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Problems with filter

Discussion in 'Aquarium Equipment & Decor' started by smcpherson25, Feb 1, 2010.

  1. smcpherson25

    smcpherson25 Thread Starter New Member

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    i recently bought a used 125 gallon 6ft long aquarium, it has two corner overflows, one at each end. it came with magnum 350 canister filter. i personally have never used one of these before, overflows or canister filters that is. i hooked it all up following the directions, but it just dont seem like its working right. i filled the canister up to the line like it said then turned it on for 10seconds and then turned off and let it fill up with water to force out any trapped air (no water leaks so i assume its sealed properly), while it is turned off the overflow that is hooked up to the "in" side of the filter fills up with water and i can see the air bubbles come out. i wait til that stops to be sure all the air is out, then turn it back on. when i turn it on i can see a strong current come out of the nozzle thing on the "out" overflow which is supposed to be blowing the water out and if i put my hand in front of it i can feel a strong current, but about 10 seconds after i turn it on the "in" side, wich was filled when turned off drains (side hooked up to out always stays filled) and the current signifficantly decreases. if i put my hand in front of the nozzle i can barley feel anything at all. i have cleaned everything, taken apart the filter and put back together, made sure no leaks anywhere and i just cant believe that this is how its supposed to work? i cant imagine the little flow of water coming out can even come close to filtering my tank. the box the filter came in that the guy gave me looks like its a few years old (box just looks out dated, not like a new one at the store) could it be i just need a new one? its just weird cuz like i said when i turn it off and all the air bubbles come out then turn it back on it seems like it works perfect, nice strong current but then not even 20seconds later its gone to nothing. both overflows look identical, does it matter what one is hooked up to the "in" and "out"? should i get a new filter? what are some things i should check? also is a magnum 350 even strong enough for a 125gallon cichlid tank?
    any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated and thanks in advance
     
    smcpherson25, Feb 1, 2010
    #1
  2. James0816

    James0816 New Member

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    Might not be much help to ya as I haven't dealt with magnum canister's before. On my canister (PennPlax) I have valves on both the intake and output lines. If the Magnum is the same way, check that the intake valve is functioning properly..is it open all the way.

    By the sounds of it, it is not pulling enough water from the intake side. Is the filter media new? Something blocking the flow?

    Sry..best I can come up with at this time.
     
    James0816, Feb 2, 2010
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  3. HBIC

    HBIC Need help??? That's what we're here for :)

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    Try taking the outflow out of the water leaving only the intake submerged, go through the whole process again and see what happens. Sounds to me like the initial burst you are getting is coming from the water that you have placed in the canister and not water that is being drawn in. The tubes have to both be filled with water and the canister before it will work properly.
     
    HBIC, Feb 2, 2010
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  4. cooltow1

    cooltow1 Member

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    Something wrong, I used these filters in the past. They're not great but are a OK filters and should have a strong outflow from the filter.
    These filter clog easily and will act this way when clogged
    So my guess would be some kind of obstruction in the intake side of the filter
    Do you have the paper filter or the media basket with the poly sock installed in the filter?
    These canisters also work differently than most. they suck water though the media rather that pushing it though as is the case in most canisters
    I have seen this filter collapse the basket when they clog.

    Rick
     
    cooltow1, Feb 3, 2010
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  5. buzz4520

    buzz4520 Well-Known Member

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    i have one of these filters running on my 125g, fill it up all the way before you put the top on that way there isn't that much air in the filter to get purged out.
     
    buzz4520, Feb 3, 2010
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  6. smcpherson25

    smcpherson25 Thread Starter New Member

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    thanks for the help everyone, but i just decided to go buy a new one, i thnk the one the guy gave me was pretty old (the box that the filter came in looked like it was from 1980) so i went and i picked up a Rena Filstar XP3, seems like its working very good, its bigger and wayyyyy easier to work with than that magnum, it also has a rubber base so it is acutally compleatly silent! there is 3 nice big containers inside for holding the media, just overall seems so much better than that magnum and its rated for 175 gallons where the other was only for 100. i also got a penguin1140 power head to go with
     
    smcpherson25, Feb 3, 2010
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  7. MOD_Dawn

    MOD_Dawn Active Member

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    Ya, the rena filstars are really nice and give you tons of options as far as media goes. I have 2 on my 90g and maint. them every month and my favorite part about them is the quick release.
     
    MOD_Dawn, Feb 4, 2010
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