Filter Died, What Do I Do?

[nork]

I have a Marineland Penguin filter that just stopped working. I've tried plugging it into a different outlet that I know works and it won't come on.

This is my only filter, what can I do to ensure the safety of my fish?

I'm thinking my only other option right now is to run down to PetSmart and hope they have one in stock so I can replace it and pop in the existing filters.

 

[MewMew42]

have you changed the fuse? and given it a good clean out? ie the impeller?

 

[Tolak]

Take it apart, check the impeller. Make sure there is no debris present, the bushings are ok, and the shaft is in one piece.

 

[nork]

I took it apart, the impeller spins freely, but nothing happens when the filter is plugged in. No sounds, no buzzing, nothing.

 

[Katty]

Mess around with it more (I mean, if you break it, well, it was already broken anyways), then if all else fails run down and buy a new filter and cram all the old media you can back in it. I thought my old filter died, bought a new one, installed the new one and everything, then decided to play around with the broken one and BAM it ran perfectly after I stuck a Q-tip in the impeller chamber.

So just make sure its actually broken before you cough up money for a new one.

 

[Tolak]

Often the impeller does need a push to start up, due to the design of the motors used on HOB filters. I find a pen works well for smaller filters, on larger ones I can usually squeeze a finger in to give it a shove.

 

[nork]

Thanks guys. I went q-tip crazy on it and nothing would happen. It wouldn't even give out the humm of electric current, wouldn't start, was as if I wasn't plugging it in at all.

I ran to PetSmart, grabbed a new OTB filter (same model) and will end up ordering a canister filter soon, but this should hold over for now.