Fulval 405 rattling like heck ???

[BSW]

I've got a Fluval 405 on a 60 gal. that is less that one year old. It has started rattling, seemingly from the impeller, somewhere. It doesn't have an air lock. I have taken it apart to see if it has sucked up snails, gravel or anything else, cleaned the whole thing, magnetic impeller isn't cracked or anything, etc.. can't stop it from rattling. Anyone else had this problem ? If so, what did you do ?
B

[tpastrana]

Hello,
I have 2 Fluval 404"s & have pretty much rebuilt mine from top to bottom more times than I can remember. Usually the rattling noise is,the round plastic cap that holds the umpeller in. It's either cracked some where, or check the two tabs on each side that it clicks in are not deformed. If its slightly raised on either side it wont hold the umpeller in even and it will rattle like crazy. You will also lose water pressure if it is not seated properely. I always have an extra one on hand for emergencies when doing maintenace on the units. I actullly had to use a self tapping screw to hold one side in because the little plastic tabs that hold it in were wearing out and it wouldnt hold the round plastice piece evenly anymore. Hope this helps!!

teresa

[BSW]

Thanks Teresa !
I'm thinking I'll just replace that whole part for the impeller. But I bet you have hit the nail on the head. Sounds like it could be exactly that !
Thanks for the help -
B

[DiscusOnly]

Be careful with rebuilding those Fluval. I have a Fluval 404 that leaks and I spent so much money on rebuilding parts that it would have been more cost prohibited to buy a new one. It may be the case of that particular fluval being cursed because I have 2 other fluval that works flawlessly.

That pet place has lots of fluval parts if you are going the rebuilding route.

[BOBT00LS]

If you want to get a new one, there is a guy on ebay selling 404's which is pretty much the same as a 405 for $87.00 with free shipping. Best price around for NEW.

Bob

[DiscusOnly]

Thanks Bob!

I think I purchased a 405 from this seller a year ago. My rebuilt of the 404 was beyond $87. It ended up being the canister that was the culprit of the leak (After spending $5,$15,$20..etc) of other parts. Needless to say, I have many parts for the 404 laying around.

[greyhoundfan]

FWIW, I concur with Teresa. I experienced the same problem, and the plastic cap was the source, it wasn't tight enough.

[FishLover888]

My 404 would not start last time I cleaned it up. One of the clips of the impeller cover broke. I had to use something to hold it in place before it will start pumping. I ordered the part and it should be here in few days. I hope it can hold till then.

I agree that 404 is a crap. I spend money on O-ring, new impeller, now impeller cover ... I think if you add in the S&H charge, It must be over $60 by now. A new Ehiem 2217 is no more than few dollars than the 404. Sometimes you can even find a cheap deal on the Ehiem 2217 for less than $130. I paid more than that for my 404.

I should have bought an Ehiem!

[GrillMaster]

Do yourself a favor an get a Rena, or Eheim filter... No probs! :)

tc
Mark

[White Worm]

Rena :)

[FishLover888]

Hmmm, have not heard that much about Rena filters.

How about a RENA XP4? It is rated for tank up to 265 g and should be good for my 125, right? How about the noise level? It is very important to me.

The questions, how does this compare to Fluval FX5 or Ehiem 2250?

Price wise, FX5 and XP4 is about the same, new on eBay for about $180 - $190 including S&H. 2250 is about $300. Since I heard FX5 is kind of noisy, I'm not sure that will be good for me.

[greyhoundfan]

FX5 is also very LARGE. It may not fit through your fish tank stand doors if you only have front access. You might have to knock out a panel to fit it in there.

[FishLover888]

Wow, that's a good one. Did not think about the door size.

I may end up with 2 xp3. I did some research and it turns out that xp4 is not as good as xp3. Using one reviewers words 'like day and night'.

I think the problem is xp4 impeller is too weak to pull the water flow and easy to break down after a while.

I'm going to replace the 404 with one xp3 and wait for the 304 to go bust, then replace it with another xp3. It works out about the same price (about $200 for two).

[FishLover888]

I found a good deal on Rena xp3

Petsmart is selling them for 104.99 (plus tax), free shipping. The cheapest on eBay is about $110. About the same as Ehiem 2117 on eBay.

I think I will order it from Petsmart. I'll go to my local store first to check on the price. If they can not beat the on line price, I'll order on line. Otherwise, I'll buy it from the store.

[tpastrana]

BSW,

Just curious, did you fix your rattling problem???

[BSW]

Unfortunately - NO,
I did replace a few parts around the impeller housing and the ceramic rod, but to no avail !
I believe it must be in the motor somewhere, and I'm just going to replace the WHOLE thing with an Eheim as soon as I can, if the FLuval doesn't cave in first and force me to do it sooner. It is still filtering well and pumping well, just makes way to much noise.
Thanks for asking -
B