sealing intake tubes and o-rings question

MikefromNH

MikefromNH

AC Members
Nov 21, 2004
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I set up my new XP-3 the other day after part of my imp assembly broke on my Mag 350. The XP-3 was quiet at first and after only 3 days it has become MUCH quieter, which is good. So far I love it, BUT, I keep getting wooshes of bubbles out of the output, say every 20 minutes or so. I looked approx 58 pages back in "General Freshwater" and found someone with the same problem. It ended up being a small air leak at the o ring at the top of the canister.

I'd like some suggestions on sealing up the tube junctions and o-ring myself. I know the Magnums come with a little tube of silicone to lube up the o-rings but I also believe it has a sealing effect also. Is this true? If so, what else is "fish tank safe" to use on these areas? I dont have much left in the tube supplied from Magnum.

I'm sure I could use silicone sealer (like whats found on the seams in tanks) for the tubes but it would take way too long to dry. Obviously this wouldn't be an option for the XP-3 lid.

Also, I can see the water level inside the canister. It is approx 1 1/2" from the top. Is this normal?

Any ideas?
 
spartan said:
Could you not get another o ring and tighten it?
Also, you know theres a search option, it would have made your search a lot faster.:)
Click to expand...

I'm not sure where it's leaking from. I figured if the silicone (lube type) would work, I'd put some at all the junctions in the intake tube and some on the canister o-ring.

I know the search feature would have made it easier. On my comp, and a few other members, this feature is not working. Check out the "Discussion about Aquaria Central". Yes it is indeed a PITA to find info this way! :mad2
 
Yeah Mike, I've had my XP3 for 2+years, I hear ya. Get some silicone lubricant (silicone grease) and that'll do the trick. I've also used vaseline w/o ill affect. The way I get rid of the extra air in the filter (1 1/2" or so where you see the water line) is unplug the filter, unsnap one clip while applying pressure to the lid (so you don't get a gush of water) and slowly let up on the lid. You'll see the water level rise and when it hits the top, snap the clip in place and plug the filter back in. This question would have gotten more replies (I think) if it was in DIY. There was a good thread in DIY on vaseline use on o-rings if your interested when the search gets back up and going.

HTH
Bill
 
Thanks, beviking. I'm pretty sure your post was the one I found! I threw in some Biomax last night. When I unplugged the filter a TON of air came out and the water rose to within 3/4" of the top which I believe is the proper level. I followed the Rena purging process correctly during initial setup but I should have done it a few more times in the hours after.

I just got home from work, shook the canister and just a small amount of air came out, probably what was in the Biomax, so thats pretty good. I'll keep my eye on it. I'm starting to think the initial prime wasn't good enough because all the media was new and dry (except the carbon pack). There must have been a lot of air trapped in there still. Also, I did a 50% water change at the same time which definately added a bunch of air that would have come out in the filter. Kinda' like putting an airstone under the intake strainer.

I cant believe how easy it is to clean the XP's. The hoses uncouple sooooo nicely :D . The Magnum still worked great but what a pain it was to clean and re-prime and I even had the quick-connects on the hoses.

Thanks again! If I have problems I'll try the lid burping method you describe. How far is your water line from the top?
 
It's 1/2-3/4 inch down from the top, that is, it covers the insert part of the lid about 1/2 way. One other tip, when you remove the filter and take it to the sink to rinse it, after cleaning/rinsing, fill the base 3/4 with dechlorinated water (about the same temp as tank) and gently place baskets back in. Then clip the top on and give a few quick shakes b4 connecting the hoses back up. This will dislodge most of the air trapped in the media. Another tip for the tip ( :D ), if you fill the base too much, when you place the lid on, it will force water up through the hose connect holes and you'll end up with water inside the head (lid). Not a big deal since the motor is sealed, just something personally I don't want happening.
As long as you didn't empty the water from the hoses, you won't have to prime the filter.
 
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