Leaking Eheim Pro 3

[arobinson1984]

I have an eheim pro 3 model 2075 running on my 33 gal tank and I've had no problems for the last 18 months.

About 3 weeks ago I woke up one morning to find water all over the floor, and about 1cm worth of water missing from the tank. The water seemed to be leaking from underneath the filter. I took the filter apart, performed my routine clean and checked for cracks etc and couldnt find anything so I set it back up and running again.

The filter has run fine for the last 3 weeks until this morning when again I woke to find about 1cm worth of tank water all over the floor. After a bit of careful monitoring I noticed that water was getting inside the 4 corner struts and running down and leaking out through the screwholes underneath. Now the water shouldnt be getting into the corner struts so I'm guessing that the seal that runs around the top of the base section needs replacing as it hasnt been replaced since new.

I have ordered a new seal and it has been dispatched so hopefully will arrive tomorrow, I'm currently running the tank without a filter and keeping an eye on ammonia levels, I have also put the a full basket of bioballs from the filter inside the tank sat at the bottom so hopefully this will help control the ammonia levels until the seal arrives and I have a powerhead creating surface movement for gas exchange.

I just wondered if anybody else with experience of eheim filters, particularly the pro 3 series has experienced this problem?

You can see on the picture the 4 grey corner struts which water is getting into and them leaking out of the bottom.


Andy

 

[mossy69056]

hi andy
had the same problem on my eheim filter
while i was waitin on the replacement seal i got a jar of vaseline
and put it all around the seal with my finger and closed the lid,no leak
give it a go it will sort u out till it arrives
rgds

 

[arobinson1984]

Thanks Mossy,

At least I now know my diagnosis was right

I can't get to anywhere now to get vaseline so I'll just have to keep an eye on water stats and water change as and when required. The basket of bioballs containing the beneficial bacteria seem to be doing a good job sat in the tank. I'm hoping the seals will arrive tomorrow anyway as they were dispatched this morning so I can get the filter up and running again.

After you had the problem did you start changing the rubber seals on a regular basis?


Andy

 

[nbaker]

I have a Eheim 2073 Pro 3 350 and came home tonight to my lounge floor covered in water, appears to be same problem.

Did new seal solve your problem?

Regards

Nige.

 

[arobinson1984]

Hi,

No I didnt manage to sort my problem and ended up replacing the filter with an eheim classic 2217+

Although after replacing it, I was given more ideas on what it could be, check the seal that runs around the impellor section and check for any cracks in the intake/outtake section that removes upon pressing the button on the front.


Andy

 

[nbaker]

Mmm, that doesn't sound too promising

I would think it is more likely the seal around the impellor as the water is getting into the corners as was yours.

Only problem is finding somewhere with one in stock ASAP.

Not too impressed with Eheim I thought they were high quality products but surely a seal shouldn't need replacing after only 12 months, my Fluvals still going strong after more than 2 years.

 

[arobinson1984]

The eheims are usually reliable filters but the pro 3 are one of the newer model ranges so as with anything new, only time will tell if they have the same level of reliability as previous models. Its the same with anything, electronics etc

This is the reason I bought an eheim classic 2217, they have been out for years and years and have a proven reliability record, there are people that have run the classic range for 15-20 years with no probs.

The seals can be bought on ebay and come as a set including both the impellor seal and the gasket seal


Andy

 

[salty pig]

The eheims are usually reliable filters but the pro 3 are one of the newer model ranges so as with anything new, only time will tell if they have the same level of reliability as previous models. Its the same with anything, electronics etc

This is the reason I bought an eheim classic 2217, they have been out for years and years and have a proven reliability record, there are people that have run the classic range for 15-20 years with no probs.

The seals can be bought on ebay and come as a set including both the impellor seal and the gasket seal


Andy

Hi there, Ive had a few eheims in the past and they dont usually leak but hey this one does. Hears an idea which i hope will get you out of the tish.. Disconnect both the inlet and outlet pipes leading into the filter, after uncoupling the bracket carefully twist the pipe, if it gives a light crack you know they are properly sealed, but remove them anyway. With a sharp knife cut the pipe an inch or so further down from the end and rejoin the pipes.Before placing them back unclip the filter top and lift the lid off. Take a good close look at how the lid fits on and run your finger around where the seal sits feeling for any debris or cracks if everything looks good take a look at how the seal is sitting on the other side if possible remove it and check it for wear, before refitting do as Mossy says and dab a little Vaseline around it. Place the lid over the canister and press down as you press the clips in clipping it down on opposite sides first. I hope this helps. Cheers Salty Pig.

 

[salty pig]

The eheims are usually reliable filters but the pro 3 are one of the newer model ranges so as with anything new, only time will tell if they have the same level of reliability as previous models. Its the same with anything, electronics etc

This is the reason I bought an eheim classic 2217, they have been out for years and years and have a proven reliability record, there are people that have run the classic range for 15-20 years with no probs.

The seals can be bought on ebay and come as a set including both the impellor seal and the gasket seal


Andy

Hi there, Ive had a few eheims in the past and they dont usually leak but hey this one does. Hears an idea which i hope will get you out of the tish.. Disconnect both the inlet and outlet pipes leading into the filter, after uncoupling the bracket carefully twist the pipe, if it gives a light crack you know they are properly sealed, but remove them anyway. With a sharp knife cut the pipe an inch or so further down from the end and rejoin the pipes.Before placing them back unclip the filter top and lift the lid off. Take a good close look at how the lid fits on and run your finger around where the seal sits feeling for any debris or cracks if everything looks good take a look at how the seal is sitting on the other side if possible remove it and check it for wear, before refitting do as Mossy says and dab a little Vaseline around it. Place the lid over the canister and press down as you press the clips in clipping it down on opposite sides first. I hope this helps. Cheers Salty Pig.

How ya doing with the Leaky Eheim

 

[nbaker]

With my leaky Eheim, I have placed in a washing up bowl and have lubricated the seals the impellor seal does look perished so I ordered a new set from ebay which have now arrived.

Lubricating the seals has slowed the leak but not cured it, so will fit new seals asap.

Just dealing with another disaster atm, came home yesterday to find dead fish, conch and corals in my marine nano tank and I have no idea why so done 80% water change and today things look a bit better but still lost quite a few corals by the looks of it.

 

[bodge99]

With my leaky Eheim, I have placed in a washing up bowl and have lubricated the seals the impellor seal does look perished so I ordered a new set from ebay which have now arrived.

Lubricating the seals has slowed the leak but not cured it, so will fit new seals asap.

Just dealing with another disaster atm, came home yesterday to find dead fish, conch and corals in my marine nano tank and I have no idea why so done 80% water change and today things look a bit better but still lost quite a few corals by the looks of it.

Hello All,

For any one who has an external filter (of any make), I'd recommend that you obtain a small pot of food grade silicon grease.
This stuff is brilliant at coping with problems with seals, plastic threads (on manifolds/valves et al.) etc. Just make sure it is food grade.
Ebay is your friend here.. Just remember, you only need a small smear!!

Bodge99

 

[nbaker]

Finally got round to replacing the seals yesterday & woke in the early hours to running water, the #### thing was leaking more than ever, the washing up bowl had overflowed all over the lounge floor again

So cleaned up water & disconnected the Eheim, the bu**er won't leak again, going to stick to Fluval from now on

 

[dzkid82]

I have the same filter. Mine lasted less than a year before it too sprang a leak. It just started leaking one day right where power cord is connected. I had to cut the power on breaker for fear I would be electrocuted had I stepped in the puddle it left. You think Eheim would be more concerned about customer safety and recall the filter for obvious hazardous reasons, but no. They would rather argue with you on how your method of purchasing the filter voids the 3-year manufacturer's warranty. You see, because I purchased my filter (new) off of eBay - Eheim will not honor the warranty as they claim eBay is not an authorized seller of their products. I think this is total BS as there is no mention of this in their warranty.

Further, I've read almost identical complaints from numerous other Pro 3E owners on various forums, which leads me to conclude this is most likely a common manufacturer's defect that Eheim should own up to and remedy.

Anyone know of any good class action attorney's?

-Dzkid82

 

[blade57]

I have the same filter. Mine lasted less than a year before it too sprang a leak. It just started leaking one day right where power cord is connected. I had to cut the power on breaker for fear I would be electrocuted had I stepped in the puddle it left. You think Eheim would be more concerned about customer safety and recall the filter for obvious hazardous reasons, but no. They would rather argue with you on how your method of purchasing the filter voids the 3-year manufacturer's warranty. You see, because I purchased my filter (new) off of eBay - Eheim will not honor the warranty as they claim eBay is not an authorized seller of their products. I think this is total BS as there is no mention of this in their warranty.

Further, I've read almost identical complaints from numerous other Pro 3E owners on various forums, which leads me to conclude this is most likely a common manufacturer's defect that Eheim should own up to and remedy.

Anyone know of any good class action attorney's?

-Dzkid82

Hi

My 2075 started leaking at just 7 months!! 40 Gallons of water on the carpet.

The retailer, Pets and Ponds in Canada said they had never heard of a problem with this filter and refered me to Eheim who failed to respond to 2 e-mails so I decided to call the 800 #. Guess what? Answering machine. While I was waiting for the call-back I checked out the parts list on the Eheim site. Remarkably the Seal Kit was OUT OF STOCK. Eheim didn't return my call but instead finally responded to my e-mail telling me that they would replace the head and it would be sent by UPS. Still no sign of it. Pretty disappointed with Eheims service

This is my first Eheim Filter and I can absolutely guarantee you one thing. It will be the very last Eheim filter I buy. My Fluval 405 has been ultra reliable since 2005

Cheers

Dave

 

[raptorrex]

I have the same filter. Mine lasted less than a year before it too sprang a leak. It just started leaking one day right where power cord is connected. I had to cut the power on breaker for fear I would be electrocuted had I stepped in the puddle it left. You think Eheim would be more concerned about customer safety and recall the filter for obvious hazardous reasons, but no. They would rather argue with you on how your method of purchasing the filter voids the 3-year manufacturer's warranty. You see, because I purchased my filter (new) off of eBay - Eheim will not honor the warranty as they claim eBay is not an authorized seller of their products. I think this is total BS as there is no mention of this in their warranty.

Further, I've read almost identical complaints from numerous other Pro 3E owners on various forums, which leads me to conclude this is most likely a common manufacturer's defect that Eheim should own up to and remedy.

Anyone know of any good class action attorney's?

-Dzkid82

Hi

My 2075 started leaking at just 7 months!! 40 Gallons of water on the carpet.

The retailer, Pets and Ponds in Canada said they had never heard of a problem with this filter and refered me to Eheim who failed to respond to 2 e-mails so I decided to call the 800 #. Guess what? Answering machine. While I was waiting for the call-back I checked out the parts list on the Eheim site. Remarkably the Seal Kit was OUT OF STOCK. Eheim didn't return my call but instead finally responded to my e-mail telling me that they would replace the head and it would be sent by UPS. Still no sign of it. Pretty disappointed with Eheims service

This is my first Eheim Filter and I can absolutely guarantee you one thing. It will be the very last Eheim filter I buy. My Fluval 405 has been ultra reliable since 2005

Cheers

Dave

filters made prior to aug 2010, are prone to this leak, but not any more. i dont know when you bought it. but it sound like your suppler is selling CHEAP, pre update, filters.
still does not excuse the lack of contact from EHEIM though.