Very Noisy Filter- Broken Impeller?

[Karl1987]

Ive been running a tetratec ex 1200 on my tank for the last 2 years now but the last few days it has been extremely noisy like a large vibrating sound near the top. I started running co2 into it a few weeks back and it looks like it might have caused a problem. I opened the filter up to check for any problems, cleaned it out but still no difference. So I disconnected it again and took the impeller and noticed a small crack going up the magnetic bit that hold it in place and was wondering if this could be the cause of the problem before I go out and waste my one on a new one.

The actual filter itself is still running great and it dosent seemed to have caused any other problems its just emtremely loud compared to before when it was so quiet.

Its the big round magnetic bit just below the actual impeller on the picture below that has the small crack. I just cant understand how a crack on it could cause such a loud vibrating sound.

http/ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/11zj...QFL._AA160_.jpg

Any help would be great, Thanks

 

[fozziebear]

sounds like the number 1 suspect, the balance of an impellor can be seriously effected if there is something wrong with it, also check the rubber end caps on the impellor check it isnt rubbing anywhere in the housing etc, if it still makes the noise then get a new one lol and dont run co2 into it get a ladder or a diffuser.

 

[Karl1987]

Yeah thanks for the help I'll just order a new one tomorrow then. I already have a glass diffuser (rhinox 2000) but I put it underneath the inlet so that it would dissolve more co2 beecause the bubbles were just going straight to the surface and I cant get it into a position to blow them around the tank using the lily pipe. But ive moved it now so hopefully wont have anymore problems again.

 

[fozziebear]

yeah a new one should clear it up, if you want a more effecient way to diffuse co2 you should consider the needlewheel concept, if you have a protein skimmer laying around, that has a needlehweel powerhead on it, or you can DIY it by putting lots of holes in the blades of the impellor to chop up the co2, its much easier on the filter, but i wouldnt want to do it on an external because of the strain on it, on something like a maxijet internal powerhead it would be fine also i run my diffuser into it to further dissolve it, works a treat.