Fluval 405 issues and laments... Advice needed!

[Mgardner]

Ok. I currently have two canister filters running on my tank. Both are quickly earning one way trips to my garbage can, but I'm trying to make them work.
I have a fluval 405 that I can't get open. The flow is suddenly diminished and I can't get it open to check it out. If I release the vacuum to the lines, I can get it open, but I have to work like a demon to get it primed and started if I do that.

So I'm letting it run for now. I just emptied and cleaned it 2 weeks or so ago. Plus I threw on a pre-sponge so it should be good for a while.

Suggestions on the fluval? I like the work it does but cleaning the thing is a nightmare.

I don't really have the space for a sump without changing out my stand. The aquarium sits in a hallway so I'm hesitant to use HOB.
At suggestions on a new filtration that's not such a pain? (Literally I was following the directions to open it, broke a hinge, and sliced my finger open).

Thanks in advance,
Meg

[flexo248]

i have a 405 and is not bad to clean....if you are having a hard time pulling it apart that means the gasket is getting old ... you can get a new one replace that should make it better
for the priming you just prefill the caniter with water up to the top so you dont have to prime like a demon.....
hope this help

[Poco]

Sponge filters will do the job too.

With regards to Fluval 405 you need to clean the tubing as they might have built up. it is not too difficult to prime I have one running on a non-discus tank. Once Im done cleaning it I fill it up with tank water and close it. Now I push the outlet under the water level and pump the prime lever/shaft on the canister filter few times to get the air out, you can see it coming out of the outlet. When you dont see much air bubbles coming out just plug it in and off it goes.

HTH

[Mgardner]

Thanks. Filter is like a year old, can it go bad that quickly?
I can prefill, that's no problem. Will probably help my sanity!

[flexo248]

by the way did you clean the magnet may be you have too much build up ...... just a rare chance....

[Mgardner]

I've cleaned the impeller within the last two months but when I reattempt operation "open the fluval" I'll check that out.

I was using a hammer claw and couldn't wedge it open with the vacuum on. I'll try opening without that. I had to prefill last time to get it started, so I will just make that my new way.

Thanks again!

[MSD]

Get the 406, primes so easy, great folw and easy to service.

[discussmith]

I'm sorry but you can't be taking it apart properly if you are using a hammer. If you close the valves and unlock the valve body to remove the valve body with the hoses attached there cannot be a vacuum on the pump motor head as the openings left go right into the canister housing. Once you release the motor clamps it can be difficult to pull the motor head off if the gasket has not been lubricated with a food grade silicone grease. Not using this will shorten the life of the gasket also causing it to possibly tear. If you can get it off you should be sure to lubricate it before putting it into use again, and should eliminate future problems.

[jsalas623]

I'm sorry but you can't be taking it apart properly if you are using a hammer. If you close the valves and unlock the valve body to remove the valve body with the hoses attached there cannot be a vacuum on the pump motor head as the openings left go right into the canister housing. Once you release the motor clamps it can be difficult to pull the motor head off if the gasket has not been lubricated with a food grade silicone grease. Not using this will shorten the life of the gasket also causing it to possibly tear. If you can get it off you should be sure to lubricate it before putting it into use again, and should eliminate future problems.


+1 on greasing the gasket seems to seal it right up! And makes it easier to open and close.

[papyol]

I personally don't like the 405 or 406. I have a Fluval FX5 with bio balls on my 125 and I haven't done a thing to it, very easy to maintain.

Esteban

[Mgardner]

I'll probably be buying something new soon. My 2ndary filter running is an eheim Ecco pro and its only going to last another cleaning or two. I like the idea of the FX5 though. I've had my eye on it for awhile.

I will try to find the food grade silicone grease. If I don't follow the directions I can open it. It doesn't seal well, as in it takes some serious force to close, so I'm thinking that will also cure that.

[SMB2]

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?68458-REVIEW-Fluval-FX5-vs-Eheim-Pro3-compared

Just food for thought.

[Etek]

I have no problems pulling the 405 apart..just takes a lil muscle. I use the clamps as grips to pull the filter open. After cleaning I fill the canister slightly below where the top of one of the lil buckets sits and I close the filter. Then stick the hoses back on without turning the valve back open. I fill the tank back up and then open the valves..let it sit for a few minutes plug the power on..turns on right away.

[rmg12]

To open the canister push down on the clamps after you pop them open.

[Mgardner]

I put some silicone on the gasket which has made it much easier.

I do realize to use the handles, but with the vacuum on the lines, it wouldn't open. The one handle actually broke attempting to open it the way the instructions say to do it.

It's working better but I'm cleaning it every other week bc the polishing pads clog up so fast.

I'm not sure if the FX5 is for me... I've read pretty mixed reviews. I also don't want that much flow in my tank.
We'll see, thanks for the advice!

[discussmith]

Close the hose valve and remove the valve block before you attempt to remove the motor housing.

[troysdiiscus]

I have on on my cichlid tank and works great. Definately grease the seal. One thing I would check, you said it doesnt have much flow, is that after you put the prefilter on it? Thinking the pre filter may not be coarse enough to let a good flow of water through it. Pull the prefilter off and see if it increases your flow...