Fluval repair?

[Canuck]

Has anyone else had a problem disconnecting the aquastop from the canister on the fluval 04 series. Does anyone know if this can be repaired.

thanks in advance

 

[geekboy]

Not sure if this helps, but it looks like the Aquastop is sold as a unit under Fluval part number A20060. A quick Google shows a few sources. If your problem is that it literally cannot be removed, then that is certainly a pickle.

 

[Canuck]

Yep, thats the problem. I haven't tried to really force it off yet for fear of breaking it, but.... This can't be an uncommon problem since I have a 104 and a 204 that have done the same thing.

 

[RodInCALIFORNIA]

i run a few 404's and sometimes they can be hard to remove to remove just make sure you have it unlocked the big blue tab up as far as it will go then just grasp the aqua stop as far down as you can and just start pulling on it. and it will come off it just fits really tight but thats why water doesnt leak from its connection when the filter is in use. and before you reattach it just take a very small amout of vaseoline and wipe it lightly around the 2 rubber gaskets on the bottom of the aqua stop that will help it come off easier next time you remove it. hope that helps

 

[jackiomy]

Make sure that the top lever is all the way up before you open the bottom lever. The back of the bottom latch fits into a hole in the top latch. I was getting really frustrated until I figured that out. LOL

 

[Canuck]

Bingo! The vaseline fixed the problem. thanks guys! It took a pretty mighty pull to get them off but with the vaseline they are coming apart like they should.

 

[RodInCALIFORNIA]

glad it fixed the problem! vaseoline is a very useful product for canister filters.

 

[maxthedog123]

I think Vaseline may also help with lubrication? I know when I originally got my Fluvals the directions mention wiping a little bit of cooking oil around the mail seal to help the seal and lubricate the rubber. Question is, since Vaseline is petroleum based, will that degrade the rubber more than lubricate it?

 

[CWO4GUNNER]

Concur after every cleaning lubricate every O-ring and even the auto stop valve gates inside the valve tube with a dab (not too much) of Vasoline and then work the valve open and closed and it will be easy, same with the locking lever contact points and hose ends to keep them from cracking.

So many people complain about how hard it is to open and close the Fluval and FX5 valve gate braking off the handles. Just lube them on the inside and the valve will open and shut like your faucets.