Filter Question

[Gilli]

Just wondering if any of you have the interpet external power 250 filter or any experience of one?. This is the first external ive ever had (had an undergravel filter in my old tank) and im not convinced its working properly.

Its seeded and the water stats are good but it doesnt seem very powerful. I watch bits and pieces go floating past the inlet piece - it doesnt seem to have a very powerful 'suck'!! It comes out of the outlet pipe ok (through 4 holes) but having no experience of these things im not sure if its working as it should.

I have the usual sponge media in and have also added a felt pad but it doesnt seem to keep the water very clean, stuff just seems to float about. From reading on other peoples filters I see their fish or fry sometimes get sucked into it but mine wouldnt be powerful enough for that!

 

[Inchworm]

Hi Gilli

It doesn't look like you're getting your question answered in Tropical Discussion, so I'll move your thread over to Hardware. I hope you have better luck with it there.

 

[glolite]

Hi Gilli.
I've just set up an Interpet 350 external filter on my 300l (last night) and it seems to be working fine. However, the tank also has an internal filter as I have an Oscar in there who requires extra good filtration. How long have you had the filter running for? It could be the "bits" you see floating are loose media which has washed out into the water. Also, there's a flow speed setting on mine, it's on the connection between the outlet tube and the elbow connection. You can turn it to vary the strength of water flow.

 

[Gilli]

Thanks for your reply. I ran the filter in my old tank alongside the undergravel filter for 3 months until i'd got my new tank and set it all up by which time it was obviously seeded. I'ts been in the new tank for about 2 months now.

Adjusting the flow on the spray bar doesnt seem to make a lot of difference. Im really not convinced its as powerful as it should be. What is the inlet sucktion like on yours is it strong?

Also I keep getting tiny snails bunging up the spraybar holes. Last time I opened the filter to put the felt pad in there were loads of them in there! (im talking about newly hatched size so I dont think they are the cause of the problem).

 

[glolite]

Hi
The inlet suction seems ok, there's some plant matter stuck to it. I have a tetratec 1200 on my 400l and that gives a lot stronger water flow. I had to take the spray bar off because it caused millions of tiny bubbles in the water which was bad for my frontosa cichlid. The spray bar on the Interpet doesn't give bubbles but maybe it's just a different design. There seems to be quite good water movement on the surface though.

I just thought, did you fit the O ring before installing?

Snails can cause a problem with filters, eSHa make a good snail killer liquid if you want to try that, it's called Gastropex. It also clears bacterial blooms and combats Hydra plus can be used as a bath for new plants to get rid of snails and their eggs.
You could also try taking out the impeller and seeing if a snails got stuck in the filter head. Sometimes switching the filter on and off a few times dislodges pesky snails.

Hopefully someone else with experience of Interpet filters will join the discussion.

 

[Gilli]

I just thought, did you fit the O ring before installing?

What is that? Did it come with the filter? I just followed the instructions on putting the filter together - I didnt have any bits left over?

Already took out the impeller all was well there...

 

[WoodenChair]

I wouldnt be so sure about those snails not causing issues.

I love snails and always let them take over a tank, because in time they balance out and aid the eco system, but if it gets too serious they will over-breed and bust up your impeller on your can filter. So i bought loaches and a sump.

Now i don't need to feed the loaches Or buy filter media.... ever!


Back to the filter though. Seriously check the impeller for snails, all it takes is one shell in the wrong place to totally bunk a filter.

Other then that i have a short check list (back when i used cans)

Hoses clear?
Media clean?
Sponges clear?
Return area in can unobstructed?
Impeller free and clear?
Is the unit making funny noises?
When i closed it and latched it, did i get a good seal?
Are all the O rings in working order?
When attaching INTAKE hoses, did i slide the hose too far over the cuff, allowing micro ammounts of air in?
( ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ This one cause me TWO DAYS of head ache once ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^)
if so far none has worked, empty can 100% and run it clear, what happens?
Should i have even bought this thing?
Will the wife notice if i throw it away tonight
Will she yell if she does.
Where can i get a 30g long to make a sump.


Hope some of this helps have a good one!


-ChairmanWood

 

[Gilli]

Thank you for your replies - will check it all out!