help! leaky filter!

[suziq]

The output of my filstar xp3 started slowly leaking at the U shaped joint at the top of the tank. It was a slow leak between the 3 pieces but it wicked down the tubes into the inside of my stand. Now I have a few dilemmas!

I had to pull everything out so that the wood floor of the stand can dry. After i fix the output, I can't hook up the filter until the floor has at least partially dried because the tubes are too short.

So here are my questions.

How do I keep my fitler media alive for a few hours? I was thinking of just opening up the top of the filter and maybe aerating it with a stone. Would this work? Any other ideas?

how can I fix this joint? It is three pieces (2 corners and a straight piece). It was a little loose when I hooked it up but we thought it was remedied with electric tape. I was thinking of using silicone sealant but it says it needs to cure for 24 hours?
Is it oK to use it without letting it cure? Is there any thing else I could use?

I do have another filter (Mag 350) that is on the tank but I use it for just water polishing and I rinsed it out yesterday with tap water. Could this help with maintaining my tank cycle?

Please help? I need to know how to fix this!

[OrionGirl]

How do I keep my fitler media alive for a few hours? I was thinking of just opening up the top of the filter and maybe aerating it with a stone. Would this work? Any other ideas?


Leave the media damp, but not soaked. Keep it cool, and it will be fine for 2-3 hours.

how can I fix this joint? It is three pieces (2 corners and a straight piece). It was a little loose when I hooked it up but we thought it was remedied with electric tape. I was thinking of using silicone sealant but it says it needs to cure for 24 hours?
Is it oK to use it without letting it cure? Is there any thing else I could use?


Silicone sealant won't work if it's not allowed to cure properly. Would be worse than nothing, since it would have to be cleaned off and replaced. Try finding some silicone tape instead. Home Depot carries it. It's not sticky, but can be used on joints and such. You wrap the threads/ends of the pieces, then force them together, thread them on. Forms a good seal this way.


I do have another filter (Mag 350) that is on the tank but I use it for just water polishing and I rinsed it out yesterday with tap water. Could this help with maintaining my tank cycle?

It won't have active bacteria, if that's what your thinking. If you can fit the media from the other filter into this one, then yes, that will work. Otherwise, it will help with chemical filtration and water movement.

[125gJoe]

I'm not sure of how the leak happened and how to prevent it.
Try not to use electrical tape in the water. It might be toxic to
the fish. Wet tape won't hold things either..

[beviking]

Does 1/2" cpvc or black plastic pipe have the same dimensions as those used on the XP3? I haven't gotten ahold of any to compare it. Anyone???? If so, a couple 90 elbows and short piece would work.