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FAQs about Canister, Cartridge Filters For Marine Systems,
Troubleshooting/Repair
Related Articles: Physical Filtration, Review
of the ViaAqua Canister Filter,
Related FAQs: Canister Filters 1, Canister Filters 2,
Canister Filters 3, Outside Power
Filters, & FAQs on:
Rationale/Use, Placement,
Media, Plumbing,
Maintenance, By Manufacturer:
Eheim, Fluval,
Other Brands,
|
Mmm, best to prime these units by starting with suction on the discharge
side, allowing water to siphon in through the intake/s... filling the
unit/s... perhaps tilting, inverting to clear last bubbles. |
Rena Filstar xP4 setup problem
9/25/07
Hi there,
<Dave>
I just set up a brand new Rena Filstar xP4 filter, but something is wrong
and water will not flow through the circuit.
<Mmm... likely an air pocket... about the pump impeller itself...>
When I prime the filter, the canister fills and air comes out of the outlet
pile as described in the manual, but when I switch on after 2 minutes, the
motor turns, but no water seems to be being sucked into the filter,
<Actually... it is NOT sucked in... gravity supplies this, and it is pumped
centrifugally out...>
and the outlet hose only fills to the level of the waterline. I can hear the
motor turning inside the canister and see the water at the top being stirred
around a bit, but nothing else is happening.
<Not uncommon>
The filter is set up as instructed in the manual, and using the filter media
provided. It is located between the minimum and max height below the
waterline (~50" below the top of a 21" high tank), inlet and outlet clips,
filter box clips and disconnect and pipe joints are tight. All components
are new out of the box.
<Well described>
Any idea what the problem could be and how to fix?
<Yes... "carefully" tilt the entire unit a few times... while running the
pump... on to its side or even slightly inverted/upside down... this should
mix enough water about the volute (the area surrounding and including the
pump impeller) to vent the remaining air out... Voila!>
I have not been able to find any troubleshooting info on xP series on the
www, as everyone says how easy they are to prime.
<Canister filters can be the Dickens to prime the first time... Only takes a
small amount of air around a well-balanced impeller to end up as you
presently are here>
Hope you can offer advice,
Dave
<I do hope you have the room, the length of tubing to do the maneuver
mentioned... Do write back with applause or further consternation if you
would. Cheers, Bob Fenner>
Re: Rena Filstar xP4 setup problem
9/27/07
Its consternation I'm afraid Bob.
<Rats!>
I could hardly wait to go home from work to try your advice. I had already
tried gingerly tilting the tank from side to side and squeezing the sides to
create some pressure to force air out, but had been wary of manhandling the
canister with the motor running.
<Yes... is heavy, clumsy to move about... and the worry of hose
disconnection...>
With added confidence, I followed your advice. Some air did come out, but
the filter did not spring into action. I noticed that while tipping the
unit, I got minor leakage from the seam of the motor housing compartment,
and when I took the top off it had water inside. I don't know if that should
be, but I guess if there is a route for water to come out, there is a route
for air to get in?
<Mmm, shouldn't be, no>
After that I got rid of the air in the outlet hose, by removing the quick
disconnect, opening the valve with my thumb over the inlet and siphoning
down the outlet hose.
<Good>
I also filled the canister to the brim and carefully put the top back on, to
exclude air. That did not work either, but I noticed that when I ran the
motor, new air bubbles appeared near the top of the canister and an air
pocket forms where the motor unit sits inside canister box.
<Mmmm>
I'm fairly convinced that it should not be this difficult, and that I have a
defective unit with an air leak through the top of the canister that is
stopping it from operating. Nothing left to do I think, but to go back to
the vendor and ask for a replacement.
<Yes... but first...>
Will let you know what happens and look forward to posting about a working
and stocked community aquarium in the future. Meanwhile I will browse your
excellent articles demystifying cycling.
Cheers,
Dave
<I would try taking all the hose sections apart Dave... re-fitting them
(pushing all back together hard)... and with the ding-dang thing basically
empty... try starting it all again... with the intake line siphoning while
you use the disconnected discharge line (as you state above) discharging
into a bucket... with the pump running. Am pretty sure this is an "air lock"
situation (about the impeller) still... that just needs to be purged... IF
there is an air leak on the intake side though... this does need to be
remedied... Wish I was there physically to aid you... BobF>
Re: Rena Filstar xP4 setup problem solved 10/2/07
Hi Bob,
<Dave>
To tie off this thread I finally found out what was wrong with the filter.
<Ahh~!>
The unit I purchased was supplied missing a small black cap that covers off
one of the ports in the top motor housing unit (not shown in the manual),
hence no pressure. The LFS replaced the unit, so I will soon be up and
running.
<Great!>
Thanks for your tips, which mean that I now know what to do if I have any
problem with the filter in future when the tank is stocked.
Dave
<Thank you for this useful follow-up. Will post for others edification.
Cheers, BobF> Re: Rena Filstar xP4 setup problem solved
10/3/07
No worries Bob,
<Dave>
Actually this problem was a blessing in disguise, otherwise I would probably not
have discovered all the wonderful information at WetWebMedia until I had a more
serious problem with a tank full of fish.
<Ahh!>
Just to add that the Rena Filstar xP4 really is very quiet, and had it not been
for the missing part, would have been simplicity itself to set-up and operate,
so despite my problem I would happily recommend it to others.
<Good>
I'll follow up on the QC with the manufacturer (now Mars Fishcare)
Dave
<Real good. BobF>
|
Noisy Eheim Pro 2028
7/8/07
Hi
I have purchased a 2nd hand [had been used for 6 months] Eheim 2028.
<A very good product in my estimation:
http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=EH2028K>
It works perfectly but seems as if air may be present as it ‘rattles’ when
the taps are fully open. If I partially close the taps the noise stops. Is
this normal?
<No>
If not how can I dispel any remaining air?
<Mmm, a few ways, but the most assured is likely to turn the power off,
disconnect the discharge line, and have it lowered into a bucket, allow the
water to drain/siphon through the unit... perhaps while giving the filter
itself a few gentle shakes side-to-side to dislodge any air caught in the
pump... If you can get a friend to help, watch the lines/water, try turning
the pump motor on/off a couple times during this process...>
Thanks
Alan
<Welcome. Bob Fenner>
Filter Help, canister with air lock
Hi all.
I have a Rena XP canister filter(4 yrs old) that will not fill up with water.
Usually after I clean it, all I have to do is push the quick disconnect valve down and the filter begins priming. Today that was not the case. I filled the inlet pipe
up with water, thinking that it just needed a little more, but it still would not
take water in. What is wrong with it? I don't see any leaks. I need to do something quick!
Thanks in advance.
<Most likely there is a bit of air trapped in and around the impeller (the volute)... this can be most easily cleared by carefully lifting and tilting the filter canister on to its side a few times while the motor is running... Another
technique is to pull the discharge line from the tank and let the water run into a bucket on the floor... this will clear the air out. Bob Fenner>
Ammonia and Nitrite Emergency
6/6/05
Hi Crew, my name is Justin and I am having a bit of a problem on the action I
should take with the screw-up I just made. I have a 55 gallon salt water tank
with a moray eel in it. Since I am a beginner I decided it would be a really
good idea to clean my filter (you guys probably know where I am going with
this). So I rinsed my Eheim 2028, and all of the media of course, in tap water.
From reading on this really helpful website (and lack of common since), I
realized I just sent all of my beneficial microbes down the drain. <Hmm... this
can be a problem. More because of the chlorine rather than the rinsing itself.>
So everything seemed fine for 2 days then BOOM ammonia that was 0 is 1.5 and
nitrite that was less than .3 is now .9. I am terrified for my eel, he seems
fine, but I'm worried my microbes will not come back fast enough. I have 40 lbs
of live sand and 20lbs of live rock I am hoping that they will help. I am sorry
if some one has asked a similar question but I could not find it after an hour
of searching. Well I hope you can get back to me soon and help me with my
problem. Thanks Justin <Your live rock and sand should easily meet the
filtration needs of your tank. I would consider removing the canister filter
for a more thorough cleaning and monitoring the water chemistry closely. If
the ammonia or nitrite get any higher, I would institute a couple of large water
changes, but otherwise, let them come down naturally. Best Regards. AdamC.>
Dad's old canister filter... 8/15/05
To Whom it may concern,
I have recently inherited my Dad's old fish tank. He has a magnum 220
canister filter. I have taken it apart and cleaned it several times. The last
few days it has been spitting out a lot of air bubbles. It has recently been
cleaned and all the connections are secure and air-tight. Could this simply mean
that the filter is just getting old and needs replacing? It is probably almost
10 years old. Thank you for your
insight. Dan
<Mmmm, there is an air gap along (most likely) the intake side of this filter
somewhere... I would use sprayed water at the fittings, a bit of length of
tubing placed next to your ear and at these junctions to see/hear where air is
being entrained... I might buy/replace all the flexible tubing (not much money)
at the Home Depot, Lowe's... before canning this canister... Bob Fenner>
Canister filter stops running 10/5/05
Hi, and thank you for taking the time to read this.
<Howdy, welcome>
I have a Serafil 900 canister filter. Recently it switched itself off an stopped
running. It's done this before and normally taking it apart, cleaning it and
putting it together again sets it in order. That doesn't seem to be working this
time however. When I switch it back on it runs for maybe 3 minutes and then just
stops. During that time I can hear the sound of water running inside it, which I
gather is air circulating around the impeller. I don't think there's a huge
amount of air in there though and this hasn't been a major problem in the past.
Other than that everything seems to be fine. All the parts fit together well and
are all in good condition. Is there anything you can think of that would cause
it to just stop like that? I just wanted to check that it's not something that
I'm doing incorrectly.
Thank you,
Dan
<The easiest way to prevent this is to fill the canister filter by siphoning
through the in line and out the discharge... in a bucket... Once set-up,
air-locks can be released by (carefully) tilting/inverting the running filter,
upside down. Bob Fenner>
Ammonia problem, stopped canister filters 02-05-06
Hello to all. Well have one big problem and I am in need of some advice on
what to do. Might have happened to you guys before but this is the first time
it has happened to me. I have a 29g TruVu with 40lbs of LR and 3in sandbed of
LS. I currently have pair of true perculas, had citron clown goby, and LPS live
coral. This mourning when i woke up and turned my tank lights on I noticed
that my clown goby was nowhere to be found. I looked and looked for him but he
disappeared. I then thought to myself that he must have died because of lack of
oxygen because yesterday my xp1 Rena had got clogged with some macro algae that
was in my tank but got sucked up in my filter. Yesterday the clown goby was
breathing very rapidly so that why I had checked the filter. I thought by
cleaning it and unclogging that would fix the problem but it didn't because this
morning the goby was nowhere to be found.
<Uhh, unclogging the canister filter... you did rinse it out thoroughly before
returning it to service I hope/trust>
So then I began to look for him. I couldn't find him so my next step was
removing the
LR piece by piece...And that got me pissed because once I moved all the rock I
still didn't find him. Has this ever happened to anyone? If so what did you
do?
<...?>
I tested for ammonia and it had gone up to .25mg/l. Now I for sure know he is
dead but can't find it. I do have bristleworms in the tank and also spaghetti
worms. Could they have already ate him up?
<Yes>
Could they have buried his body in the sand to eat? Please help me. I did a
water change and it did seem to help but I still have a feeling the ammonia will
continue to go up again? Any advice in what I can do to fix this problem?
<Time going by at this point>
...I have had my tank for over a year now so I know I am past the cycling
stage. Never have had this problem with ammonia ever. I moved my clown fish to
my QT but am scared to lose my corals! Help me please. Any advice is better
than nothing.
<The ammonia anomaly was almost certainly caused by the plugged then unplugged
canister filter... causing the demise of the goby... perhaps the worms eating
it. Bob Fenner>
Equipment/Filters...Bursts of bubbles from a Magnum 350 5/25/06
Bob, <James today, Bob exploring the mysteries of the deep in HI> <<Heeee!
RMF>>
I noticed the question from Donna regarding air-bursts from her HOT Magnum. I
have been using three 350's and two HOT's for several years and the only time I
observed air building up in the canister (and causing bursts of bubbles) was
when I had an airstone near the intake and it would suck in the occasional
bubble until a larger bubble was built up inside the canister. and then it would
periodically spew a mist of air droplets in the exhaust several times a minute.
This sounds like it would have been obvious to the most casual observer, but it
took me several days of messing with everything I could think of on the Magnum
until finally I was glaring at the snorkels in frustration and saw a bubble
spiral around into the intake side. (D'oh!!) Using 5 Magnums for the last three
years and that's the only way I've seen air get entrained - through the intake.
<Thank you for this, Mark, will post. James (Salty Dog)>
Mark Hein
What's This Spewing From My Canister Filter?...Bacterial Film - 07/25/06
Good evening WWM crew,
<<Hello Lorri>>
I have spent the better part of today researching my most recent
quandary about my new (3 month old) 40 gallon marine aquarium. My husband is
starting to growl about not getting dinner, so I felt it was time to ask my
question directly to you...the experts.
<<Mmm, yes...must maintain the peace at home <grin> >>
Today's question is basically this: Why does the output tube from my
Fluval 204 spew copious amounts of opaque junk (looks like small pieces of
uneaten raw shrimp) back into the tank after I have turned off the canister to
clean the filter and then restart the filter according to manufacturer’s
instructions? I am obviously doing something wrong. Just not sure what. As
always any input would be appreciated.
<<You're not doing anything wrong, nor is this anything to be worried
about. Your filter's output tube (indeed ALL your tank’s plumbing lines) gets
coated with a filmy mat of bacteria. This is a natural occurrence and one
reason we recommend over sizing plumbing lines a bit to allow for the decreased
flow that occurs as the material builds on the inside surfaces of the
plumbing. These mats grow in relation to the pressure/flow direction of the
water in the filter/plumbing lines. When you stop the flow, the bacterial mats
"relax" a bit and when the flow starts up again bits are torn away and these are
what you see exit in to your tank. In my experience these "bundles" of
bacteria/bio-film are harmless and quickly dissipate in the tank>>
By the way please share my good news with Mr. Fenner regarding the
Purple Long Tentacle Anemone whose tentacles were slightly burned when they came
in contact with some diluted marine buffer I had added to the aquarium "she" has
made a most spectacular recovery and appears beautiful and healthy again. I now
add the buffer during water changes per his advice. Thank him for his
reassurance.
<<You just did...am sure he will see this>>
Lorri Thanos
<<Regards, EricR>>
Bubble/Cyano Issues - 08/22/06
Greetings from Grayslake, IL
<<Back at you from Columbia, SC>>
I've read a lot (I won't say all) of the FAQs regarding bubbles but I am still
running across an issue.
<<Ok>>
Here is my set up:
- 29 gallon reef tank up and running for about 8 months now
- CPR Bak Pak
- Magnum 350 Canister Filter
- 2x96 Watt 10k PC (On for 7 hours)
- 2 actinic bulbs PC (On for 10 hours)
- 40(+-) lb live rock
- 2-inch live sand
- RO/DI 4-stage system
Here is my problem. I still get bursts of air bubbles from the canister filter.
<<Hmm, air intrusion from somewhere...builds up to the point where the bubble is
large enough to "escape" to the outflow/impeller chamber of the filter
pump...thus the "bursts" of bubbles>>
I have broken down the system and have replaced the o-rings and have added metal
clamps on the all of the hoses to try to tighten it all down. Can't really find
any leaks in the system.
<<Have you tried "sealing" all the joints one-at-a-time with Vaseline?
<Mmm, would not use a Petroleum-based material... too likely to act as a
solvent... soften the tubing in the long/er run. Perhaps a Silicone-based lube.
RMF>
Have you checked to see if bubbles are being generated/pulled in to the filter
through the intake from the intake water chamber (sump?)?>>
In addition to the bursts of air bubbles, when the lights are on I get a small
amount of bubbles constantly.
<<Check the placement of the filter intake/the possibility of bubbles in the
surrounding water being pulled in to the filter>>
Suggestions? Replace it?
<<Might be worth a try>>
What would you guys/gals recommend for a replacement?
<<I've always had good luck with the Fluval line of canister filters...and if
you have the bucks, Eheim is a good choice>>
I am also getting some muck on the top of the sand when the lights are on but it
is gone when the lights are off?
<<Cyanobacteria...possibly>>
Some of my live rock has turned red on the tips, don't think that it is
coralline algae. Some form of algae was wondering if I need to be concerned
here or not.
<<Hard to say...likely not. But do have a look through our FAQs/articles re
"Cyanobacteria" and "blue-green algae">>
Thank you for your time.
<<A pleasure to assist>>
Like everybody else...Love the site! Very very informative.
<<Always good to hear...thank you>>
Sincerely,
Richard Hunt
<<Regards, Eric Russell>>
Re: Bubble/Cyano Issues 8/22/06
Thanks for the reply.
<<Welcome>>
I am not running a sump, just the CPR Bak-Pak and the Magnum Filter. Regarding
the Vaseline...
<Again, NO to the use of Vaseline... IS a SOLVENT. RMF>
how is that done? Do I pull out the connections and add it to
the connection or to the hose?
<<No need to pull apart the connections...just smear some around the "above
water" connections to seal them temporarily. Do this one at a time watching
each for a bit to see if the bubbles stop>>
The intake is behind a piece of live rock, so I don't really have any air coming
from there I don't believe.
<<The steady stream of air bubbles while the lights are on could be nitrogen
bubbles from your rock/substrate being sucked in to the filter intake>>
Again, Thank you
Richard Hunt
<<Regards, Eric Russell>>
Re: Bubble/Cyano Issues - 08/22/06
Now that’s interesting. I do have tiny bubbles all over the red stuff on
the rocks that I spoke about in my original post. Could that be what is getting
into the filter?
<<Ah, most assuredly Cyanobacteria then...and yes, the filter intake could be
pulling-in these bubbles>>
If so...how do I get rid of the bubbles from the live rock?
<<Increased water movement often helps when battling this blue-green algae. Do
have a read here and among the links in blue for much more information: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/bluegralgae.htm
>>
Thanks,
Richard
<<Quite welcome, EricR>>
SW canister filtration 12/6/06
I have been reading over your site and now realize I may have to change my
filtration. You almost always recommend a sump for all salt tanks... I have 2
Eheim canister filters on a 75 gallon with an aqua c remora pro skimmer. In the
Eheims I have the white filters, blue filter, Chemi-pure and the ceramic rings.
Would this be ok with weekly maintenance? Or will my water quality eventually
become poor due to inadequate filtering? Any suggestions you have would be of
great help.
< With diligent maintenance you can avoid common problems associated with
canisters, but the main concern is a power outage. These filters can become
anaerobic in a short time if power is lost, and pump some really nasty stuff
back into the tank when the power is restored. If you have enough live rock you
can remove the canisters, albeit one at a time over a few weeks. You can also
keep a canister to place your chemical filtration in as long as you clean it out
often. >
Thanks
< Most welcome and best of luck - Emerson >
Rena Filstar Issue... air leak 1/31/07
Hi Guys-
<Howdy>
I have a 300 gph Rena FilStar canister filter which has been functioning
beautifully for about 6 months. Over the last few days the water level in the
canister has dropped and every 2-3 minutes, there is a sucking sound and a
whoosh of aire entrapped in water is jettisoned out through the out let
hose. It creates quit a horrendous sound.
<Yes... you have an "air leak" somewhere on the intake side of your plumbing>
Have I lost my seal on the filter?
<Yes>
How is air entering the canister? Whats the remedy, new o ring, or a new
canister filter?
T
Joe Tremper
<Mmm... a careful examination (possibly with a length of tubing against your
ear, other noise turned off... and/or a squirt bottle with "just water"... to
try and detect the leak... starting from the intake from the tank... to the
canister itself... Perhaps a systematic disassembling, trimming of "old"
flexible tubing, re-fitting to the hard plastic couplers/els... maybe the
addition of a bit of smears of pure Silicone lubricant to seal all a bit
easier... including the top/O-ring... Good hunting! Bob Fenner>
- Broken Fluval? -
I have searched and cannot find a solution. My Fluval 404 isn't running correctly. It seems that the return water flow is half of what it normally is. I cleaned the impeller and am at a loss. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. <Do go through all the tubing and intake screens as well... look for possible obstructions, otherwise contact Hagen directly.> It is a few years old. Motor sounds fine.
Thanks in advance
Lisa
<Cheers, J -- >
Fluval Emergency
Hi. I think I may have made a catastrophic mistake this morning. I walked
by my 55 Gallon FOWLR tank this morning and saw my Fluval 304 canister
filter was unplugged. Without thinking, you guessed it, I plugged it in.
Well it only took about 30 seconds for the rotten egg smell of hydrogen
sulfide to hit me in the face. I was crushed as I didn't think of that
possibility before as well as I realized there was no turning back once I
made that crazy decision to plug it in. I turned the filter back off and
cracked it open and it was very black inside. I just got back from vacation
a few days ago and everything was fine so I don't know how the filter got
unplugged.
I have a few questions. First, I threw everything away that was in the
Fluval (foam pads, activated C bags, ceramic Biomax, and PolyFilter) and
added a fresh 100 g bag of activated C, a whole pad of Polyfilter, and fresh
foam pads. I also started preparing 14 gallons of water to do a 25% water
change when I go home. Is there anything else I can do. How much C would
be reasonable to run; should I add like 6 100 gram packs to the Fluval or
just run one? And the two questions I hate to ask. Is it almost certain
death to my fish since I actually smelled the gas coming out of the water,
and will the sandbed and 50 lbs of LR in my tank be garbage now or will the
H2S not absorb and contaminate for life?
Thanks for the advice as I want to save anyone I can.
Ray
<Hello Ray,
The first and best thing you can do is a large water change obviously, in the
range of 50 percent. You didn't mention if this canister filter is the only
source of water circulation in your tank, nor did you mention how long it had
been off. Those are two rather important pieces of information. Your rock is
probably fine, and in all likelihood so is your sand bed, but again I lack some
vital information.
If your fish are still swimming when you get home, then they'll be fine! For all
the talk of hydrogen sulfide gas, I've never seen it whack a fish myself. That
doesn't mean it hasn't happened, but in my experience I've never witnessed it.
Run as much carbon in your canister as you wish, there is no right answer there.
If your sand bed is dead, then all the carbon in the world will not help you,
and you'll have to pull it. If you've had power heads or a return pump
circulating the water all the while, your sand bed is most certainly just fine.
Cheers
Jim>
Fluval fix
Hi
Wondered if you could help.
I have a Fluval 304 about 4 yrs old. It always ran fine until the other day.
I clean it once a month basically replace the carbon and rinse the foam. I use
it more for chemical filtration as I have a Bio-Wheel and Aquaclear on the tank
as well. I also like it because of the flow it gives me as well.
Anyway I stripped it down and put it back together as I have done a hundred
times. I put it back under the tank. When I came home at lunch the following day
the water in the tank was down about 1 1/2" ( its a 65g by the way). I thought
it was the tank but after some investigation I discovered it was leaking from
the filter. There was a steady drip of water running down from the blue handles
on either side. I thought it might be because I had filled up the baskets to the
top with some carbon and pre-filter material more than is usually in there and
it was restricting the flow of the water through the filter in some way. I took
out the extra material and returned it to how it was before but this didn't fix
it. I then thought it might be the seal for the motor housing so I have just run
down to the LFS and replaced that but that isn't working either.
I will try to describe where the water is coming from.
Where the two parts lock together all the way around there is a kind of bulge
well on the part where the handles are it kinda flares out and creates a well
next to the handle. At the top of these wells there are small holes and that is
where the water comes from. The canister part of the filter not the motor
housing. I hope you understand and can either help me or let me know who can.
Thanks
PS - I sent in a question about 3 weeks ago and didn't get an answer. No biggie
I solved that problem now but would really appreciate an answer to this.
< I had a guy at work with a similar problem and he asked me to take a look at
it. I think the problem is with a dried out O ring that seals the upper and
lower pieces together. I never got a chance to try it but I think if you grease
the O ring with a white grease or even try some petroleum jelly you may have
some luck. I know that he had called the company rep and got no answers and I
never talked to him again to see how it turned out. I think he just bought a new
filter from a different company.-Chuck>
Dean K. Smith
Re: Leaking filter, FW
Thanks for the prompt answer.
I replaced the seal with a new one yesterday and the leak slowed down a
little but didn't stop.
So I called the company today ( I am in Canada by the way) and as soon as I
told them the problem the told me to return the filter for repair. They
seemed to know exactly what it was and weren't concerned that the filter was
no longer under warranty. Seems to me this must be a common problem with
this filter. Anyway they told me to send it to them at my cost they will
return it in a couple of days at there cost. Hopefully it turns out well and
I am glad I am also running another filter on this tank.
Thanks again for the quick response and keep up the great work with the site
I visit everyday.
< When it comes back please write and let me know what they did. thanks.-Chuck>
Re: Leaking filter, FW
Thanks for the prompt answer.
I replaced the seal with a new one yesterday and the leak slowed down a
little but didn't stop.
So I called the company today ( I am in Canada by the way) and as soon as I
told them the problem the told me to return the filter for repair. They
seemed to know exactly what it was and weren't concerned that the filter was
no longer under warranty. Seems to me this must be a common problem with
this filter. Anyway they told me to send it to them at my cost they will
return it in a couple of days at there cost. Hopefully it turns out well and
I am glad I am also running another filter on this tank.
Thanks again for the quick response and keep up the great work with the site
I visit everyday.
< When it comes back please write and let me know what they did. thanks.-Chuck>
Leaking Fluval Redux
Well I got my filter back today. It all seems to be in order and working
fine.
I checked over the filter before I started it up again and it seems the only
difference is a new type of impeller cover. It seems a better fit and has a
fitting that looks like it prevents the impeller from sliding out of the
well ( I had a problem with that). I wish they had sent a replacement though
because it is very difficult to unclip now and I can see myself maybe
breaking it down the road.
They stated that they replaced the impeller, the impeller shaft, the
impeller cover and the O-ring and they also tested the unit for 24 hrs at no
extra charge to me.
The impeller was only about 3 months old and the O-ring was brand new.
Overall I would say I am satisfied but not impressed as I was a little
ticked that the turn around time was 6 days instead of the 3 that they
stated when I called them.
But anyway the filter is back on the tank and both the fish and I are
enjoying it working properly
Hope this is some help as I visit the site everyday and would like to give a
little back lol
< Thank you very much for the reply. It has helped me and hopefully it will help
others checking the site.-Chuck>
O-ring problem
Hi,
I want to start by saying I am really glad I found your site today. I learned a
lot more since finding it than I have in the short 6 months since I found out
that I am nuts for this hobby.
On to my question. With my wife out of work, I am on a very tight budget. I
wanted to get a larger tank to go with my 10 & 20 gallon tanks, and kept an eye
out for a "garage sale special" After looking out, I picked up a 45 gallon tank,
stand, filter & Heater for under $100. The filter is a Chinese no-name brand
canister filter, but definitely works, as I am familiar with the former owner
and his Flowerhorns. The name on it says "Sun Sun", but I can't find any info on
them. Like I said, no name Chinese made. It looks like the o-ring gave out, and
was hoping you might know a DIY resource for O-rings.<Chris, look in the yellow
pages under bushings/bearings. Most of these places have a huge assortment of O
rings. Take the part of the filter that has the O ring with you> James
Canister filter losing prime
If we lose power and then it comes back on the Fluval will not start pumping water.
However the motor is running, have to shake the canister to get it to start. Any thoughts on how to fix
this? Thanks
<You have some/an air gap... some gas trapped in the canister or flexible tubing... that is accumulating in the motor/impeller when all is turned off... You need to invert, right the canister a few times to discharge this each time you have the filter apart... and learn to prime it completely when re-starting it... by lowering the discharge line... Bob Fenner>
Canister filter emergency
Hi Bob!
<You reached Steven Pro today. Anthony Calfo and I are helping out while Bob is away.>
I just discovered that my Eheim 2215 canister filter has not been running, probably for a week or more (the plug was loose in the socket; it looked plugged in but wasn't, and the pump normally runs so quiet that it took a long time to notice. Pretty dumb.) How do I go about cleaning the gravel so that it can function as a biological filter again? Do I need to drain the hoses that connect the filter to the tank, since they're probably filled with yucky water? My 55-gal tank has a CPR
BakPak skimmer with bio-bale, and about 70 pounds of live rock, so it's not totally without filtration, but of course I want to take care of this right away. Thanks for your help! -Suzanne.
<Clean and drain everything in the Eheim. It will probably smell something awful (similar to rotten eggs) if it has been off for a week. -Steven Pro>
Re: canister filter emergency
Excellent advice... but how exactly do I go about cleaning the gravel?
<I would put it in a bucket and rinse repeatedly with hot water while churning with your hands. -Steven Pro>
Filter blockage deaths
Hi Bob,
I went on my honeymoon for 2 weeks.
<Congratulations>
during our absence the filter tube
fell causing it to kink and block. The person we had looking after the
fish came in and found the fish dead (Picasso trigger, 2 clowns, 4 stripe,
emperor angel and blue tang). It had been 6 days since they had last seen
the fish. We had an auto feeder set and all was OK up to then. (We had
introduced the feeder slowly making sure the fish were OK to eat dried food
and that the feeder worked OK over an extended period of time).
<Oh>
I returned 3 days after the fish had been found and by then the filter tube
had been unkinked. All the chemical measurements were normal. What would
cause the fish to die? Could they have died by lack of oxygen? A number
of small crabs (2cm) and worms that were living in the live rock were also
dead. The anemone also died, however one large coral has remained alive.
<Many changes could, might have occurred as a consequence of the "kinking"... low dissolved oxygen for sure... and with con/subsequent changes in loss of aerobic nitrifying bacteria... and, and, and...>
This is the first time we have lost any fish since we started about 6
months ago and we are very upset. How would the fish have died and would
they have suffered.
<Not likely to have suffered. Aquatic life is "hard-wired" differently than tetrapods (e.g. birds, mammals).>
Regards,
Michael.
PS. Thanks for your website. There is much contradictory advice on SW
aquariums, but we usually take your advice.
<Thank you my friend. Don't be discouraged with these accidental losses. Make provision that it cannot recur and go on. Bob Fenner>
O rings (Tetra repair part)
I have a Whisper power filter- Model 2B- the O ring leaks water. Can you tell me were I can get new ones.
Thanks, C. Herbst
<I would contact Tetra directly. They were very good about sending me a few new ceramic shafts for my pond pump. Their
website is http://www.tetra-fish.com/index2.html -Steven Pro>
Problem with Fluval 204 Canister Filter
Hello, and great site by the way.
<Thank you very much. I am sure Bob appreciates all the compliments he gets.>
I've got a new freshwater setup. A 100 Gallon Tank about half full for a VERY lucky Red Eared Slider (Turtle). Everything is working great for this little guy, but I've had a bit of trouble with the Fluval 204 Canister Filter that I bought for him today. The filter seems to be constantly developing air bubbles and is difficult to prime. It is an intermittent problem. Sometimes the filter will go for hours without a problem, and sometimes it's only a few minutes. I have the filter mounted level with the tank because of space restrictions. My basic questions are:
1.Does the placement of the canister cause difficulty in filtration?
<Yes, it should be well below the tank water level.>
2. Is it normal for this type of filter to have this much trouble with air bubbles?
<It is common for Fluvals to have problems purging the air when the sponge filters are new. They hold a lot of air and it takes awhile
to force it out. Also, your height differences maybe making the problem worse.>
3. What kind of media would you recommend to keep this ammonia producing monster from poisoning himself?
<Activated carbon, Zeolite clay, and the ceramic rings.>
Thanks for your time and effort in putting up such a comprehensive source of information for those of us that are "Aquatically Challenged" Eric
<You are welcome. -Steven Pro>
Re: Canister filter question
Thanks for your quick response. Okay, I understand and will probably take your suggestion. But just to further my education what would be the harm in allowing that filter to act as a biological filter as well? Could I add half of the recommended media? So there would be less surface area. Finally how often do you clean out a canister filter's media if it is a bio filter? -Pete
<It is unnecessary to use as a biological filter if you have sufficient liverock and live sand in your micro reef tank. It will breakdown certain compounds making it more difficult for your protein skimmer to remove them, adding unwanted nutrients to your system. The media will displace more water and will eventually get dirty and cut down on the flow rate from the canister filter. -Steven Pro>
Priming Canister Filters
I have a Fluval 404 filtration system for my 185 gallon aquarium and can't seem
to get it pumping. Motor is running . do these have to be left on for a
while to start (primed)?
<Don't have to be left running (go and turn off NOW!) w/o water in them... you have to prime this canister filter... suck on the discharge end over a bucket to fill the intake line and canister itself... THEN plug it in. Bob Fenner>
Filter Problems (canister, marine)
hey... I don't know if you guys are familiar with filters... but my filter won't suck up water anymore.... can you tell me what the problem is... its a magnum filter... the old ones.. not the new 350... but yeah... it won't suck up any more water...
I checked it many times.. the only thing wrong with it is the rubber band which is on the cap...
I asked a man about it and he said that the because the band has little breaks on it that it would let in air.. would air affect the filter's ability to suck the water...
I mean at first it works... but only for a few seconds.. the water level in the filter starts to lower, then at about halfway emptied it stops sucking in anymore water... can you help me out...
I know it's not a fish problem but.. any help is
fine... thanks... Sokha
<You should replace your gaskets. -Steven Pro>
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