filter issues

N

nerdyrcdriver

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Sep 1, 2011
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I just did a wc about 30min ago and during that process I tapped the filter with the gravel vac. It didn't seem like a big deal, but when I went to turn it back on, nothing happened. I took it apart and cleaned some algae off of it and it worked. But it was making a horrible noise. After a bunch of trouble shooting and researching what I could (getting the same results to check the shaft to see if it bent and lube it), nothing seemed to work. This is an aqueon 50 paired with an aquaclear 30. Right now the main box is full of water to attempt to keep some of the bb alive, but if I don't fix it today I will have to submerge the filter material in the tank (my mom wouldn't like that with her book club meeting tomorrow). It is a 29g tank with one small angle fish (maybe quarter sized) and 4 long finned zebra danios. Considering I just cleaned the tank I think the aquaclear should do fine for a few days until I can get the aqueon fixed. I knew it was a good idea to have a constant backup filter just in case :).

Any other suggestions before I order a new pump with impeller for it?

Thanks!
 
This is exactly why it's a great idea to have 2 filters that are rated to handle your tank running concurrently. Frankly, if your mom wouldn't like the aesthetics of floating the media, don't sweat it, don't bother with it. The AC 30 should be just fine on its own. Also, for a replacement, get another AC 30/50 or consider the Fluval C3. I'm using a C2 on my 10, and it's rated up to 20, and I'm really liking it. I have an AC 20 that I also have on that tank that will be my quarantine filter. I'm floating the biomax in my AC 70 to get it seeded more heavily (that 10 just has 30 or so shrimp at the moment), probably until Thursday, and then I'm going to move it over to the QT and drop in a dozen rummynose tetras. Even though I think the Fluval C series filters are a better filter than the AC series (they're both Hagen products), the AC series is just so dang versatile and easy to customize.
 
I am thinking about getting another AC filter, but I would have to hang it off of the side unless it was about the same size as the 30. My tank is pretty close to the wall, which is why I decided to get the aqueon bc it is thin. My dad might be able to figure it out. I would like to keep the filter if I can because it fits and I don't have to take the filter off of the tank to change the motor.
 
I have decided to switch to a different filter anyway. I may keep the aqueon around, but I have never really been pleased with it. I think that I have narrowed it down to the fluval c3 or an aquaclear 50. I love how quiet my aquaclear 30 is on the tank, and I want to keep it that way. I think (though I will still measure) that the 50 or c3 will fit on the back without much issue.
 
No experience with aqueon, but usually when my impeller makes a horrible noise it's simply not seated properly, for me it's usually as simple as pushing it firmly down. If it doesn't go, it means I have hard water build-up/scaling. Remove filter, empty, take off the motor, and clean out the recessed area the impeller fits into.
 
nerdyrcdriver said:
I have decided to switch to a different filter anyway. I may keep the aqueon around, but I have never really been pleased with it. I think that I have narrowed it down to the fluval c3 or an aquaclear 50. I love how quiet my aquaclear 30 is on the tank, and I want to keep it that way. I think (though I will still measure) that the 50 or c3 will fit on the back without much issue.
Click to expand...

I guess an obvious solution is another AC30.

If you have the space, though, check out the C3. My C2 is quieter than my AC 20, and 99% of the sound from the AC 20 is water flow. 2 feet away, and I don't hear anything besides the water flow at all.
 
loser said:
No experience with aqueon, but usually when my impeller makes a horrible noise it's simply not seated properly, for me it's usually as simple as pushing it firmly down. If it doesn't go, it means I have hard water build-up/scaling. Remove filter, empty, take off the motor, and clean out the recessed area the impeller fits into.
Click to expand...

I already tried taking it apart and cleaning and tried several times to re seat the impeller. I never liked the filter much anyway. Going to the lfs today or tomorrow to check if the c3 will fit, if not I will go for another ac 30. Looking at it, the c3 is a better, and easier to use filter for my uses (I don't do much custom stuff in it). And being able to take a specific part out without taking all of the types of media out is a big bonus.
 
I know you're on a tight budget, so check Amazon. The return process is easy, and the pricing is probably better, barring any deals due to relationships you have with your LFS. I know I haven't actually paid for anything I've gotten from my LFS for a while, because of the store credit I accrue. I've spent about $150, but I'm at $75 or so now. Debating whether I get new fish first, or new light first. New light fixture would let me get versa tops. In the past 2 or so years, I've had 5 trigonostigma espeis jump, 2 have died. Heck, 2 jumped last night, one of which hitting me on the right forearm. Both (read that as the entire school of 12) looked fine this morning, but a lid is a good idea. My lights just prohibit use of lids.
 
I saw the fluval c3 on amazon for just over $30. I was going to order it, but I called petsmart and they said that they had it in stock for $38. I figured to have it today it was worth a couple extra bucks. I went and it turned out to be the fluval 50 (ac50). After looking around they didn't have any of the stuff that the c3 needed as far as parts or inserts. I decided just to go with the ac50. It fits with just a tad bit of room to spare before touching the wall. I set it up, and wow is it quiet compared to the aqueon quietflow 50 that the woman at petsmart agreed was loud. I never was happy with that filter, but since I have 5 extra inserts for it, I may have to tear them apart or try to get a warranty replacement, or fix it cheaply to have a spare.
 
nerdyrcdriver said:
I saw the fluval c3 on amazon for just over $30. I was going to order it, but I called petsmart and they said that they had it in stock for $38. I figured to have it today it was worth a couple extra bucks. I went and it turned out to be the fluval 50 (ac50). After looking around they didn't have any of the stuff that the c3 needed as far as parts or inserts. I decided just to go with the ac50. It fits with just a tad bit of room to spare before touching the wall. I set it up, and wow is it quiet compared to the aqueon quietflow 50 that the woman at petsmart agreed was loud. I never was happy with that filter, but since I have 5 extra inserts for it, I may have to tear them apart or try to get a warranty replacement, or fix it cheaply to have a spare.
Click to expand...

What parts for a C3 are you talking about? Nothing will need replacing like the Aqueon does. It's rinse and reuse, for the most part, much like AC filters.
 
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