filter stopped!!!

[fishwatcher]

I just got home, and I see that my filter stopped working in the 10-gal with the gourami. I've been gone almost 10 hours, so I have no idea how long it's been off. The fish look fine, though I did a 25% change immediately. The nitrite level is a little high (.50) but I'm just finishing a minicycle. I have it running again, though it's quit 2 times since I've gotten home. (I have no idea why it's quit... everything was clear of debris, no problems I could see.) I have to go to bed, but I'm afraid of what will happen if it stops again. What I am wondering is what should I do now, and what will happen if it does stop for 10 hours?? BTW, it's a Whisper 5-15 HOB filter.
Thanks!!

 

[corykitty516]

I have a secondhand aquaclear that was doing that. I took the ENTIRE thing apart, even pulled out the magnet whirley thing...whatever you call it... and cleaned it with an old tooth brush and a baby bottle brush. I dont know if it was the right thing to do or not but its worked without a hitch ever since

Other thing to check might be the integrity of the power cord and the plug.

 

[Bloo]

even pulled out the magnet whirley thing...whatever you call it...

When filters stop working for "unknown" reasons - chances are, it's the impeller that's clogged up . Most people forget to check this every now and again.

And from what you are describing - it sounds very much like your probelm.

 

[fishwatcher]

OK, thanks! Luckily it didn't stop working through the night, so I guess it's ok. I'll keep a VERY close eye on it though and I'll take it apart to clean it if it happens again.
Thanks to all!!!

 

[GSD]

fish can live without a filter.....but the water gets dirty much faster which can cause desises n stuff like that.Id get a new filter.My jewel is useless its always breaking but if i clean it at least 3 times a week its fine

 

[Bloo]

I suggest you actually check it sooner rather than later. If it's indeed clogged up, it's not goint to work properly and overheat - which can stop it working alltogether. In which case you might as well buy a new filter.
Rather safe than sorry.

 

[fishwatcher]

oh yeah, I hadn't thought of that. I'll do that now then.

 

[Bloo]

fish can live without a filter.....but the water gets dirty much faster which can cause desises n stuff like that.

Bettas perhaps, but that's a very sweeping statement to make regarding other fish and anything that has to do with maintaining good water quality and a cycled tank

Id get a new filter.

Getting a new filter is pointless and a waste of money if all that needs doing is checking the impeller and overall function of the filer.

My jewel is useless its always breaking

That too sounds like a clogged up filter / impeller.

but if i clean it at least 3 times a week its fine

This should not be necessary and rinsing out that much bacteria every other day is just not good for the overall water quality and stability.
If you "really" have to clean your filter 3 times a week, it sounds like there is too much gunk the filter has to deal with (old plant material and too much fish waste) i.e. an overstocked tank.
I suggest you have a good look at your filter and find the root of the problem. If your filter keeps breaking down for unknown reasons, you might have potential dead fish on your hands.

 

[CFC]

Another thing it can be is a faulty electrical connection somewhere, i had a filter that kept stopping and each time it did the impeller would drop out of its slot because the electro magnet was switched off, eventually i traced the problem back to the plug where one of the wires had been pulled out from the pin and was barely touching it.