Question/Problem with filter.

[BPags52]

I've woken up before to gargling HOB filters that aren't moving water.

You might get away with a quick fix...unplug filter and try re-seating impeller, fill HOB with water to help it prime faster, and plug back in. If its still gargling with no water movement then you'll probably need to take it off the tank and do a full round of cleaning/maintenance on it. (make sure to give it a lil time to prime itself, don't unplug right away if it doesn't start immidiately)


edit: Just read your update on the nasty noise it made after cleaning.

I just cleaned out one of my Emperor 400 HOB filters a couple days ago. Once It was back on the tank and running, it seemed to be moving at least twice as much water as before doing maintenance. But the downside is/was the noise. This seems to be common for me lately (after cleaning filters they move more water but are noisier).

If that nasty noise doesn't stop after 5-10 minutes unplug filter and try re-seating impeller (do this a couple times if it doesn't work at first). I think that nasty noise is just that the impeller is not sitting perfectly how it should be (kind of like an unbalanced fan?).

2nd edit: The slime coat that develops around the impeller seems to slow its gph water movement, but also seems to make it less noisy.

 

[lighthouse39183]

Glad to hear that it worked. I agree with BPags52, it was probably the impeller not being seated properly and finally it corrected itself. Now routine cleaning on the pump and impeller should help to prevent this from happening again. I always clean mine at least once a month now.

 

[velanarris]

When you disassemble marineland filters they always make a horrible noise because the tolerances are very, very wide. I'm guessing it sounded like a deep plastic grinding sound as the impellar shaft lined up with the pump cam.

And yes, pond scum makes a great accoustic insulator.

 

[jeffries]

When you disassemble marineland filters they always make a horrible noise because the tolerances are very, very wide. I'm guessing it sounded like a deep plastic grinding sound as the impellar shaft lined up with the pump cam.

And yes, pond scum makes a great accoustic insulator.

Yep, that is just about exactly what it sounded like.

Thanks for all the advice everyone else!