New Filter Trouble

[EllieW]

I have had a Eheim BioPower 240 for about a month.

In the last week or so the flow rate has dropped really low and about 2 hours after a water change the water is hardly moving again.

Its only a 60 litre tank but I use it as a breeding tank so there is quite alot of bristlenose in it.

 

[OldMan47]

I have never used one of the Eheim filters, but have you checked how clean the filter is? I find that it doesn't take much of a buildup of material to really slow most filters an awful lot. You might want to try cleaning the filter media very well in some used tank water, the kind you have in your bucket during a water change. I am sometimes surprised to find how little dirt that I need to remove to get a really good response from my filters. Another thing to examine, if the flow doesn't pick up immediately, is the cleanliness of the well that the impeller sits in. A very small amount of dirt or even a film in that area can have dramatic effects on the filter flow.

 

[raptorrex]

I have had a Eheim BioPower 240 for about a month.

In the last week or so the flow rate has dropped really low and about 2 hours after a water change the water is hardly moving again.

Its only a 60 litre tank but I use it as a breeding tank so there is quite alot of bristlenose in it.

could you let me know what media, and in which sections you have it. also how fast the flow is set. these filters are like an external filter, just one you have in the tank. they draw all the water through the bottom. this goes through mechanical media. then to bio media and finally out the spout. my guess would be, the mechanical media is not doing its job. this will make the bio media clog up, very fast. or you could have moved the flow knob. this filter actually slows down the pump, to reduce flow.

pictures of the set up would help. but the lack, would not preclude any more help.

 

[EllieW]

Thanks for your replies. Here is the picture of the set up

I do clean the filter with tank water throughly every time I change the water. Im not sure how to get into the impeller part to clean that out, Maybe that is the problem does anyone know?

Its strange how it works really well for about 2 hours then almost stops completely. Is there better media I can replace the baskets with?

Just to add, I always keep the flow rate to the maximum on the adjuster

 

[raptorrex]

Thanks for your replies. Here is the picture of the set up

I do clean the filter with tank water throughly every time I change the water. Im not sure how to get into the impeller part to clean that out, Maybe that is the problem does anyone know?

Its strange how it works really well for about 2 hours then almost stops completely. Is there better media I can replace the baskets with?

Just to add, I always keep the flow rate to the maximum on the adjuster

(i know the filter what i was after was pictures of YOUR setup)
ok, so you have the media, exactly as in the picture?

 

[EllieW]

Yeah I have exactly that

 

[Essjay]

Im not sure how to get into the impeller part to clean that out

The impeller is in the ball part. Turn it upside down and you'll see a circular flap with holes in. The impeller is under that. Prise off the flap (it can be a bit tight, I have to use a screwdriver). But do it some where you can catch any bits that fall out. There is a spindle inside that the impeller slots onto, and there is a tiny rubber thing on each end of the spindle. Sometimes the top one stays in the flap but sometimes it falls out - don't lose it. Lift the impeller out (screwdiver is usefull again) and wash the impeller itself and the well - if you haven't got a small brush, use a cotton bud, but be make sure the end doesn't come off. Then slip the impeller back onto the spindle, check the rubber bung is still in the flap and refit that. Press hard.

I've had the same filter for six months, it's set up as per the instructions, and I haven't had a problem with the flow. I don't really know what to suggest.

 

[EllieW]

Im not sure how to get into the impeller part to clean that out

The impeller is in the ball part. Turn it upside down and you'll see a circular flap with holes in. The impeller is under that. Prise off the flap (it can be a bit tight, I have to use a screwdriver). But do it some where you can catch any bits that fall out. There is a spindle inside that the impeller slots onto, and there is a tiny rubber thing on each end of the spindle. Sometimes the top one stays in the flap but sometimes it falls out - don't lose it. Lift the impeller out (screwdiver is usefull again) and wash the impeller itself and the well - if you haven't got a small brush, use a cotton bud, but be make sure the end doesn't come off. Then slip the impeller back onto the spindle, check the rubber bung is still in the flap and refit that. Press hard.

I've had the same filter for six months, it's set up as per the instructions, and I haven't had a problem with the flow. I don't really know what to suggest.

Oh thanks for that. I saw where it looks like it should come off but didn't want to force it incase something snapped. I'll get the screwdriver out then

 

[Essjay]

Just push the point under the edge of the flap and gently lever it off. Mine comes off quite easily like this, I just can't manage it with my fingers.

 

[EllieW]

Just push the point under the edge of the flap and gently lever it off. Mine comes off quite easily like this, I just can't manage it with my fingers.

Thanks essjay I'll have a go as soon as I get home

 

[raptorrex]

Yeah I have exactly that

before you go, pulling the thing apart. (though you need to know how its done) what does the top and bottom sponges look like, when you get the reduced flow. are they, dark and dirty. or clean?
the fact it pumps well, after a clean, tends to discount debris in the pump itself. however there may be some floating items/swarf inside the pump unit, being draw in/up as the pump operates, but falling back, as the pump is switched off .
as essjay attests, this is not normal for the filter.

 

[EllieW]

Yeah I have exactly that

before you go, pulling the thing apart. (though you need to know how its done) what does the top and bottom sponges look like, when you get the reduced flow. are they, dark and dirty. or clean?
the fact it pumps well, after a clean, tends to discount debris in the pump itself. however there may be some floating items/swarf inside the pump unit, being draw in/up as the pump operates, but falling back, as the pump is switched off .
as essjay attests, this is not normal for the filter.

They are still clean afterwards, not all clogged up or anything. Yeah you might be right there about something in the pump would make sense

Im actually wondering whether to change to the spray bar rather than the power diffuser, not sure that will help though, worth a go

 

[raptorrex]

They are still clean afterwards, not all clogged up or anything.

Im actually wondering whether to change to the spray bar rather than the power diffuser, not sure that will help though, worth a go

humm, its one i would need to see, lol. if nothing is clogged, and all the compartments are clear of obstruction ???
carefully pull the pump unit apart, and check for any obstructions. failing that, i guess it could be a fault with the motor. unusual, but i would guess they happen.

 

[EllieW]

I finally sorted it last night, I thought id swap the outlets over before I took the impeller out to clean.

When i swapped the power diffuser for the spray bar connection and switched it back on, I had nothing again for about a minute then all of a sudden it made a noise and then i had nice fast flowing water again

And its still working well this morning. No Idea what that was about unless something inside finally budged.

Thanks for your help