Larger Canister = Louder?

[Mulla]

Hi

I've noticed going around LFSs that smaller capicity canisters are quite a fair bit quieter than larger ones.

Compared to my Fluval 404 at home which I think is fairly quiet, just a low toned hum as it runs. At various LFSs I've put my ear right next to the 104, 204s and can't hear any noises from them? Haven't seen / heard a 304 running so I can't really compare.

Is it normal?


Thanks in advance.

[DarthV]

My 304 is pretty much silent. I had some humming and gurgling sounds when I first put it together and into action. But once the air got out of the system (tipping the cannister back and forth a bunch of times) it became very quiet.

[JSchmidt]

I can't comment on the din produced by Fluvals :p but I can tell you that my Eheims make no noise, regardless of the size or model. They're all quiet.

Jim

[Skittyfish]

I can't vouch for Fluvals either. My eheim can only be heard if I put my ear on the top of it. I can hear a slight hum if it gets pushed up against the wall, but only in the room behind the tank!

[125gJoe]

Both of my canisters are extremely quiet.
Fluval 404 and the Filstar XP-3 have never had noises except when they prime after a cleaning - which is normal. Trapped air escapes out of the filter and makes some sound then...

[Mulla]

Hmmm... I thought as much, that there must be trapped air inside the canister. I gently rock it left and right and I can see air bubbles coming out of it. I have been doing that once every few days for 2 weeks now and each time there's still air coming out.

After about 5 'rocks' it seemed to get all the air out as no more bubbles are coming out. I still can hear the quiet sort of rumbling coming out of it. I've pulled it apart 2 day ago to inspect if anything was loose inside but nothing.

I do have the original 2 x carbon, 2 x biomax noodles in there. Could it be taking in air somewhere? I am alright with the noise but just wondering if it's broken? It's still cycling so no fish but I'd hate to see it break down when I have fish in there!!!


Thanks all for your input keep them coming.

[Skittyfish]

I didn't get my impellor seated fully and the latch back on tightly on my eheim once. It was louder, but not really noisy. I took the top off, reseated it and it was fine. So, my point is, check your impellor.

[Mulla]

Thanks Skittyfish for the advice. Will be sure to check out the impellor after I get home.

Althought I have made sure 2 days ago when I took it apart that the impellor is ok. I took off the cover and attempted to remove the impellor and was met with some magnetic resistance. I got scared and slid it back gently :confused: .

I haven't noticed any abnormalies there. Could the shaft have been bent so its vibrating? However, being made of ceramic I don't think it can "bend" without shattering.