Fluval 205

[mtbdean]

recently purchased another 306 filter, to replace my smaller 205 filter, to which i moved it straight onto another tank, without even removing the water, and adding some extra media for my shrimp tank, but when I switched it on its started to leak down the side, nothing too major, but a slow trickle,
I removed the lid, checked there was anything stuck to the seal and there wasn't. I then thought I would replace the seal, to which i traveled a good 20miles to get one, cleaned around where the seal was, and reapplied the new seal, replaced the lid, and it leaked even worse.
 
I took the seal off again, checked all the surrounding, and cleaned again, and replaced the lid, primed the filter and it started leaking again, without being switched on! I then ordered another seal, just incase the one I received was faulty, to which it still leaks. Do you have any idea what else I could try to stop the unit from leaking? As my large shrimp tank is currently without filtration.

 

[Lunar Jetman]

Sorry, just to clarify, the 306 is leaking or your old 205?

Any sign of cracking anywhere? have you tried running it without the filter media or reseating all the containers to see if this has any effect? Is the impeller section all securely fitted?

 

[mtbdean]

Hi there, it's the old 205 filter.
 
There are no visible cracks anywhere, I have also run it empty of media aswell as full, but it still leaks. The one thing I have noticed, is that the side clips don't have as much pressure on them when i close them?
 
Cheers

 

[mtbdean]

Bit of an update, i was advised by Hagen (Fluval) to soak the seal in boiling water, and then apply, this has made it better, but it's still leaking! I've filled a pint glass in the past hour!

 

[Messi]

Hi there, it's the old 205 filter.
 
 The one thing I have noticed, is that the side clips don't have as much pressure on them when i close them?
 
Cheers

There's your problem right there. It could also be that the pump is actually not pushing as much water as it used to do and thus the canister is over flowing? I had this issue once, I left the filter on top of a drain and let it run for a few hours and it eventually stopped leaking.

 

[KirkyArcher]

Rubber seals are notoriously easy to damage,once a rough spot is formed on any of the contact faces it will continually erode the seal and score any replacement ones retro fitted (check contact faces or scratches or debris inc. sand or gravel particles). New seals and older ones should be treated to a coat of silicon lube at least roughly every 4- 6 months, avoid using petroleum based lubes such as Vaseline even though in stateside paperwork (Hagen) it actually recommends it. There is no way of tightening the catches other than to add a layer/strip of gaffer tape to the face of the catch that the latch hooks onto as packing, or you could buy replacement items. if you do discover any cracks they are pretty hard to spot and are usually easier to discovered with a finger nail rather than by sight then use a hot-melt glue gun or silicon sealant to patch over the damage.  

 

[This Old Spouse]

I have the same filter and the same thing happened to me. Got a new seal, and ran some petroleum jelly around it before I reinstalled it. That worked for me. I had noticed on mine that if I didn't have it seated exactly right I had problems with it as well.

 

[mtbdean]

Hey guys, turned out the seal I purchased wasn't a real Fluval Item, got my money back and went elsewhere, it's perfect now though!