Fluval Filter Problem

[linda1503]

Hi, Can anyone advise me about my filter problem, Its a fluval 3 interior filter and it keeps makng what I can only describe as a crackling/fizzing noise. Its not an electrical problem. I clean it out and the little yellow bit sticks up but hours later its only half way and the noise starts. I have spent ages making sure everything is cleaned and no algea stuck in it but still its makes this noise! Its about 9 months old, any ideas anyone?? It use to be silent, this has only started within the last few days.

 

[johnatkin]

I had a Fluval 3 internal that did the same thing after about 6 months. I presumed it was my fault because my water level had dropped below the motor level and it had damaged it. Luckily I had an external running on the same tank (only used the internal for water movement and aeration) because one day when I removed the fluval filter to clean it it never worked again after that. The little yellow thing was doing the same thing on mine too. I replaced it with an Interpet internal which I have found to be better because when you lift it from the tank it doesn't drop filter dirt back into the tank. Sorry I can't help much but could it be the same thing with yours?

 

[linda1503]

Mmm sounds like the same thing. I didn't even realise that the motor could be damaged if the water level drops below it. Must be more careful in future cos I have let that happen, oops.
I always used to like fluvals for their silence but this has put me off a bit. but there again from what you say it could be my own fault. I've got a fluval 4 spare but for a 34l tank I think thats a bit toooo big! At the moment I've put a fluval 2 in there, with some of the media out off my noisey filter, just hope this is big enough to cope cos I can't afford to buy another filter at the moment, funds being at crisis point!!
These things always seem to happen when funds are low! Might have a look at the Inerpet filters, thanks johnatkin.

 

[DevUK]

Have you checked to see if anything is clogging the impeller? You can pull it off the shaft and give it a clean. Also worth maybe wiping the shaft where the impellor sits in with a cotton bud to try and remove any debris that might be in there.

Should really not let them run too long when the motor is out of water as this can cause damage.

 

[linda1503]

Yeah, I've had the impeller out and thoughly cleaned it and the shaft. It works quietly for a while then the yellow bit drops and the noise starts.

 

[DevUK]

Yeah, I've had the impeller out and thoughly cleaned it and the shaft. It works quietly for a while then the yellow bit drops and the noise starts.

Actually, in hind sight I seem to remember the Fluval 3+ I had to clean did something similar after I'd dismantled it. I found that the yellow prop that sits on the magnetic part can be removed (and cleaned) but I think when I put it back on I pushed it on too hard and it was catching a little.

Might be worth trying to adjust this ever so slightly, like 1mm at most, by pulling the yellow prop away from the magnetic section its sitting on (be careful not to break the prop though!). See if that helps if your problems continue