SouthernCross
Fish Addict
I know everyone else is probably still celebrating/getting over New Year's - but I have a huge filter emergency and I'm freaking out. My filter is an Aquaclear 50/200.
My Dad turned the power off today to install an outside light at about 2pm - and turned it back on. He told me much later this afternoon he'd done it, I remembered the tank lights were on, the aerator was bubbling - I thought all was well.
Cut to 1130pm. I'm about to go to bed, remember I didn't feed the fish last night (out getting drunk for NYE) so I'd better go do it tonight - I peer in to check on everybody and its then I notice my filter isn't flowing. I have a heart attack, realizing it probably hasn't been working since 2pm when the power was off. I flick the powerpoint switch off then on, hoping it restarts, then get nothing. Sometimes after cleaning the filter, I have to remove the black power/impellor box thing, and put it back on, for it to start again. I go to do this, but when I go to twist it off the box is so hot I nearly drop it because its burning my hand.
I start cursing. A lot. Not because if I hadn't come down to feed at the last minute it potentially would have started a fire overnight, but I realise the whole thing has probably been cooked, and is dead, carked it, kaput. And saving for a massive trip overseas, I really don't wanna have to fork out $100 for a new filter. I'm also pissed at myself for not checking more thoroughly. And my dad, for having the power off without telling me until much later on.
So on my dad's advice, I'm letting the thing cool right down (I will probably stay up until it does) and then trying it again, but he also thinks its probably dead. I've refilled the box holding the media with water, so it stays moist, I've not fed them (lessen waste output) and I still have a short bubble wall in the tank so the water should remain aerated.
So, its been off at least 10 hours, and being midnight now it will be off at least another 12 before I can get to the LFS to buy a new one if this one is indeed fried. Nearly 24 hours no filter.
My main questions now, based on the above:
Has it definitely been cooked? IS there something else I can try to fix it tonight?
If so, do they sell the power bits separately (to save me a bit of $)?
I can't find my box right, so this question is probably irrelevant, but it's only about 6 months old, would warranty cover it? Also, I think its irrelevant because I got it online, by the time I stuffed around dealing with the online company and got a new one sent out, it would take like a week - far too long for my fish to be without a filter...
Other than not feeding and turning the air pump up a bit - any more I can do to help the fish/preserve the bacteria until I can get to the shop tomorrow?
My head is exploding.
PLEASE help me with my questions ASAP...
My Dad turned the power off today to install an outside light at about 2pm - and turned it back on. He told me much later this afternoon he'd done it, I remembered the tank lights were on, the aerator was bubbling - I thought all was well.
Cut to 1130pm. I'm about to go to bed, remember I didn't feed the fish last night (out getting drunk for NYE) so I'd better go do it tonight - I peer in to check on everybody and its then I notice my filter isn't flowing. I have a heart attack, realizing it probably hasn't been working since 2pm when the power was off. I flick the powerpoint switch off then on, hoping it restarts, then get nothing. Sometimes after cleaning the filter, I have to remove the black power/impellor box thing, and put it back on, for it to start again. I go to do this, but when I go to twist it off the box is so hot I nearly drop it because its burning my hand.
I start cursing. A lot. Not because if I hadn't come down to feed at the last minute it potentially would have started a fire overnight, but I realise the whole thing has probably been cooked, and is dead, carked it, kaput. And saving for a massive trip overseas, I really don't wanna have to fork out $100 for a new filter. I'm also pissed at myself for not checking more thoroughly. And my dad, for having the power off without telling me until much later on.
So on my dad's advice, I'm letting the thing cool right down (I will probably stay up until it does) and then trying it again, but he also thinks its probably dead. I've refilled the box holding the media with water, so it stays moist, I've not fed them (lessen waste output) and I still have a short bubble wall in the tank so the water should remain aerated.
So, its been off at least 10 hours, and being midnight now it will be off at least another 12 before I can get to the LFS to buy a new one if this one is indeed fried. Nearly 24 hours no filter.
My main questions now, based on the above:
Has it definitely been cooked? IS there something else I can try to fix it tonight?
If so, do they sell the power bits separately (to save me a bit of $)?
I can't find my box right, so this question is probably irrelevant, but it's only about 6 months old, would warranty cover it? Also, I think its irrelevant because I got it online, by the time I stuffed around dealing with the online company and got a new one sent out, it would take like a week - far too long for my fish to be without a filter...
Other than not feeding and turning the air pump up a bit - any more I can do to help the fish/preserve the bacteria until I can get to the shop tomorrow?
My head is exploding.
PLEASE help me with my questions ASAP...
I'm so pleased. I was sure after running that hot for a good ten hours that it would be done for. I guess Aquaclear gets some serious points from me for this (even if its restarting capabilities leave a little to be desired...) 
