Eclipse Filter Rattling

[Kyrielle]

I'm not quite sure what causes it, but I have an Eclipse system and for some reason the filter will periodically rattle on the side of the intake pipe. The sound can last for a hour or as short as 5 minutes. The timing though feels as if it's: for every 1-2 hours of silence you will be subjected to an indefinite time of annoying, maddening, window-jumping-inducing rattling. I've taken it apart and examined the impeller and the bearings...and they all seem faultless. Any idea as to what it is? And more importantly, how to stop it?

 

[SkiFletch]

Sounds like air lock leading to a perpetually cavitating motor ?

 

[Rooster]

If its definitely not the impeller, then I would look at an air lock too... also have a look to see the pipes are clear, and not simply vibrating against something.

 

[tomstanks]

Make sure it tight as well. Check the air lock.

 

[Kyrielle]

I did. It's been mostly quiet today until I took the hood off to feed the fish and accidentally bumped the filter unit which made it start to rattle. I noticed this time when I took it apart that the magnet was slightly smaller than the hole it was supposed to go into, and part of the impeller is also prone to being misaligned easily. That leads me to think that if bumped, the magnet will be set off-center and some little mobile bit will start rattling until the magnet eventually rights itself. So, I guess I just have to be careful when taking the hood off.

 

[SkiFletch]

Ah yes, if the impeller becomes off-balance, that can happen

 

[Kyrielle]

This may be a silly question, but after thinking about it, IS the impeller itself necessary? I mean is the system able to suck up water without it? I've been musing about the purpose of it and if the filter will still serve its purpose without the impeller then why have it in there in the first place.

Edit: Nevermind...I apparently have no such luck.

 

[Rooster]

The impeller IS the pump... how will water get through the filter without it ?

 

[Kyrielle]

The impeller IS the pump... how will water get through the filter without it ?

Yes I realised that after taking it out. Much to my dismay ^^.