Leaky filter

[fwprawn]

This is a first for me, but one of my Aquaclears is leaking where the motor attaches to the filter body. Obviously the seal is not watertight.
What should I do ? Has anyone had this before? What about simply sealing the whole thing with silicone?

 

[Runitis]

Funny mine just did that. And my buddy took it. he figured it was the gasket around the motor. Except he super glued it and it did not work. He found gaskets but couldn't get the motor off so He just siloconed the crap outta it and it works fine so far.

I need to spark up my fish life

 

[fwprawn]

I just looked at it more closely, and saw that the first "row" of plastic rings that screw in, are actually melted a bit, so that's obviously where the leak is - I will have to try the silicone, since it's either that, or replace the motor. Thanks for reminding me about the gaskets, because that made me look closer, and found out the problem!

 

[MikeOway]

You guys should know this is a cheap fix. The ring is a wear and tear part. just replace it when needed. Dont silicone, modify etc. Keep it simple. I just replaced one on my ac70 yesterday and now works good as new. Just remember to wet the ring w/ water or spit before installing. Years of reliable use and replacement parts are cheap. This is the only HOB filter I use and recommend to anyone.

ac 110
http://www.bigalspets.com/fish/plumbing-replacement-parts/seal-ring-for-aquaclear-110-500.html

ac 70 -ac 20
http://www.bigalspets.com/fish/plumbing-replacement-parts/seal-rings-for-aquaclear-20-mini-3-pk.html

 

[fwprawn]

In my 30 years of fishkeeping, I've NEVER had a "wear and tear" issue with any of my filters - except for impellers, and the shaft. The rings never leak on me.
As I mentioned before, I found the problem - part of the hard plastic had melted (obviously from being run dry at some point) - so I siliconed it last night - we'll see if it worked.

Agreed - the AC's are the only "best" filter out there. That's all I use, basically.

 

[MikeOway]

Well I say wear and tear because everytime you screw and unscrew the motor from the filter it rubs the o-ring to the threads. Over time the rubber rings drys out and becomes brittle as well.