filter shutting off at 3am each night

[corylover5]

I have a Marienland Penguin bio wheel 150 on my 29 gallon tank. The filter is fairly new and I've only had it for about 3 months now. For the past 2 weeks at 3am same time each night my filter makes an awful noise for half an hour and then just shuts off. I have my tank in my bedroom so I have to go to the filter, unplug it, plug it back in, and it works. I have no idea why this is happening. My tank is filled almost completely and the intake is submerged in the water. It doesn't shut off during the day but only 1 time each night. It's getting really irritating at this point because I am getting next to no sleep now. Should I contact the company and ask for a new filter or is there any way to fix this? Thanks in advance.

 

[corylover5]

I forgot to add, every time it turns off it makes my water murky and brown but once I turn it back on, 30 minutes later the water is back to being clear again.

 

[Salty&Onion]

That's weird Try cleaning it maybe?

 

[corylover5]

I tried cleaning the sponges in some tank water last week and it didn't help. I just did a 60% water change because my water got so murky from the filter turning off.

 

[Salty&Onion]

I really don't know. I think you'd have to get new one

 

[corylover5]

I have an Aqua clear 30 that's brand new. Would this work as well? I tried starting it once but I couldn't get it to work Do you have any experience with Aqua clear filters?

 

[Salty&Onion]

No, sorry I have experience with internal power filters and sponge filters. I suppose @NCaquatics has some experience with them I believe.

 

[Lajos_Detari]

Aquaclear is a good brand.
You may need to fill it with water before starting the filter.
Also, make sure the intake tube, impeller are installed properly.

I dont have experience with Marineland Penguin.
Yes, its good to check with the company in case of faulty set.
By the way, do you have any snails or fish that are nocturnal (like the loaches) that will go into the filter at night?
Probably some snails or fish stuck in the impeller at night.
Also always check the impeller or the intake tube to ensure that they are installed properly.

 

[seangee]

Do you clean the pump / impeller? They can get quite mucky. I normally remove the impeller and give it a scrub with a toothbrush about once a month.

 

[Colin_T]

It's possibly a broken impellor shaft or a missing washer on the impellor shaft. Take the motor apart and clean the impellor and shaft and make sure it's in good condition.

The brown water is just gunk in the filter that gets freed up and comes out when the pump starts running.

 

[corylover5]

Thank you for all of your responses.

By the way, do you have any snails or fish that are nocturnal (like the loaches) that will go into the filter at night?
Probably some snails or fish stuck in the impeller at night.

I have mystery snails and upside down catfish but the intake is to small to catch any of them.

Do you clean the pump / impeller? They can get quite mucky. I normally remove the impeller and give it a scrub with a toothbrush about once a month.

I double checked the impeller and cleaned it off last week along with the intake tube.

It's possibly a broken impellor shaft or a missing washer on the impellor shaft. Take the motor apart and clean the impellor and shaft and make sure it's in good condition.
The brown water is just gunk in the filter that gets freed up and comes out when the pump starts running.

I had a broken impeller on my Bio wheel 100 and got it replaced but I checked the 150 and it doesn't have any broken or missing parts.

 

[Colin_T]

in which case I would return it to the store and get it replaced under warranty.

 

[corylover5]

Thank you. I will contact the company and ask for a replacement.

 

[Colin_T]

Before you ask them for a replacement, tell them what is going on and ask them if they know what might be causing it. Try their suggestions and if they don't fix the problem, then ask for a replacement or refund.

 

[corylover5]

Thanks. I will email then and ask if they know what's causing it tomorrow.