fx5 on going issue

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Charney

Charney

The Fish Doctor
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Nov 15, 2005
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Somerville NJ
I bought an fx5 filter used about a year ago. When I first set it up it ran well, but the motor was louder then expected and had a whine to it. Cleaned the filter and reassembled it numerous times and it wouldn't go away. Finally I broke out the tools and removed the motor assembly cleaned that and that solved the problem. Now every time I clean the filter the noise comes back and every time I need to remove the motor. Needless to say this is getting old and to make matters worse I am stripping some of the screws. Any one have any suggestions? I don't know if sand is getting stuck in there or what. Right now I am listing to the whine and it is annoying and I won't be able to take it apart until Saturday. Otherwise, it is running and well and the motor assembly does not feel warm to the touch or anything like that. thanks for looking
 
Sand could be a possibility though ive ran one on a sand filled tank, alot of sand entered the filter but none made it through everything to the motor/impellar. What are you running for media? Could be that your media is breaking up and small pieces are being pulled down into the impellar.
 
ultimatejay said:
If you have sand in your tank that is your problem. Every time you turn off your filter and clean it sand falls down into the motor/impeller. Either raise I our intake pipe or get rid of the sand or deal with it


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wow of all post this is the last one I expected someone to jump down my throat over.

I do have sand in my tank, so do many other users here and they are not having this issue.. The previous user did not and initially my tank was bare bottom and the problem was going on then too.
 
Bderick67 said:
Sand could be a possibility though ive ran one on a sand filled tank, alot of sand entered the filter but none made it through everything to the motor/impellar. What are you running for media? Could be that your media is breaking up and small pieces are being pulled down into the impellar.
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The media is the fluval pre filter and fluval cerramic noodles. I guess it is definitely possible, but all the media looked to be in very good shape.
 
It is possible you have some binding where the pump attaches to the canister body, especially if you notice those screws are stripping out. The screws do not need to be that tight, snug works better.

Try removing the pump again, cleaning out any debris that may be lodged in the impeller cavity. When you reassemble the pump, make sure the screws are evenly snugged down, alternating the pattern, similar to the pattern used on changing car tires.

Also look for any wear on the impeller magnet and impeller well. It's possible that the parts are worn and need replacing.
 
deeda said:
It is possible you have some binding where the pump attaches to the canister body, especially if you notice those screws are stripping out. The screws do not need to be that tight, snug works better.

Try removing the pump again, cleaning out any debris that may be lodged in the impeller cavity. When you reassemble the pump, make sure the screws are evenly snugged down, alternating the pattern, similar to the pattern used on changing car tires.

Also look for any wear on the impeller magnet and impeller well. It's possible that the parts are worn and need replacing.
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Thank you for the input. I will definitely make sure not to over tighten the screws. Unfortunatley with work schedule etc I won't be able to take it apart for another day or two. I have to unplug the filter tonight. It is too loud. I have plenty of other filtration on the tank so it should be fine.
I have never had to do this before. How long can the bacteria go without freshflow? Should I plug it back tomorrow while I am gone and unplug again Thursday night? Won't be able to take it apart until Friday night. Or am I best just leaving it off?
 
when it's removed, try spinning the impeller by hand.. see if it sounds/feels like it's rubbing or scraping. I'd try using vaseline or similar lube to the impeller and magnet assembly to prevent it further, see if that might help- but it sounds like it might be something internal- I've had ones that made that noise when they were going out/old. If I were you I'd bite it and just order this:
http://www.bigalspets.com/complete-...son+Shopping&gclid=CPGWy57Oo7UCFSmCQgodeS0AAQ

89.99 and just call it a day.
 
I don't recommend leaving canister filters unplugged for a couple hours and then restarting them, this is just my personal preference.
 
I agree I am just leaving it off for now.
Before I replace the motor I might as well take it apart and reassemble. Are you sure vaseline is safe? can't it be detrimental to the rubber seals?

deeda said:
I don't recommend leaving canister filters unplugged for a couple hours and then restarting them, this is just my personal preference.
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