Noisy Filter

[ellena]

I have a tetratec 600ex which used to run whisper quiet but has recently started getting noisy and loosing power (the output from the spray bar falls so there's barely any movement) I've taken the impeller apart and cleaned it with a toothbrush, though it didn't seem dirty.
I've taken all the baskets out and squeezed dirty sponges in the filter water. Now it's even worse
It's in the living room and you can hear it over the telly so I need to sort it. There's a video below, any suggestions very welcome, thanks!

https/www.flickr.com/photos/22351913@N07/28694079485/in/dateposted-public/

 

[gmc1]

Hi.how old is your filter.do you have sand substrate.

 

[betta fish]

Try vaseline on the impeller shaft it may help as it looks to be running uneven, have you cleaned the inside of the well that the impeller sits inside? I find a cotton bud works well for this purpose, sometimes it can be grit/sand, it may just be the impeller is worn and needs replacing.

 

[gmc1]

Exactly what I was thinking.

 

[ellena]

Thanks guys The filter is about 18months old. Substrate is seachem fluorite, so sand-ish, but not as fine. I do have the sponge over the inlet. I shall try cleaning in the well and, failing that, get a new impeller.

 

[greenbeemer]

i had a similar problem with noisy filters which i solved with silicon grease on the impellor shaft and rotor. the grease will not harm fish as it is not water insoluable. can be easily purchased on ebay etc

 

[ellena]

Thank you, I shall have to give that a try. I bought a new impeller, fitted it, whisper quiet. For about 5 mins, then it's back up to the same noise level as the old one There was a little black cap over both ends of the shaft on the new one, but only the top on the old one, so I hoped that would be it (I did look down the hole, but it wasn't stuck down there)
Silicon grease it is then...

 

[ellena]

i had a similar problem with noisy filters which i solved with silicon grease on the impellor shaft and rotor. the grease will not harm fish as it is not water insoluable. can be easily purchased on ebay etc

Would this stuff be ok? http/www.maplin.co.uk/p/servisol-multi-purpose-silicone-grease-50g-tube-re90x

 

[gmc1]

Do you have Vaseline?

 

[ellena]

I can get some, thank you. Only just noticed that recommendation further upthread :") Do I take the impeller out of the shaft and put the Vaseline onto the metal rod?

 

[Aquarian58]

Do you have Vaseline?

 
I would be cautious about using Vaseline as it's a petroleum-based product and there's no guarantee that some would not get into your filtration components and tank.
 
My recommendation would be to replace any moving parts in the pump mechanism and if you can't get them individually, then replace the complete pump assembly.

 

[gmc1]

Yeah.I put it on both usually.

 

[ellena]

Quick update on this, the Vaseline made no difference, it just got worse. I rang tetra and they offered to send a new one-result!
It (a whole new motorhead) arrived yesterday and I fitted it and it was silent
Today, it's making the noise again?! Nowhere near as bad, but just the same way it started.
Any further ideas or recommendations for other external filters? I mean, all that hasn't been changed is essentially a bucket and some tubes.
There are snails in it, could that explain anything?

 

[Aquarian58]

Is it possible that the pump motor is resonating with another part of your filter assembly such as a filter lid, pipe or other component?
 
It might not be the pump itself but something around it or attached to it.
 
Just a thought although I'm sure you've checked out the peripheral mechanisms already

 

[ellena]

Thank you, but they've replaced the entire motor head. It's a bucket with media in it, the head and the pipes which are in their own little piece that detaches. I haven't tried it with the new head, but with the old one, I could take that off and it would still make the noise. So if it's resonating, it's with something in the head and it's all new. See the video in my original post though, it's just not spinning quite true.
The power loss is still happening top. A few days without pumping the prime button and the water surface isn't moving.