Screwed Up Aquaclear!

[rayjay1234]

I recently bought some otocinclus affinis for my 10 gallon tank. I was beggining to get worried because in a few days they finished up all the algae. I supplemented with blanched zucchini, worst idea i've ever had. The zucchini was eaten by other fish in addition to the otos! Now there are white strands of zucchini all over the tank! I think they clogged my Aquaclear 20!

I noticed a lack of flow so i disconnected the filter to clean out any sludge in the basket. When i plugged it back in, nothing happened. When i touched the fan with a pin, it started up. Now i have to do this everytime. I also noticed that little strands of zucchini were floating in the space the fan is in. The is also a continuous air bubble in the intake column, thus impeding flow.

Any tips PLEEEAASSSEEE?? I know hagen has a lifetime warranty on their filters but I dont want the hassle of dealing with them, until i have to.

 

[Tolak]

That fan thing is called an impeller. Removing and cleaning it is part of filter maintenance. Zuccini is good for getting fibers wound on the impeller & shaft. A foam pre-filter will help.

Try adjusting the flow rate back & forth a few times, this usually clears any air trapped in the intake tube.

 

[rayjay1234]

yeah I gave the impeller a clean, there was a lot of sludge in the bottom of it that was interfering with the magnet that turns it. I still stand by the anti-zucchini comment though. I fished out quite a few fibers from the impeller well with a Qtip. The air bubble is still there but I found after a few hours it goes away, its just annoying to listen to the damn thing sputter while its priming.

 

[BBrain]

Try blanched or raw cucumber, or blanched broccoli stalks. They don't give off those stringy bits like zuccini does.

 

[Gazoo]

The air bubble is still there but I found after a few hours it goes away, its just annoying to listen to the damn thing sputter while its priming.

Try adjusting the flow rate back & forth a few times, this usually clears any air trapped in the intake tube.

This technique removes the air pocket within 30 seconds. You shouldn't have to put up with the noise for hours.