Sorry another newbie question about the Fluval 404

[Mulla]

Hi all

Thank you for all those that helped me out in my previous two threads. I am certainly learning a lot from here. I am beginning to think that cycling is just another time for us to learn more :p

Now I have bought a Fluval 404 as my filter well it's really an overkill for my 100L tank right now but hey I plan on getting bigger one later on.

I have read many posts on this forum how people are having difficulty with removing the impeller from the motor head for matainence? It got me a bit worried as I keep hearing that people are breaking things as they try to clean out the impeller.

Do I just remove the impeller cover and then grap hold of that turbine thingy and give it a gentle pull? How do I know if the thing is worn out? What other parts can get worn out and how do I go about taking it apart to replacement?

I know it's still less than a week old :) but I'd just like to know.

Thank you once again for any assistance.

[punch]

Yes, to remove the impeller, take the cover of and pull that little "thingy":D But truth of the matter with regular cleaning you really shouldn't have to remove the impeller. They last a long time and the only worry about damages is if you get a lot of sand up your intake and thru the impeller. If you run your filter right you shouldn't have to worry about this at all. As of other replacement parts, You shouldn't have to worry, most of the parts are made of long lasting plastic. I'v had mine for a little more then a year and havn't had to replace anything. I wouldn't worry.

[Mulla]

Thank you for clearing that up for me.

Punch : So you mean by regularly cleaning the foam / media I shouldn't need to clean the impeller? Don't I need to remove the impeller to clean / inspect it for wear and tear? Do you actually remove the impeller for inspection each time you do matainence?

Thanks

[punch]

There shouldn't be any need to remove the impeller for regular mataince. Franckly I don't see the problem with the impeller, I can see the cover to it maybe getting broken, of the impeller getting broken putting the cover back on (you have to line it up just right)
But theres no real reson to remove the impeller to clean. Just a rince with everything else and you should be fine. And something I learned :) It helps to read the instructions thourely! It will tell you what you need to know. Actually the impeller is very easy to remove. Its basicly kept in place by a magnic. I think the problem is putting the cover back on and lining it up correctly. If you force it you can break the impeller and I think thats what happening.
I realy can't see breaking it any other way! As for wear and tear.
the impeller is basicly spining in place, The only wear and tear would be water or sand if that got sucked up, So I don't see it wearing out all that quicly. check it ever 6 months maybe.

[Mulla]

Thanks a lot punch for sharing your experience with me.

Well I did read the manual very carefully. But hey it's my first canister and since there isn't any diagram on how to remove the impeller so I'm just a bit scared to do it.

It makes more sense now that you mentioned the impeller is held in place by a magnet and I can remove it by simply pulling it gentelly.

Now I just have to remember this 6 months later :)

[ChilDawg]

Psst...if you right click on "Show Printable Version" and "Save Target As" you can have it indefinitely stored on your comp.

[Mulla]

:o