Just Cleaned My Tank And My Filter Is Shot

[Larkspur]

Did my weekly water change and noticed my filter is just completely shot. I've never attempted to do a cleaning inside it. Don't know how, but I don't think it needs it. I added the filter in late October. Only 6 months ago or so. I change the little filter inserts about monthly too.

It seems the water just trickles out now. (My betta likes it...haha) But it's going to drive me nuts because I don't think it's keeping up with the cleaning. It's not even agitating the surface enough to keep that nasty film from forming over the top and I vaguely remember how I loved it when I first got it because it did a good job agitating the water. Argh.

It's trickling out though like the filter insert needs to be changed. Like its clogged. Took out the tube that sucks in the water and its fine. I think I need to invest in another. This one was walmart brand anyway. Pfft. It's a 5-15 gallon rated Aquatech brand one. Nothing fancy.

I only have the chain stores walmart and Petco. Any suggestions to what kind I can get that I can pick up at maybe Petco? My tank is a 5.5 gallon. I need something that will also be over the back. The inside ones take up way too much room in my smaller tank.

 

[arobinson1984]

Hi,

Open up the filter and check that the impellor is clean and is moving freely. Waste build up can stop the impellor from spinning which would dramatically lower flow.


Andy

 

[rdp50734]

Remove the sponges from the filter and give them a squeeze in some old tank water and e3nsure all parts are clean. Rub over the polishing pads to as when blocked drop the flow rate! And as above ensure the impellor and housing are clean! It takes 10 mins! honestly!

 

[Larkspur]

So I learned 2 things today:

1. Don't conclude your filter doesn't need to be cleaned.
2. Look at how things are put together before you take them apart.

So my filter has obviously been sluggish for months. It's spewing out like I just bought a brand new one. My betta is unsure what to make of it. haha. And now the other side of the divider actually has water flow!

It was a bunch of built up java fern junk inside the filter not far from the propeller.

 

[arobinson1984]

There you go, saved yourself some money


Andy

 

[Larkspur]

Yes, much better than spending $25 plus on another one.