Leaky canister

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La Barbe

AC Members
Mar 13, 2009
101
0
0
It's a fluval 204. It's leaking from below one of the lift-lock clamps. Is there any way to fix it?
 

redfishblewfish

Ignorance Specialist
Nov 19, 2008
313
0
0
69
Central New Jersey
Pop off the top and check the big rubber O-ring. I’ve been very lucky in using a non-petroleum grease to revitalize the gaskets. Not sure were you live, but in the States you have a choice of Leslie’s Pool Lube or, at Home Depot or Lowe’s or any good hardware store or plumbing supply, a Plumber’s Grease that is Silicone or Teflon based. Do not use Vaseline or any other petroleum based grease…that will cause the rubber to swell and fail.

Just lube up the O-ring and reassemble. If that doesn’t work, it’s time for a new O-ring which can be had at any number or “parts” sites online.
 

La Barbe

AC Members
Mar 13, 2009
101
0
0
Thanks. I went to Pet Kingdom in San Diego today and bought a new O-ring for $5. The guy told me, based on my description of the problem, that the O-ring was probably the problem and said to look for abrasions or cracks on my current one. It has them, so it's time to replace it!
 

redfishblewfish

Ignorance Specialist
Nov 19, 2008
313
0
0
69
Central New Jersey
I would still pick up a tube of plumber’s grease or pool lube and lube up that new gasket. I’ve only had to replace one gasket on the four Fluvals I have, and that’s because I bought that one used, and it was abused. This stuff makes rubber last forever. Good stuff. I’ve also used it on leaking units and it stops the leaking.
 
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