I have 2 old Emperor 400s that seem not to be sucking up water as well as they used to. Both filters still work but they can now continuously operate only when the intake is almost fully sumberged -- meaning that if the water level in the tank drops more than 6-8 inches, the filter bigins to run dry. Since both filters still power on and operate otherwise, I believe that its just a faulty part of some sort that causes this. If so, I would much rather to get a new part than having to replace the whole filter. Now, here is the big question: What is the likely culprit? Is it the impeller? Or is it somethings else?
Old Emperor Filters
- Thread starter Stab
- Start date
Emps are notorious for not functioning properly with a drop in water level. I have about 10 of them running and they all act the same way.
HOWEVER, you need to disassemble it. You need to pull the spray bars off and clean them thoroughly. You will see a grey, round clip on each side of the outside of the filter under the black wheels you use to direct the water flow onto the bio wheel. Squeeze the clip together to release each side then pull the spray bars out. They may stick because of the rubber seal around them but take your time and get them off.
Then, pull out the intake tube followed with the impeller guard in the bottom of the filter. I bet you will find all kinds of muck in the impeller assembly.
If you tear it completely down and clean it thoroughly, you will see a BIG difference even with 6 inches lost at the water level.
Hope this helps.
-Samps
HOWEVER, you need to disassemble it. You need to pull the spray bars off and clean them thoroughly. You will see a grey, round clip on each side of the outside of the filter under the black wheels you use to direct the water flow onto the bio wheel. Squeeze the clip together to release each side then pull the spray bars out. They may stick because of the rubber seal around them but take your time and get them off.
Then, pull out the intake tube followed with the impeller guard in the bottom of the filter. I bet you will find all kinds of muck in the impeller assembly.
If you tear it completely down and clean it thoroughly, you will see a BIG difference even with 6 inches lost at the water level.
Hope this helps.
-Samps
I have cleaned and cleaned them thoroughly (and have done so regularily for a few years that I have these) but to no avail 
If there is no single part responsible for maintaining water pressure, i think I will be switching over to AC 110s for my filtration needs. I kinda like the bio-wheel option offered by Emperors but this is becoming rediculous
If there is no single part responsible for maintaining water pressure, i think I will be switching over to AC 110s for my filtration needs. I kinda like the bio-wheel option offered by Emperors but this is becoming rediculous
gomezladdams;603330; said:Why does your waterlevel drop 8"+ ?
Yea, water levels need to drop badly for stuff like that to happen. Clean them and keep the water level correctly and you will be fine.
i've messed with my emps during w/c and have noticed the effect of varying water level too. but unless you enjoy the 2/3 full tank look, it shouldn't be an issue.
spray bars can jam good now and then..
spray bars can jam good now and then..
gomezladdams;603330; said:Why does your waterlevel drop 8"+ ?
Because I happen to occasionally clean my tanks, and sucking water out of them via Python will cause the level to drop
Don't tell me that you guys actually shut your filters off each time you do a water change
yeah i always had problems with the emps. the 280 seemed to have more issues then the 400s. but after several years i abandoned both types, life has become a little easier since as well. i replaced mine also with AQ's, due to the non-constant spending money on new cartrages, and constant water flow issues. my AQ's never seem to loose power 
Stab;603677; said:Because I happen to occasionally clean my tanks, and sucking water out of them via Python will cause the level to drop
Don't tell me that you guys actually shut your filters off each time you do a water change
Well actually I do, otherwise my powerhead setup will spray water everywhere. All of the filtration that isn't on a time is on one power switch. Flick the switch, drop the Bio Wheels into the tank, let them float around, do my water change, flick the switch back on, and put the biowheels back onto the filters.