AC 30 broken
- Thread starter TheFighterFish
- Start date
I've had several instances in which I've returned home to HOB filters which failed to re-prime themselves following a prolonged power outage. I think the motor overheats and shuts itself off (the housing is typically fairly hot to the touch when this happens). I'd just let it cool for a bit, plug it back in (after filling with water, of course), and then it worked like a charm. On occasion I'll get HOB filter stoppages on account of debris, in which case I simply remove the impeller and clear out the gunk. I've never not had an HOB restart after a stoppage of some sort, so I'd be surprised if yours is completely dead. Don't know what else to tell you. 
BV
BV
Thanks guys. I will try to replug the AC filter after a few more hours. And if not, then I'll pick up a replacement pump @ petsmart most likely. Uh, I can't believe I forgot about just replacing the pump. Haha.
On another note, during my PWC today, I inspected the 5 gallon sponge filter. Some parts are loose. I can't describe it to you, but let's just say, it's gotten old and I may need to replace it. It's JEBO tank, which makes it hard to replace. The filter works currently, but it's quite noisy. If I'm right, it'll get quieter in a few hours.
As of right now, I halted all feedings and dosings and left the tank with lights on (10 gallon).
On another note, during my PWC today, I inspected the 5 gallon sponge filter. Some parts are loose. I can't describe it to you, but let's just say, it's gotten old and I may need to replace it. It's JEBO tank, which makes it hard to replace. The filter works currently, but it's quite noisy. If I'm right, it'll get quieter in a few hours.
As of right now, I halted all feedings and dosings and left the tank with lights on (10 gallon).
The 5 gallon filter has quieted down so I'm relieved.
As for the AC30, its gone. I'm pretty sure. The motor/air pump refuses to start. Upon touching it, it's hot. And I've tried removing and plugging it in multiple times. But it's a no go.
In the mean time, I've filled up the filter with water, hoping that any of the beneficial bacteria will remain there. The tank is pretty planted so I'm not so worried about the health of my fish. I think I'll head over to Petsmart tomorrow and pick up a pump.
I don't really want to pay 10 dollars shipping for an 11 dollar pump. Hopefully, I won't have to resort to that.
As for the AC30, its gone. I'm pretty sure. The motor/air pump refuses to start. Upon touching it, it's hot. And I've tried removing and plugging it in multiple times. But it's a no go.
In the mean time, I've filled up the filter with water, hoping that any of the beneficial bacteria will remain there. The tank is pretty planted so I'm not so worried about the health of my fish. I think I'll head over to Petsmart tomorrow and pick up a pump.
I don't really want to pay 10 dollars shipping for an 11 dollar pump. Hopefully, I won't have to resort to that.
Well,
I don't know what to say. I guess I'm kinda lacking up there, if you know what I mean. I took out the motor unit, spun the blades a little and then put it back. And what do you know? It works. I'm going to try this with my AC20 that supposedly broke down as well. I'm thinking this could be a safety mechanism.
As for the 5 gallon, I think I'll be replacing the JEBO sponge filter with something new. I looked on Dr.FosterSmith and I found two potential replacements.
1. Marineland/Aquarium Systems Duetto Mini for $16.99
2. Fluval 1 for $22.99
Both are internal filters because my setup requires it to be so. Anybody have any comments or experience with these filters?
I don't know what to say. I guess I'm kinda lacking up there, if you know what I mean. I took out the motor unit, spun the blades a little and then put it back. And what do you know? It works. I'm going to try this with my AC20 that supposedly broke down as well. I'm thinking this could be a safety mechanism.
As for the 5 gallon, I think I'll be replacing the JEBO sponge filter with something new. I looked on Dr.FosterSmith and I found two potential replacements.
1. Marineland/Aquarium Systems Duetto Mini for $16.99
2. Fluval 1 for $22.99
Both are internal filters because my setup requires it to be so. Anybody have any comments or experience with these filters?
Glad you got your filter back running. For your 5 gallon, I can't really help you choose a filter as I have never owned either of them, but I do have a Fluval canister and it works great, not sure if its the same with the internal filter. I sometimes feel lucky that I never purchased a hob filter, only canisters.
Haha. Cool. I picked up the FLUVAL 1 plus today at Petsmart. It was even cheaper than Dr.FosterSmith.
I got it for 20 bucks plus tax. And I just set it up. It works great, with only a little hum as it's working. Good current (it's rated @ 150 GPH). And it will work in case I ever want to turn the 5 G into a FOWLR. Good stuff.
Also, now that the clunky sponge filter is out of the way, the tank is almost flush. Meaning that if I wanted to plant the tank with background plants, it would work.
My day is complete.
I got it for 20 bucks plus tax. And I just set it up. It works great, with only a little hum as it's working. Good current (it's rated @ 150 GPH). And it will work in case I ever want to turn the 5 G into a FOWLR. Good stuff.
Also, now that the clunky sponge filter is out of the way, the tank is almost flush. Meaning that if I wanted to plant the tank with background plants, it would work.
My day is complete.
Little late here, but my AC500's are like this:
IMO, if this is a problem in many filters, that would be what I would classify as junk. From my own experience with them, I'll never buy another one. The problem also gets progressively worse. I think what's happening is that dirt/sand gets in between the impeller and motor shaft and eats small grooves in the motor shaft, grinding away the tolerance for proper operation. After a while the dang things get noisy and you'll need to replace the motor and eventually the impeller. Junk I tell you....
IMO, if this is a problem in many filters, that would be what I would classify as junk. From my own experience with them, I'll never buy another one. The problem also gets progressively worse. I think what's happening is that dirt/sand gets in between the impeller and motor shaft and eats small grooves in the motor shaft, grinding away the tolerance for proper operation. After a while the dang things get noisy and you'll need to replace the motor and eventually the impeller. Junk I tell you....