Very UNHAPPY with Ehiem (product and service) [Archive]

Bonne46

04-09-2010, 10:28 AM

So I have a 2026 that I bought and it was working great. Well all of a sudden it started to give me a huge leak! I notice water is coming from were your hands go on the top to lift it up, but I can't figure out why.

I emailed eheim, the guy told me to look and check certain areas, I did and they were fine. I informed the guy that the areas he told me were fine and what to do next. As well I mentioned if the filter was still under warranty, ever since I said that he has not replied to any of my emails. Seems to me eheim doesn't really care about their customers and when it comes to time to ask about the warranty they just all of a sudden vanish and can't help?

Anyone else have this issue? Any advise on what to do?

tyler79durdan

04-09-2010, 10:29 AM

Ask to speak to a supervisor and tell them!

-Aaron

Star_Rider

04-09-2010, 10:37 AM

I wouls suspect the sealing gasket..it's the big one that fits on the motor housing and onto the cannister. the seal is usually really soft,pliable, but they can get damaged easily if they are not fitted correctly when assembling. you may want to remove the gasket and look for minor imperfections even tiny cuts.. it doesn't take much to cause a leak.

the other places could be the o rings for the intake and outlet fitting,,it is possible a tiny leak forms and you find it undet the lip of the motor housing.
there is also a gasket(o ring) for the primer plunger. however I would suspect you may be able to see that if it leaked

Bonne46

04-09-2010, 10:40 AM

Ask to speak to a supervisor and tell them!

-Aaron

Did that and still no reply, thats what makes me even more furious with the company.

Bonne46

04-09-2010, 10:41 AM

Bonne46

04-09-2010, 10:56 AM

Filter was purchased on Aug 9th 2009, should still be under warranty right? Just asking, I know it won't get handle because how there being but I am just making sure if I am right or wrong. lol

dudley

04-09-2010, 11:03 AM

I used a large safety pin and tweezers to gently pick/pry the seal out.

Star_Rider

04-09-2010, 11:10 AM

I use tools I have to remove seals ..they are similar to dental tools only rounded soft edges.

you can use small allen wrenches or rounded pins.

I prefer to soften the edges and points on pins with sandpaper.
if you are just going to replace the seals it doesn't matter if the edges are rounded on safety pins but for inspection I prefer soft edges on tools

Bonne46

04-09-2010, 11:16 AM

Just to be positive, the seal being bad can make it leak were water comes out of were I circle in red in this picture?

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p299/EWC88/filter.jpg

dudley

04-09-2010, 11:26 AM

There are 2 seals that can cause the filter to leak in that general area. The filter head seal, which is square, is located in the groove on the underside of the head and makes contact with the canister body.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c374/dee1na/Eheim%202028/100_0416.jpg

The other seal is the primer pump button seal (o-ring) which is only visible when you disassemble the primer pump. Also, if the primer button is not fully retracted (up position), this could also cause some leaking.

Here is a link to similar problems.

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=168011&highlight=2028+leak

mott

04-09-2010, 11:35 AM

Did you try to lube the gasket?
Did the leak occur after servicing?

fishorama

04-09-2010, 2:05 PM

At least with Hagen aqua clear they said to talk to the place I bought it, you may want to try that. Places like DrF&S are often very good with problems, replacement parts etc.

Bonne46

04-09-2010, 3:06 PM

The leak did start after I cleaned the filter media. You think I should try lube first? What lube do you use?

mott

04-09-2010, 3:14 PM

The leak did start after I cleaned the filter media. You think I should try lube first? What lube do you use?
Yup, plumbers grease found at any local home depot, lowes.

nc0gnet0

04-09-2010, 6:23 PM

Yup, plumbers grease found at any local home depot, lowes.

NO NO NO NO........

Only use pure petroleum jelly (IE vaseline).

I am laying good odds on the fact it is the priming seal, and this is a real weakness in this model.

cichlidude

04-09-2010, 6:29 PM

NO NO NO NO........

Only use pure petroleum jelly (IE vaseline).

I am laying good odds on the fact it is the priming seal, and this is a real weakness in this model.

Absolutely wrong. Vaseline will deteriorate rubber O rings. It is a known fact. Use the plumbers silicone lubricate.

mott

04-09-2010, 6:33 PM

Absolutely wrong. Vaseline will deteriorate rubber O rings. It is a known fact. Use the plumbers silicone lubricate.
Thank you.

J double R

04-09-2010, 7:07 PM

A) use silicone grease. If that doesn't work, your seal is likely shot, and will need to be replaced. FWIW, Eheim provides a seal lubricant packet with all of their filters.

B) It sounds like the issue was caused by improper reassembly of the filter after maintenance; I would not jump to bashing the company on their service and warranty if the issue was not true equipment failure.

nc0gnet0

04-09-2010, 10:06 PM

Come on guys, real rubber hasn't been used on O rings in years........If eheim is still using it then...........

http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-26017.html

As to what additives are in plumbers grease I can't be sure 100% pure silicone would be fine as well, as long as it is not an aersol.

It sounds like the issue was caused by improper reassembly of the filter after maintenance; I would not jump to bashing the company on their service and warranty if the issue was not true equipment failure.

Possibly if the leak is indeed the main seal and not the primer seal. Just as likely is the filter was maintenanced, placed back into service, and when hooked back up the primer was pumped a few times without being lubed, and it was dry to boot.

tyler79durdan

04-09-2010, 10:12 PM

OK, JUST BUY A FLUVAL HAGEN FX5 and be done:)

-Aaron

nc0gnet0

04-09-2010, 10:15 PM

OK, JUST BUY A FLUVAL HAGEN FX5 and be done:)

Amen!!

dudley

04-10-2010, 12:23 PM

OK, I hate to admit it but just checked out the Eheim website and the recommendation for servicing the sealing rings (o-rings) and double tap valves is either the Eheim lubrication spray/grease packet OR ordinary petroleum jelly (Vaseline). Here is the link http://http://www.eheim.de/eheim/inhalte/index.jsp?id=31494&typ=faq&bereich=produkte

I have been guilty of recommending only the Eheim product or silicone plumber's grease for potable water use. Please do follow the recommendation of your particular manufacturer though for which lubricant is best for the pliable seals in your filter.

Bonne46

04-11-2010, 10:46 AM

Well I used the Eheim lubricant that came with the filter for the main seal yesterday. Today when I woke up I noticed the container I put the filter in (just in case it leaked, it wouldn't ruin anything) and notice it has alot of water in it.

So I am guessing my main seal is shot. I will have to order one, no biggie. Question for you guys is any other o-rings I should replace as well? And does anyone know the part numbers?

J double R

04-11-2010, 12:08 PM

yeah, go ahead and replace your double tap seals (where the intake/output attaches to the filter). cheap, peace of mind.

http://www.bigalsonline.com/edealinv/servlet/ExecMacro?nurl=control/StoreItem.vm&siId=3665196&catParentID=18651&scId=18651&ctl_nbr=3684&utm_source=Froogle&utm_campaign=FroogleUSA+Datafeed&utm_medium=Comparison+Shopping&CAWELAID=388704869

dudley

04-11-2010, 3:08 PM

The Eheim part numbers are 744 419 0 for the double tap seals (o-rings); impeller shaft with black rubber bushings-744 439 0; o-ring/gasket for filter head- 734 315 0; and rubber bushings for trays (3 pack)-734 339 0.

I keep these 4 items on hand for emergency repairs, especially the impeller shaft.

Bonne46

04-12-2010, 8:40 AM

Anyone know any other sites that carry the Eheim gaskets/ o-rings. Bigalsonline only carries one O-ring.

dudley

04-12-2010, 9:02 AM

Look here at Bigals

http://www.bigalsonline.com/edealinv/servlet/ExecMacro?omni_scAdd=scAdd&nurl=control%2FBrowseCatalog.vm&eurl=control%2FBrowseCatalog.vm&rurl=control%2FBrowseCatalog.vm&ctl_nbr=3684&queryType=0&path=&offset=&hits=&sortby=&query=2028+parts

and rubber bushings http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18651/si1382808/cl0/eheimrubberbushing3pcs

The descriptions unfortunately don't include Eheim part numbers but they are correct.

Bonne46

04-12-2010, 9:19 AM

Thanks dudley, I was looking at part numbers and thought I was screwed.

mott

04-14-2010, 7:02 PM

Did you ever fix this problem?

Bonne46

04-15-2010, 4:04 PM

Actually just got my O-rings and main gasket seal in today from bigalsonline. Just have to go out and get vaseline I guess since I used up all my Eheim lube. Unless my lfs has some..

PDX-PLT

04-16-2010, 2:37 PM

Did that and still no reply, thats what makes me even more furious with the company.

Forget email, pick up the phone and call: 888-343-4662

Chrisk-K

04-16-2010, 8:07 PM

Forget email, pick up the phone and call: 888-343-4662

+1. I've bought 6 Eheim filters and one of them had a leak. I called and the tech was super helpful. I wouldn't use any other brands.

Bonne46

04-17-2010, 10:11 AM

So m LFS doesn't carry the eheim lube, they carry something else so instead of buying what they carry because of the reply post before of what eheim recommended to use either their lube or vaseline.

I'm going just go out and get the vaseline since I will have to wait if I ordered it.

Is this basically what I have to get: http://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/catalog/shop_product_detail.jsp?filterBy=&skuId=100610&productId=100610&navAction=jump&navCount=3

Bonne46

04-17-2010, 11:26 AM

Also does anyone know how to replace the tap seals? Like how do I get to it?

dudley

04-17-2010, 1:28 PM

Bonne46, yes, that is the Vaseline you can use.

Unplug the filter, remove the tap adaptor by pressing the red safety catch to the right while pulling the adapter lever forward. This allows you to remove the tap adaptor from the filter head.

When you remove the double tap from your filter, the o-rings are on the end of the fittings that insert into the canister head. You can use a pair of tweezers or a blunt tip pick or even a toothpick to get the old o-ring out of the groove. Just lube up the new o-rings before inserting them into the grooves.

Bonne46

04-19-2010, 10:23 AM

Ok well I just install the new o-rings and main seal with some lube on it. We shall see what happens later tonight.

Bonne46

04-20-2010, 2:42 PM

Well woke up this morning, went and checked my filter out to see if the leak has been fixed and the outcome is nope. Lucky I have the filter sitting in a container so the water will not leak on my floor.

So the main seal gasket and the o-rings did not fix the problem. It has slowed it down its not pouring out like before but there's still a leak.

Anything??

CWO4GUNNER

04-20-2010, 7:23 PM

Every O-ring seal has acting hard surfaces that the O-ring seals against. So that even if you buy new O-rings to seal the water getting by, the new seals are only as good as their smooth unmarred and unscratched hard sealing surfaces built into that canister and lid plastic that the O-ring mates up against.

So if the prior owner or yourself used a stake-knife, screwdriver, kitchen-fork, nail, or ballpoint pen to dig out the old O-ring or pry-open the canister lid and in the process gouge or crack the hard plastic sealing surfaces, the canister will be permanently leak damaged no matter how new the O-rings are or how much Vaseline you use. Unless your someone like me who knows how to fill a scratch or seal and smooth a gouge with filler and or repair a crack with epoxy and aluminum tape.

The damage is fixable, the key is if you have the learned skill sets to identifying the cause and repairing the damage. The fact that the new O-ring and Vaseline slowed the leak is an indication you are on the right track, however it may be that their is another cause for the leak you are not seeing like in the valve manifold or swivels which also have tiny O-rings and sealing joints. Water leaks seeming to come from one spot may be migrating from another, you may have to run the filter separate in a closed loop (bucket) with food coloring or florescent leak detector to trace the true cause and location of the leak.

sushiray

04-20-2010, 9:47 PM

sorry to hear of your troubles. but this is another nail in the favor of using canisters. I'm an AC110/AC70 type of guy!

nc0gnet0

04-20-2010, 11:01 PM

Did you replace the O ring on the self primer?

Bonne46

04-21-2010, 5:39 AM

No I guess I should try that o-ring now. You know the part number so I can order it. Also how to get to that o-ring?

sushiray

04-21-2010, 8:09 AM

here's a dumb Q? just in case, not familiar with the cover on eheim's (had owned a fluval) but is it on correctly? meaning not backwards. cuz one can reverse the cover on the fluval & get poor results cuz the intake outake doesn't line up. just a thought.

dudley

04-21-2010, 9:30 AM

Here are the BEST instructions for replacing the primer o-ring http://www.njagc.net/articles/eheim_oring.htm

I have only seen 2 places to purchase this o-ring http://www.atomicrice.com/ and http://www.shop.trilbytropicals.com/product.sc?productId=1068&categoryId=24

I got mine from atomicrice.

CWO4GUNNER

04-21-2010, 5:54 PM

sorry to hear of your troubles. but this is another nail in the favor of using canisters. I'm an AC110/AC70 type of guy!

Not to contradict you but rather shed a little more light on your unrelated comment. I have two AC110's and one AC70 that I use to grow mt Pothos plants out of hence creating a nitrate filter for 3 of my 6 tanks, the other 3 tanks use Aqua-Tech 30-60 and a Penguin 350 for the same planted setup. I must say that if it wasn't for their effective nitrate removal using them as plant holders I would never use them as a filter. Not because I don't think they are effective for a tank size of say 20 to 30 gallons but because compared to almost any floor canister filter there is no comparison when it comes to high performance filtration and water clarity.

From my experience there is absolutely no comparison in performance, endurance and less maintenance in both cleaning hours and filter material cost over time. My smallest Magnum 250 HOB runs circles around any of my Power filters hands down every day of the week and twice on Sunday.

sushiray

04-22-2010, 1:36 AM

Not to contradict you but rather shed a little more light on your unrelated comment. I have two AC110's and one AC70 that I use to grow mt Pothos plants out of hence creating a nitrate filter for 3 of my 6 tanks, the other 3 tanks use Aqua-Tech 30-60 and a Penguin 350 for the same planted setup. I must say that if it wasn't for their effective nitrate removal using them as plant holders I would never use them as a filter. Not because I don't think they are effective for a tank size of say 20 to 30 gallons but because compared to almost any floor canister filter there is no comparison when it comes to high performance filtration and water clarity.

From my experience there is absolutely no comparison in performance, endurance and less maintenance in both cleaning hours and filter material cost over time. My smallest Magnum 250 HOB runs circles around any of my Power filters hands down every day of the week and twice on Sunday.

I use an AC70 in my 20gal & it has done a wonderful job, amazingly crystal clear waters & that's w/o carbon. Using 2 AC70's on my newly acquired 55gal SW, has great water flow/column. Using 2 AC110's on my discus 72gal BF (with one DIY extended intake tube into a tee to the bare bottom) - discus don't mind the increased water flow & filtering has been great.

but when I had a fluval on my discus tank, it was more of a hassle to maintain than the AC's + the problem of crud sticking in the in/out ridged tubing then back washing when started to prime, then also sprung a leak, that turned me off of canisters. no doubt they perform well but vs. the maintenance, performance, ease of care, cost effectiveness of AC's/hob's I druther not a canister anymore. seeing this thread continue to labor on about the o-rings the seals/gaskets, my my, how troublesome.

but do let me ask, any pics of your planted HOB? curious. can you use any plant or must be pothos? also what do you use for lighting? also, any debris it picks up gets flushed back into the tank or do you use filter floss/sponge?

thks, sounds like a great idea I may want to implement.

also, wonder what plant can be used for SW HOB?

CWO4GUNNER

04-22-2010, 3:29 PM

I use an AC70 in my 20gal & it has done a wonderful job, amazingly crystal clear waters & that's w/o carbon. Using 2 AC70's on my newly acquired 55gal SW, has great water flow/column. Using 2 AC110's on my discus 72gal BF (with one DIY extended intake tube into a tee to the bare bottom) - discus don't mind the increased water flow & filtering has been great.

but when I had a fluval on my discus tank, it was more of a hassle to maintain than the AC's + the problem of crud sticking in the in/out ridged tubing then back washing when started to prime, then also sprung a leak, that turned me off of canisters. no doubt they perform well but vs. the maintenance, performance, ease of care, cost effectiveness of AC's/hob's I druther not a canister anymore. seeing this thread continue to labor on about the o-rings the seals/gaskets, my my, how troublesome.

but do let me ask, any pics of your planted HOB? curious. can you use any plant or must be pothos? also what do you use for lighting? also, any debris it picks up gets flushed back into the tank or do you use filter floss/sponge?

thks, sounds like a great idea I may want to implement.

also, wonder what plant can be used for SW HOB?

If your talking about the Fluval 404/405 series type canister I must admit having owned 2 in their stock configuration that you are correct and that they are the only exception, having so much bypass built into the design they are IMO very poor at filtering anything and why I had to modify them both into 10" Micron cartridge filters.

When I get back home this weekend to service my tanks and feed my fish I promise I will take photos of all my HOB Nitrate filters. After trying a few low-light plant types, Pothos has proven to be the most pest resistant, fasted growing, and requires the lest amount of light to grow. In fact it is used at a few major public aquariums to control nitrate levels simply by floating the plant roots in the aquariums. ;)

Bonne46

06-02-2010, 12:04 PM

Well changed the primer button O-ring and the still thing leaks! Starting to hate this brand..

CWO4GUNNER

06-02-2010, 2:06 PM

You need to ID exactly where the crack or leak is coming from before you can work out a solution. There could also be a small deformity cause by using prying tools. I know I could find the leak and the solution if any in about 5 minutes. Take it to a DIY canister experts locally and they will find the problem.

Star_Rider

06-02-2010, 2:07 PM

you can try taking pictures to help diagnose the problem.

fishorama

06-02-2010, 7:18 PM

Have you talked to the place you bought it, if new?

RodInCALIFORNIA

06-02-2010, 7:21 PM

sell it on ebay but note the small leak people still buy them and repair them. then buy a FX5 life will be so much happier :)

CWO4GUNNER

06-02-2010, 8:30 PM

Well by now I would have gotten my return authorization sent it back and had my money. I may have had to do some legal arm twisting, but if it was still under warranty Id a had it straitened out by now.

Bonne46

06-05-2010, 12:14 PM

I did list were the leak was and was told to replace those two o-rings, did that and nothing...

I would of had everything done with the maufactor first but I got no help from them through email so I resorted to asking you guys and replaced what was told. Now that I replaced the primer o-ring that cancels the warranty...

dudley

06-05-2010, 3:47 PM

I wish you lived closer to me so I could help you with your filter leaking problem. I understand how frustrating your problem is.

Is there any chance you have a local fish store with a sympathetic owner or employee that is familiar with your Eheim 2026 that could help you out? Or maybe a local fish club member that could help you fix this filter?

I don't normally suggest doing this but I would re-install the original primer o-ring and the other seals you replaced and return the filter to either the store you purchased it from or get a return slip from Eheim & return it to them. The warranty normally only covers manufacturing defects but you might want to see if it can still be returned. BTW, there is no way to tell if you have tried replacing the primer o-ring, as long as you have re-assembled the filter properly.

Chrisk-K

06-06-2010, 6:59 AM

I would of had everything done with the maufactor first but I got no help from them through email so I resorted to asking you guys and replaced what was told.

I told you long time ago to call them. They have a toll free #.

DakotaSpirit

06-06-2010, 7:11 AM

The problem Ehiem has is that they know no one will go legal for such a cheap price in a filter, so they ignore their legal obligations to a guarantee. This is not the first time I have heard this about Ehiem. Report them to the BBB for not honoring their supposed guarantee, watch them take a different attitude then. You buy their product in good faith and they guarantee this product and they have to legally honor it. If not, report it to the BBB or Consumer Affairs, State Attorney Generals Office and watch them get a whole new attitude about their product.

No one likes to do such things, but sometimes your left with no choices. It is not up to you to fix that filter if it is under guarantee, it is the obligation of the manufacturer and if you have to fix it, then bill them... Sound silly, I think not.. They are leaving you with no choices..