Fluval 404

[Mution]

Ok when i last used it the little white prepeller stick snapped, so i got it replaced and managed to get my 404 working again (JUST), now ive gone to start using it again tonight now that ive re-set up everything, i broke the little thing ontop where u can help pump the water intill it flows on its own free will, i managed to get a replacement, only to be messing around for hours wondering why the dam thing would not suck and release the water, i noticed the the prepeller shaft case has broke

so i toke it out and when and got 1 ordered on ebay, i went for my tea and to have a shower only to discover when i got out a burning smell when i came back into my room!!

i left the power on and burned out the power head

so now i need a new power unit or pump

what would you guys suggest for a 40 gallon tank?

 

[Danno]

Did you read the instructions? Was it used from ebay?

I have a Fluval also and it works like a charm.

 

[tnhowery]

I also use the same model and havent had any problems with it besides getting it running after a good clean out.

 

[Mution]

thats the problem ive always had, and yes i read the instructions
it takes ages to get it working after a good clean,
but i think i need a new 1 as the head smelled burned out last night, ill try it again later now it would have cooled down to see if it works


if i do need to buy a new 1 what do u recommend?

 

[andywg]

Welcome to Fluval, the cheapest and nastiest of cannister filters. I have been where you are and can feel your pain.

Do yourself a favour and get a second hand Eheim. You won't be disappointed.

 

[Danno]

Its isnt a bad filter. I haven't had a problem with mine at all and i've had mine for 3 years. Maybe people need to read the instructions??

 

[DevUK]

If the motor is burnt out, just get a new filter. I have a 204 (second hand) and haven't really had any problems. I've also just won a second hand Eheim 2013 which should arrive soon. Figured I'd mix it up and try another brand

Take the oppertunity to try another brand, but if you've got time, do your research

 

[andywg]

Its isnt a bad filter. I haven't had a problem with mine at all and i've had mine for 3 years. Maybe people need to read the instructions??

Nope, they are just an awful filter. Reading the instructions doesn't stop the filter leaking. Ask The Wolf, CFC, Paul_MTS and all the other people who have posted about it in the hardware forum about how reliable fluval cannisters are if you don't believe me after my two failed.

 

[Danno]

Its isnt a bad filter. I haven't had a problem with mine at all and i've had mine for 3 years. Maybe people need to read the instructions??

Nope, they are just an awful filter. Reading the instructions doesn't stop the filter leaking. Ask The Wolf, CFC, Paul_MTS and all the other people who have posted about it in the hardware forum about how reliable fluval cannisters are if you don't believe me after my two failed.

Maybe you put it together wrong? I have never had a leak, never had a burnout, and it always starts right away or me when I do matenance.

I think it just comes down to personal proference.

 

[andywg]

Nope, I hate to say this but I did read the Fluval instructions and am certain it was put together right as it was identical to how I had done it for two years. Yet still it started leaking. I was lucky, I noticed after the water change. CFC wasn't so lucky as it started leaking when it was running, meaning it started to empty the tank onto the carpet for him. Something tells me a fishkeeper with CFC's experience can manage to put a cannister together properly too.

For me it is more than personal preference, it is about performance. Eheims don't leak after 2 years. A substantial number (but not all) of Fluvals do. I don't like the idea of coming home to a puddle on the floor.