Used HOB filters not working or is it just ME?!

[miserkris]

Hi

I have 2 used filters , wanted to test them and I hung 'em on my empty tank, removed their filter pouches and filled it with water (fully till it overspilled ). Then I put a small bucket of water and immersed suction tube vertically in water in the bucket .

I started the power and this is what happened in each :

Penguin 200 BIO-Wheel Power Filter :
No water was sucked and none came out, there was a loud "rrrrrrr" sound but was interupted by some rattling .

Second nature(Tetra) whisper power filter -model 3B :
Same as above but sound was low "rrrrrrrr".

I think the way I tested was ok right? Or do they need water level upto 3-4" max only , coz I only made sure the end openings got immersed in the bucket of water(maybe it was too high to suck in?)

Or maybe that the magnet that does the suction is loose or something (I cant find that magnetic part , Ididnt wanna open up the power box below!)

As per the man who sold me , he said all is in working order.
What do I do next to test them ?:(
THANKS!!!
Kris

[sdc19982002]

There not made to pull water vertically moe than a couple of inches. If you submerse the pick up tube deeper in a bucket of water you will have much different results.

[dudley moray]

the penguin sounds like the impeller is not fully seated pull out the input tube and set the impeller in gently all the way (wipe it off too they get gummed up sometimes) then replace the tube firmly following the guide channels and it should work fine also as above raise the water level

[miserkris]

Hi
Thanks to you guys , I did remove impeller and cleaned it. Now the Penguin 200 works great , lots of water flow , but doesnt have a smooth sound . Still has some occasional rattling . Should I change the impeller or clean better...I just cleaned with a toothbrush should I use vinegar?

The Second nature(Tetra) whisper power 's impeller was cleaned by brush but , no water flow yet. Sound is low and smooth though...

Pls suggest!
--Kris

[gkb]

Clean as thoroughly as possible. By all means, use vinegar.

Also, be sure to clean the impeller housing. A bottlebrush works well. This may help with the noise, if there is something stuck down in the housing.

[miserkris]

Should I pour diluted vinegar or Vinegar alone....Maybe let stand for 5mins right ?

Also are there different types of vinegar?

[gkb]

You can just use the cheap distilled white vinegar.

You can soak what you want to clean in diluted vinegar (I usually use about 10-20% vinegar) for as long as you want (sometimes, I soak things for hours). Actually you can plug the filter in, and let the vinegar-water run through it. You may not want to put the motor itself in the vinegar-water. That could turn out badly.

[capnfritz]

My guess is that you dont have a full prime in the pumps.
Small amounts of air trapped in the head will make that sound.

[jim t]

it sounds like you need to "prime" the pumps. Fill up the filter with tank water to help it get started

[miserkris]

it sounds like you need to "prime" the pumps. Fill up the filter with tank water to help it get started

Thats what I do fill it with water ,then start(w/o filter pads)...I use a new trash can for water..so it hangs on it and cycles 2 g of water ! But I didnt clean the impeller housing yet,will do tonight!
Thx guys...:)

[spamreefnew]

new impellers are a must!

[miserkris]

Hi
I cleaned the housing too, the penguin works great after running vinegar water for an hour...and is so-o quiet. Will try the same with the Tetra one t'row ...you guys are awesome:)

[dudley moray]

i have had many penguins and they all did that from time to time

[gkb]

Hi
I cleaned the housing too, the penguin works great after running vinegar water for an hour...and is so-o quiet. Will try the same with the Tetra one t'row ...you guys are awesome:)

Excellent. Let us know how the Tetra comes out.

[wooden_reefer]

If you hear constant rrrrr and not sputtering sound it is likely that the intake tube is not seated properly.

[miserkris]

Well the second nature(tetra) didnt suck water at all. I cleaned impeller, housing, all parts with Vingegar water solution. Soaked 'em for 5hrs...No use.

I hear the rrrrrr and splutter, spulletter....rrrrrr . I removed the intake slowly as it was running , impeller still runs in vinegar water...

Now , do I get a new impeller? This seems like an old model right ie:'Second nature(Tetra) whisper power filter -model 3B'.

Where can I get the same impeller cheap? and how much $ approximately?!
Thanks !

[miserkris]

Second nature works great with new impeller $7...WOW!