Filter not working

[Thyra]

Filter is not pulling any water through. I took it apart and all looks normal and clean. Impeller is working fine, but it isn't drawing any water - almost like it lost its prime, but I have never had to prime these filters (Aqueon) I have tried priming it and the tank is full, but still no luck. I cleaned the impeller and the cylinder it fits into thinking maybe it was just slipping - magnetized cylinder seems plenty strong. The whole thing looks so simple, I just can't see what could be wrong. Its like a propeller that is just drawing air. Ideas please??

 

[skjl47]

Hello; Sounds like you have covered things well. When you turn it back on, can you hear the impeller moving? I have had things get into the bottom of a filter where the magnet of the impeller goes and had to completely remove the unit and take it outside to dislodge the object.
I have had the impellers sort of "vapor lock" where I can hear them churning but do not draw water. I suspect that an air bubble forms around the impeller blades. (sort of like when a blender loses it's vortex) I usually can cure this by un plugging the unit for a bit and then plugging it back up. Let us know what the problem turns out to be.

 

[Thyra]

Thanks skj. Aqueon just called me back. They had me hold the magnetic portion and then check to see if the blade turned freely -it did so the shaft is broke. They said they would get a new impeller in the mail immediately. I have talked to Aqueon before and their consumer service has been excellent. (Probably the reason the the blade turned when I plugged it in was because it was running freely in the air and didn't have to push any water, but as soon as submersed it was stationary)

 

[skjl47]

Hello; I can picture the problem. Good to know, haven't had that particular problem yet.

 

[Kallen]

They had me hold the magnetic portion and then check to see if the blade turned freely -it did so the shaft is broke.

I was gonna reply with this possibility. My pond pump did this. I ended up just glueing the whole assembly together. I didn't see any particular reason I couldn't, and it has worked great since. That awesome about their customer support...