Internal Filter Won't Stick To Tank Glass

[Athena]

There is a filter in one of my tanks that, for some reason, will not stay stuck to the tank glass. It's starting to annoy me as I've lost count of the times every day that I stick it back on in place and then within a few minutes the sucker pads have popped off the glass and the filter unit falls to the gravel.

I think it's a Fluval filter in that tank and it has four sucker pads that are supposed to hold it in place. I've tried cleaning the sucker pads (there was a nasty film of gunk on them - I guess a mix of food/detritus/algae?) with kitchen roll and a little tank water - but they still won't stay stuck to the glass for more than a few minutes.

Anyone else had this problem and, if so, how do I remedy it.

Thanks - Athena

 

[smegforbrains]

E-mail Hagen UK and tell them that the unit is less than 12 months old. They wil send you out some new sucker pads free

 

[Colin_T]

it happens a lot to older filters. The suction cups start to toughen up and no longer work. You can usually get replacements from the LFS. If the filter is less than a yr old see if the shop will replace them under warranty.
The filter doesn't have to be stuck to the side. it is merely to help.

 

[Athena]

Thanks guys - that particular filter is approx 10/11 months old, so maybe it is just due some new pads now.

I like it stuck on the glass so that I can position it right at the water surface to create a bit of gentle turbulance - whereas in it's "free fall" position it goes right to the bottom, sometimes falls sideways or forwards (obviously, with no surface movement of water) - and I'm sure one of these days it's going to hit one of my pink convicts!

I didn't realise the pads were replaceable, so thanks for the tip!

Athena

 

[Schmill]

sometimes happens to my Interpet PF2 as well. Anytime you need to reposition the 'holder' on the glass firstly take it off completely, then clean the sucker pads (as you have done), then CLEAN THE GLASS using a sponge or cloth, not a 'scraper'. I have found with mine that even the slightest layer of 'film' or algae on the glass will cause the slip-n-slide effect within a day or two of refitting if you don't clean it off
Give it a try

 

[Athena]

Ok, thanks, Schmill - I'll try that before I buy new ones. I usually use a magnetic scraper for the inside of the glass - maybe there is a film residue that's making the suction cups slip off. Worth checking - thanks!

Athena

 

[Schmill]

If it's the magnetic scouring pad type things, then thats what I now use for my tank, and it seems to do it fine, so that might not be it, but can't hurt to try

 

[petertr]

Someone on here recently said you can rejuvanate the suckers by putting them in boiling water. No idea if thats true, but can't' hurt.

Otherwise lots of LFSs sell them, or you can get them from Hagen, as someone has pointed out