It has recently come to my attention that my brand new Interpet PF1 is not clearing the water sufficiently in my 10 gallon tank. This is the first time I have used an internal filter because on my other tank I use an external filter. It doesn't actually suck in any debris even when on the strongest setting. The current of the filter just makes the floating debris cycle endlessly around the tank making it even more dirty. The intake of the filter only seems to suck in water but nothing else. Any suggestions?
Interpet Pf1 Filter Not Performing
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Sorry if this is a obvious question but have you any filter media inside the filter?
Sponge / floss / ceramic etc
Sponge / floss / ceramic etc
The interpet filters are by far the worst filters I have ever used! Constant clogging, loads of stupid places small fish can get trapped and just generally unreliable.
I would look at swapping it for something like a Fluval internal they are what I have found to be the best internals. Though the U1 has a slight design flaw that means when the sponge gets a bit clogged it presses on the impeller and slows flow.
There are some good nano external filters available now which are nice because they free up swimming space in the tank.
Wills
I would look at swapping it for something like a Fluval internal they are what I have found to be the best internals. Though the U1 has a slight design flaw that means when the sponge gets a bit clogged it presses on the impeller and slows flow.
There are some good nano external filters available now which are nice because they free up swimming space in the tank.
Wills
Ok, at least thats one elimination out of the way.
Are the filter media in the filter in right way and not crammed in too tight with too much sponge media that may take away some efficiency of the filter?
Its a possibility as Will says, not a good filter, although I've never had that internal before but I have had Fluval U internals and can vouch for them, does exactly what it says on the tin really.
Also these little external filters thats coming out seems to be a good choice as this frees up space inside the tank and easier to maintain etc, more pricey though.
Worth doing some research at least into these options and see what you think.
Are the filter media in the filter in right way and not crammed in too tight with too much sponge media that may take away some efficiency of the filter?
Its a possibility as Will says, not a good filter, although I've never had that internal before but I have had Fluval U internals and can vouch for them, does exactly what it says on the tin really.
Also these little external filters thats coming out seems to be a good choice as this frees up space inside the tank and easier to maintain etc, more pricey though.
Worth doing some research at least into these options and see what you think.
Wills said:
The reviews I read before buying this filter were excellent. For the price it seemed like a good buy. I've looked at the Fluval U1 which you suggested. It looks pretty big compared to the Interpet filter which I am using and it is more expensive which sucks because I am on a tight budget with this tank. I'll just have a tinker around with it and hopefully get it to work a bit better. Thanks for the suggestion and help though!
Ch4rlie said:
It's not a problem with the media. The problem is that the intake valve doesn't actually intake any debris, only water. So debris is actually getting filtered through the filter. I'm thinking that it may be because the propeller is too weak which is strange as this filter is made for tanks up to 15 gallons and it's only in a 10.
Not too sure if I could have an external filter because the tank is placed in the corner of a bedroom and their isn't any desk space for a filter. Also the tank lid obstructs it from sitting on the tank edge. As I said to Wills I may have a little play around with the filter and hopefully I can actually get it to suck in the floating debris instead of just cycling it around the tank! Thanks again!
I've had a play around with it and taken the 'Aqua Valve' off (which is what it's called in the manual). Hopefully this will help to increase the intake a bit more. Generally, it seems like a weak filter. I won't be buying one again but it will have to do for now as I'm not going to splash out another 20 pounds for a different branded filter. The tank is only cycling now, so it not too much of a problem since there are no fish in it. Nothing compares to my external Fluval filter which I have in my other tank. Thanks for the help, really appreciate it!
If you can get an other filter I think I would, I know its more cost but long term it will be worth it - especially if its in a bedroom. I'll never forget waking up at about 2 am hearing an awful clogging noise... thought it was quite a few years ago.
The fluvals will last a lot longer.
Wills
The fluvals will last a lot longer.
Wills
nortonmad213
Fishaholic
I had a pf1 on my first tank and it was wonderful. Check the intake isn't blocked as you can pull the grill off and clean inside
I've used a PF2 for about a year and thought it was a good filter. They do need regular cleaning to keep them working efficiently though (including the impeller).
If your brand new PF1 is not performing I would consider taking it back to the shop for a checkover or refund.
If water is being drawn through the filter then debris should be flowing through with it. Perhaps some filter floss would help trap debris inside the filter?
If your brand new PF1 is not performing I would consider taking it back to the shop for a checkover or refund.
If water is being drawn through the filter then debris should be flowing through with it. Perhaps some filter floss would help trap debris inside the filter?
I've got both a PF mini and a Fluval U1 and of the two I prefer the PF to be honest!
The U1 is a so-n-so to clean especially the impeller which granted isn't every water change, but very frustrating just the same.
The PF does what it says on the tin as does the fluval but I would say on balance the PF is easier to clean and maintain.
The U1 is a so-n-so to clean especially the impeller which granted isn't every water change, but very frustrating just the same.
The PF does what it says on the tin as does the fluval but I would say on balance the PF is easier to clean and maintain.
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