Noisy Filter?

[threejjj]

I recently got a used Penguin 330 filter. It is very loud when in use. I took out the impeller but cannot tell if that is what is causing the noise. How do I know if it is the impeller or something else? How do I tell if the impeller is broken?
Thanks

 

[sumthin fishy]

The impeller is in a black plastic case, it should fit tightly into its slot, make sure the 2 "fins" on the case align with the slots so it is in properly. The impeller shaft should have a rubber bushing at the bottom, if this is damaged or missing, this may be your problem. The impeller itself should have equally placed plastic fins arround a plastic hub designed to turn. Make sure all those fins are in place, and not missing or cracked. It is also possible something is stuck(snail shell, rock, toy car etc) in the filter box near the impeller. check it and clean.

is the filter opperating properly? water flow seem normal? is it brand new where you could return/exchange it or is it used.

Mine has run silent for almost a year.

 

[Blueiz]

Rinse the filter box out thouroughly and make sure there is nothing, no gravel, sand, or other yuckies, in the impellor housing. You also want to make sure that the impellor is seated properly, and the filter is primed.

Happy Fishkeeping!

Blue

 

[threejjj]

I have done all of the above. It sounds like it is grinding. The filter runs properly but is really loud. Should I buy a new impeller? If so where? They are 14 bucks on marineland website is there anywhere cheaper?
Thanks

 

[jm1212]

dd you add water to the filter before you started it?

 

[Sonicblast12]

My penguin sometimes makes some load grinding sounds, and I finally figured out sand was getting inside of it. If you have a sand substrate, try putting a sponge on the input tube.

 

[threejjj]

Yes the filter had water in it before it ran. Yes my tank has sand substrate but I have not run on tank yet only in a rubbermaid container(wanted to clean it before putting on tank)

 

[sumthin fishy]

Is it new? if so just take it back and exchange. if its used, you may check prices for a new impeller at your lfs. Mine makes a lot of noise at startup, but quiets down as it gets going. Is the water level in the container high enough as to not stress the pump?

 

[twig]

use your ear to figure out what part it's coming from then call their tech support to see if that is normal and what to do.

My aquaclear gets stuff in the impeller sometimes and it loses a lot of flow as a result.

My fluval's impeller never gets dirty for some reason. It's magic.