Equipment Review and Discussion :: Fluval 404 Trouble

[mybrosteve]

Hey all, over the summer I got a 55 gallon tank which came with a Fluval 404 filter from a church auction. I decided to use the 404 on my 75gal tank (home to Big Turtle and Little Turtle) and my 75gal Penguin Biowheel along with 2 Fluval 2+'s on the 55gal tank which now has the 3 babies. Since i started using it I have been having the problem of it overflowing after about a week and a half after a water change and cleaning. When this happens, there will still be water coming out of it but it will leak out from under the lid (where all the motors and stuff is) and go all over the floor (or into a bucket now since i learned my lesson after the first time). I just wanted to ask anyone who has one or knows anything about it if this is a mechanical thing or if i just need to clean the filter more often. Its a great filter when its working, keeps the water crystal clear, but only for about a week; the Biowheel was keeping the water cleaner longer. Are my turtles just that dirty that they can clog it that fast? Any advice would be appreciated. (or any excuse to upgrade to an FX5 )

[N4784N R4613]

Can you tell where the leak is coming from? Is it the aqua stop valves, or the hoses, or where the body attaches to the motor housing? It might just be that the motor seal ring is not seated properly, or that it is just to old. Check the motor seal ring for any damage, or cracks, or if it is dry rotted. It may just be that you need to replace the seal(a $5.00 part.). Rather then buying a $250 filter!! I think an FX5 would be a little much on a 75 gal. tank.

Here is the part...
http://www.hagen.com/usa/aquatic/produc ... 0630020101

And here is where you can buy it...
http://www.aquarium-supply.biz/ProductD ... 63&click=2

[mikee]

My-eve -- One of the O rings are not seated correctly or one has a split in it. Try and narrow it down and replace every O ring in that area. When installing them I put a little Vasiline on the O rings and that makes them go on much easier.

[mybrosteve]

The water comes out form under the lid between the lid and the canister. Ill check the seal, if thats all thats wrong, thatd be great

[steve]

I had so many leaks with the 304... most of the time it could be attributed to the big O-ring. I think a little lube is all that's needed.

[Kingpin Gwin]

My 404 leaks from the handle areas almost every time I change the media. Sometimes it takes 3 or 4 tries of re-assembling the top before the leak stops.
It can be very frustrating