Secondnature Whisper Power Filter - Grinding noise

[rainbowcharmer]

I'm assuming the impeller needs to be replaced. The filter works fine but makes a horrible grinding noise. I've cleaned it twice just in case there was something stuck in there, but it still makes the noise. I can't see anything wrong with it, but the grinding is going to make me crazy, so I want to replace the impeller.

Problem is - I do not know which model I have. On the top it says Secondnature Whisper Power Filter, and I know the guy who owned it before used it to filter the 75 gal tank that I bought from him, but that doesn't necessarily tell me which one it is either. It's a pretty good sized filter as HOB's go, but how do I figure out which one it is?

Also - where is the best place to purchase a new impeller? PetSmart (my local LFS) does not carry it. I'm assuming I'll need to get it online, but want to be sure I get it from a decent place.

Help?

[Cerianthus]

Look at bottom of black motor or housing. Should have the model # on it (J, C, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5).

Before replacing, check black bushing on both end of stainless shaft. If bushing is worn out and became loose, impeller assembly may shake as it rotates. SOmetimes simple application of wrap/teflon onto bushing and jam the bushing into holes may help you with niose.

You said it is still pumping water? If so, try my method if possible before ordering since magnetic impeller seems intact .

[rainbowcharmer]

Where would I find teflon wrap? I've never heard of this before?

[rainbowcharmer]

It says Model T3 on the bottom. Is this the same as Model 3?

[toddnbecka]

I think that's teflon tape, available just about anywhere thats sells any sort of plumbing supplies. You can even find it at Wal-Mart. Along with the bushings (unlikely to be the problem) check the shaft and the inside of the impeller for wear. If the shaft is uneven or the inside of the impeller is noticeably larger/loose-fitting on the shaft that's the problem.
Here's one for a decent price and reasonable shipping:
http://cgi.ebay.com/TETRA-IMPELLER-WHISPER-60-3-4_W0QQitemZ200360101792QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Defau ltDomain_0?hash=item2ea66487a0

[rainbowcharmer]

Ah - yes I have teflon tape. I thought this might be something special that I needed to find at the LFS. I will give that a whirl and see what happens. There is some uneven areas on the impeller, so I am probably going to end up with a new one, but we'll give the Teflon tape a try just to see before ordering a new impeller.

Thanks!!

[Cerianthus]

I think that's teflon tape, available just about anywhere thats sells any sort of plumbing supplies. You can even find it at Wal-Mart. Along with the bushings (unlikely to be the problem) check the shaft and the inside of the impeller for wear. If the shaft is uneven or the inside of the impeller is noticeably larger/loose-fitting on the shaft that's the problem.
Here's one for a decent price and reasonable shipping:
http://cgi.ebay.com/TETRA-IMPELLER-WHISPER-60-3-4_W0QQitemZ200360101792QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Defau ltDomain_0?hash=item2ea66487a0
Thans for clearing that up, Todd.
One caution: dont let loose teflon get tangle up with impeller.

[rainbowcharmer]

Well I tried the teflon tape idea - wrapped both ends with a little bit of tape - made sure they were snugly wrapped - and it still makes the grinding noise. I think I am just going to have to replace the impeller. If that doesn't solve it, I don't know what will... It's still running fine, just very very noisy.

[rainbowcharmer]

Well I ordered my new impeller from that ebay listing. Checked a few other places and couldn't find it cheaper, so hopefully it arrives in a timely fashion and is in good shape.

[toddnbecka]

Hold the old impeller up and look down the inside of the magnet housing. If it's out-of-round the impeller is worn out.

[CWO4GUNNER]

Also you can take the impeller apart roll the shaft on the table to see if its warped then look down the hole the shaft rides through down the magnet. Hold the magnet up to the light look down the empty shaft hole it should be round not oval, Also place the shaft back in the magnet and wiggle from side to side, their should be very little play and no slop.

Of course you never said you scrubbed out the motor hole the magnet and impeller assembly rides in, maybe their is a bunch on gunk and sand in there.

[rainbowcharmer]

I did clean out the hole that it sits in. So I'm pretty sure that isn't it. There wasn't much gunk there to begin with. The shaft does have quite a lot of wiggle room in the magnet, which might be the issue, and the magnet looks like it is warped on one side - it's got a small concave area on it. I guess we'll know for sure if the impeller is the problem when the new one arrives. I'm assuming early next week since I did not pay for expedited shipping.

[CWO4GUNNER]

You may also want to order a new shaft a I have rarely seen a magnet worn that also diden't need a new shaft. Shaft ware is sometimes obvious if there are nicks, groves or gouges but some times its not obvious. If the shaft is worn even a little it will prematurely ware out the new magnet fast. You know becasue there should be no play between the magnet and shaft.

Oh and shafts are much much cheaper then the impeller usually $2.

[CWO4GUNNER]

Apparently the new Tetra impeller, magnet and shaft come as one assembly packaged part. Nice I wish other manufactures did the same thing. Looks like your all set once the part arrives.

[wmtigershark]

same whisper secondnature 3 as rainbow charmer but it leaks a little from the bottom where the motor fits in. O ring seems to be fine, not cracked or worn. But motor seems a little loose. can I use a bit of vasoline around O ring like recomended with the magnum canisters. Afraid this might get in tank.

[RodInCALIFORNIA]

replace the o-ring may not look bad but if its not fitting snug its worn and needs replaced, and yes you can rub a little vaseoline all around the o-ring it may stop your leak and if it does you know the o-ring needs replaced. wont harm your tank.