Changed my fuel filter, car won't start?

i've bought 2 fuel filters for my 1990 honda civic, the first one i couldn't stop the leak, so the 2nd one i made everything was ok ( the 2 copper rings, screwed it straight, the arrows match up, the pipes are correct holes), i did everything by the haynes book. Now when i start it i think theres a very slow leak cause it doesn't start, but i go check the filter and it goes very slowly wet on top ( of gas), my car won't start at all. Now my fuel filter still doesn't have a perfect seal, i can't do nothing about that, i honestly tried for 7 hours yesterday, just taking it apart, applying pressure, thats why today i had to buy a 2nd fuel filter just in case. But even though it has a very slow leak, shouldn't it at least start up for a few seconds? i'm at my wits end here! i'lll buy gasket sealer and seal the damn thing up, but it'll prob just end up leaking some more. The hoses are good, if i tip them upside down gas flows out, the gas tank lid is unscrewed, the banjos are good, it perfectly round, the threads i put sealing tape on it ( i know its not good, but i just wanted to see if it at least starts up)