Fluval FX5 Problem

[VidarP]

Hi there,

Hope this is the right place to post this!

My FX5 started to make rattling sounds & quit pumping. I took it apart, cleaned everything, including the impeller. Checked everything out, impeller looks ok.
Put it together again, still this rattling sound and no pumping action. No air is being sucked in, o-rings are fine.
Thing is if I unplug and plug it in several times it may start running but most often it will start the rattling sounds again next time it goes into "Remove air" mode.
Last good run was 4 days, now it has started acting up again... I did contact Fluval but got only general things like: Clean impeller.. blah.

Any ideas before I blow money on a new impeller.. or even motor?

Thabks

 

[VidarP]

Tried to plug it in again... BOOM works, pumping fine, probably until in stops again for getting rid of air :/

 

[BenDotz]

Try lessening the filter media first or run the filter without the media to determine just a media congestion. Hope this helps.

 

[VidarP]

Thanks for your suggestion but I have done that already.
Now the filter has been running for 2 days without stopping, hope it keeps it up... doubt it though as it always makes a banging noise after realising air.
Crossing fingers

 

[VidarP]

Stopped again, I just left it on, it rattled every minute or so, then it started again after about 1 hour.
I guess I must try getting a new impeller and see what happens...

 

[eurone]

I had a similar problem with mine, not sure what substrate you are using in your tank but I have pool filter sand and it was in the impeller. Just take off the impeller and clean it( this should solve the problem)

 

[lighthouse39183]

Don't know if you have cleaned the intake and return hoses, but you could give that a try as well.

 

[biomarine2000]

I had a similar problem with mine, not sure what substrate you are using in your tank but I have pool filter sand and it was in the impeller. Just take off the impeller and clean it( this should solve the problem)

This is good to know. I have a fx5 with pool filter sand. Thanks for the info.

 

[Ade]

VidarP..
I have hsd this exsct same problem with fx5... dam annoying. .. ive previously had to take it all apart several times amd found nothing blocking the impellor.. then fill up again.. and still it makes a.dam loud noise.
Ive repeated this several times sometimes before its silent again.
Poor design and ridiculous you have to use a screw driver to take the impelleor off. Its infuriating.

NEVER get any of these issues with my eheim pro 3 and 2260.

Only good thing aboit fx5 is its cheap.


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[VidarP]

I have gone over everything countless times, checked the in/out-take/tubing, o-rings, taken the thing apart over and over. Everything looks like it's ok, the impeller looks like new. It a big and boring job taking this filter apart :/
Yesterday it started acting up again, I tilted the filter and it kicked in.. I just want to KICK it
Good thing I have other filters running, they have been running far longer than the FX5. I have Rena XP4 and XP3, also Eheim 2229 wet dry filter