Tetra Whisper EX70

[Mcdaphnia]

Before leaving for Florida in January, I bought a dozen new filters so the fish sitter would not have to deal with the old ones. Two were Tetra's Whisper EX70. They were still working in February when we came back for a week, and in March when we came back from Phoenix. However a little while ago one started having problems. I cleaned the impeller which should be replaced and it makes too much noise to use. It could be damaging something so I turned it off. The second one is working but I don't like the looks of that impeller either.

I tried to find replacement impellers somewhere but none were listed for this model. I don't think it's discontinued. I wrote Tetra asking about the impellers, twice, and got no response.

Any body have an idea of what impeller can be used safely with this model, and if something has happened to Tetra? After all, Aquarium Fish International magazine is suddenly no more, even though my subscription goes on forever. Tetra might have closed up and gone away too.

 

[dbosman]

Those have a three year warranty.
From http://www.tetra-fish.com/sites/tetrafish/catalog/Detail.aspx?id=4207

Hi,
Any of our filters that are noisy would in most cases be due to a flaw in the impeller. It's the only moving piece. So you'll need to take it out and check on it. It is very easy to do on this model. Unplug the filter, and take it to your sink. Pour out the water. Then look at the intake tube. Follow it from the strainer up and you'll see a line marked "Minimum Water Line." If you water is lower than this you'll get noise. Right above this mark you can pop the intake tube off the motor and take out the impeller. Look at it and see if there are any imperfections. You may need to soak the impeller in a cup of distilled white vinegar for a couple hours. Rinse if off well and make sure the compartment it goes in is also clean in the motor. Re-assemble the filter and try it again. If you still get noise, contact us at consumersupport@unitedpetgroup.com or at 1-800-526-0650. We will assist in getting a new impeller mailed out for you. We'll need your name, address, phone number, and the model of your filter (EX 70) with a brief description of the problem if you email.


For anyone with an "impossible" to find impeller:
If there is a good, old fashioned, well stocked hardware store in town, they might stock drill rod. It comes in a variety of sizes. It can be cut with a Dremel type cut off wheel.