Power outtage - Backflow

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mpx

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Dec 31, 2002
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We recently had a power outtage & water siphoned back out of the tank & leaked out of the canister filter (Fluval). This has happened before & i would like to prevent future occurences.

Is there something i can do to fix this or must i get a different type of filter?
 
my canister filter is fully enclosed and water tight... how is it leaking out? lol obviously mines different... hope someone can help you out :) sorry!

hayley
 
i might look around for a one-way valve to hook in-line between the tank and filter. a plumbing supply store or section might be able to help you out. as long as its the same size or a slightly larger, you wont change the in/out flow of your canister system significantly.
 
leaked out? I have a canister and never had that happen when the power goes out (or if I pull the plug).
 
mpx said:
We recently had a power outtage & water siphoned back out of the tank & leaked out of the canister filter (Fluval). This has happened before & i would like to prevent future occurences.

Is there something i can do to fix this or must i get a different type of filter?
Click to expand...


Not sure how this filter works, but I am confused as to how it does not leak under pressure, but leaks when turned off???

Can you explain?

Indi is spot on, again, with the suggestion of one way valves. I have used them in large outdoor ponds that have a lot of head pressure and a long way to push water.

I won't say this for sure, but I don't think you should have to worry about those with a cannister filter... something else must be going wrong???
 
I've had a couple of fluval canister filters over the years and they only leaked when I didn't seal them completley...and even then, they leaked immediatley when they filled with water, not over time or if they were shut off.

Out of curiousity, what model is it?
 
Fluval 204 i believe. Yea, it does not leak under normal operation, but everytime there is a power outtage, it siphons back out, leaks & creates a huge puddle. Yea, i'll try to get a valve.
 
mpx said:
Fluval 204 i believe. Yea, it does not leak under normal operation, but everytime there is a power outtage, it siphons back out, leaks & creates a huge puddle. Yea, i'll try to get a valve.
Click to expand...

I don't know this filter intimately, but I have seen Fluvals in person.

Where is it leaking? I would guess at the seal seams?

I know filters are not cheap, and while a good one way valve (there is a more technical name for them- can't recall what it is right now) might fix it, I don't think it will eliminate all risk you have... at some point, that same gasket (if that is what is leaking) might fail even under normal operating pressure.

I would look into finding the "off" leak, and replacing the gaskets- and maybe even using small amounts of foodservice grade lubricant (the kind used on deli slicers, etc...) to help lightly coat the gaskets and keep them moist and swollen.

You may find that the "off" leak is in a spot that you did not expect... I would test it... turn it off and let it leak, and see... You might even have some kind of housing crack that you are not aware of.
 
backflow valve is another name, methinks.
 
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TetraBotia said:
You may find that the "off" leak is in a spot that you did not expect... I would test it... turn it off and let it leak, and see... You might even have some kind of housing crack that you are not aware of.
Click to expand...

This is probably your best bet, turn it off and watch for a leak. Hopefully it will be a bad gasket or an unsecure hose and not a housing a crack.
 
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