what kind of pump? Do you mean filter? Is it a hang on the side type? Or internal (underground)?

If it's the hang on the side type, then fill up the reservoir with water.

I assume you mean an air pump. Is the pump new? Are you useing an airstone? Can you blow through the airstone. Make sure the air hose is not kinked. Also make sure the pump is above the water level or use a check valve to avoid water backing through the pump.

Well apart from an air pump, you'd definitely need a filter. So if your airpump happens to go kaput, I'd suggest getting the hang on the side filters which also acts to aerate the water at the same time.

1)Sometimes there is a dial or knob to adjust flow. 2) Sometimes the diaphram will stick if the pump was subjected to excessive heat durring shipping or storage. 3) Possibly its just deffective with a break on the "insides", if you can't get it to work return it. ----To add when you get it running use check valves or a gang valve with a built in check valve. This is an inexpensive addition $1-3. If the pump stops running or the power goes off, water can back syphon into the airline and minimally destroy your pump, worst case start a fire. On this not a GFI outlet should be installed if not present or a surge protector with GFI. Good luck heres a link for starting up an aquarium, if its your first or you are just coming back to the hobby after a while.

Here is a link that might be useful: The Nitrogen cycle, from

Not meaning to sound rude, why dont you take it back to where you bought it from and tell them what is wrong.

Problem solved.

Keith