small for these fish. Please read about any fish you might want to stock the tank with first. The zebra danios need a 10 gallon minimum tank, probably even more as they are very active and like to be in a school of five minimally. Also, they are cold water fish and some tetras need warmer temps. You could try one male betta and maybe a shrimp or snail. Frank's aquarium has a microfish section that lists very small fish that might work.
I started out the same way with te five gallon, now I have one betta in one5 gallon, 2 white clouds in another and am starting on the 12 gallon for more variety...it really is addictive! Did you read about cycling your tank? There are some articles here about cycling. I didn't know about any of this when I started, so I had to do a lot of catching up, but the betta hung in with me through it all : )

[Pazda]

Alright, I'll consider another fish then - what kind would you recommend? I need to save up my money so I can't really buy a 10 or 20 gallon tank, much as I'd love to.

Also, they wouldn't include this filter with a 5 gallon tank if it needed more water.