filter is leaking

[grayshark]

hi i set my external filer up on my 4ft tank for the first time I have had fish in it for 1 week but did no how to do all the filter so I eventully cleaned it all out and set it up and it was fine.

About 30 mins later i noticed the water levle had gone down loads (2.3cm I have messered it.) I knew straight away what was happning I moved the box's that where infront of the stand door it was all coming out of the door and the floor was soking I think it was atleast 5 gallon was on the floor and behind the tank i pulled the plug out and put the filter out side then I washed the carpet dryed it with a hair dryer it worked. After my dad got back and I told him , anyway the tank now has no filter and hasnt had it for 5 days the tank is getting dirty what shall I do.

1.try and fix the leaking filter?
2. get a new filter?
3. get the fish out and put them in to another tank?
4. other?

 

[Bloo]

but did no how to do all the filter so I eventually cleaned it all out and set it up and it was fine.

Is this a second hand filter, or have you lost the manual and do not know how it works? If so, are you sure you actually assembled it correctly ? As this could be the cause of your problems.....
What make is it ? Have you checked out the manual on the manufacturers website ?

I would do those things first to establish if all is OK, before trying to fix or replace it.

anyway the tank now has no filter and hasn’t had it for 5 days the tank is getting dirty what shall I do.

this is very dangerous and your fish will slowly start to die if you don't do something immediately ! If you cannot fix it, buy a new filter and set it up asap.
Do a 40% water change and add a double dose of stress coat.
In fact, do a water change now. You cannot let the ammonia build up…..

Good luck.

 

[keane]

My initial guess is (without knowing what type of filter it is) is that you have not fitted the rubber/plastic seal ring around the edge of the filter lid before you put the lid on to the actual filter.

Without this seal fitted your filter is not water tight and will continue to leak.

steve