Fluval fx5 leaking!

Manafel

Manafel

AC Members
Oct 10, 2011
573
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Tulsa, OK
Real Name
Kayla
Hello,
I just recently found out that I have a cave cricket infestation inside of my 75gallon tank stand. Upon closer inspection, I can see that it looks like my fluval fx5 has been slowly leaking, though I can't find it. I remembered that it leaks out through the lid whenever it has water in it and is pressurized.(like if the filter stops water flow every hour, it leaks through the top). I bought it used and it had a broken lid screw. I broke another one a while back, so its missing two of the lid screws it should have, but only leaks when it is stopped. Could this be the O ring needs to be replaced, or should I buy replacement screws? Thanks!
 
Common problem..wish you luck.
 
You definitely need to replace both of the broken lid screws. You should use vaseline on the oring.. I sold my FX5 and bought a 2260
 
I would probably spring for the new screws, then the ring, possibly even a whole new lid. I wouldnt want to stop using a filter of that cost just because it needs screws or a new seal.
 
fshfanatic said:
You definitely need to replace both of the broken lid screws. You should use vaseline on the oring.. I sold my FX5 and bought a 2260
Click to expand...

Eheims are so much more expensive though. Plus ill be turning my 75 into a sump anyway, so why spend so much for a filter :(

In a note though, I really don't like how flimsy the screws are for this filter, if you screw them on too tight, it will break the screw. I guess that's fluval for ya though. I'll look into getting replacement screws.
 
You are definitely over tightening them. You only have to tighten them enough to compress the o-ring enough to make a seal. It will leak until you get them replaced.

Eheims are more expensive. That is true, but they work and continue to work. I have a 2213 I bought in 1981. it is still working as well as it did on the day I bought it. I have had to replace the impeller shaft once, because I was an idiot and broke it.
 
fshfanatic said:
You are definitely over tightening them. You only have to tighten them enough to compress the o-ring enough to make a seal. It will leak until you get them replaced.

Eheims are more expensive. That is true, but they work and continue to work. I have a 2213 I bought in 1981. it is still working as well as it did on the day I bought it. I have had to replace the impeller shaft once, because I was an idiot and broke it.
Click to expand...

That's German engineering for you though. I bought this used and the clamps were already cracked from the previous owner, there are still more of my clamps that are cracked, but still working. It just happened I guess that I was the final straw for the clamp I broke. The clamps are more than I thought they would be (big suprise there right?)
 
I thought Fluval made pretty good products. I have two Fluval Canisters that I use in conjuntion with another canister on my 100 gallon tank. I have had them both for less than a year, so I hope I do not have this to look forward to in my future.
 
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