Equipment Review and Discussion :: Fluval 405 Problem

[Footrash]

The intake is very weak . It can't even suck small stuff just right below it . Oh yeah the filter I got is a second hand one from my friend which he had used it for around 7 months . Heres how I place my medias .

1st layer - Filter wool with activated carbon sandwiched between .
2nd layer - Ceramic rings from Eheim .
3rd layer - Carbon in plastic bags with little holes .
4th layer - Ceramic rings

I added a photo for reference as you can see the debris is just below the intake and it cant be sucked in .

[steve]

Is the media new? When was the last time it was cleaned? Does it flow well with the media removed?

[Footrash]

Yeah . Its new , I bought the Eheim Karbon and Mech as I cant find the Fluval filter media . I primed and waited all the air to flow out before I switched on the power . I never tried it without media . I'll try it tmr .

[Footrash]

I tried running the filter without the Karbon today . As I packed my Karbon in plastic bags with little holes I made , I thought that water would not flow through smoothly . Even with the Karbon removed the intake's suction force is very weak . Any solutions ?

[mikee]

Foo-t -- When I change out my Carbon I use the OEM carbon replacement and I take the carbon bags out of the plastic bags and put them in. It takes four bags. If your pump is in good shape that should do it. In any pump, it is: suction, discharge, impeller or power. If suction is getting any air that may be another problem.

[Footrash]

Whats a OEM carbon replacement ?

[mikee]

OEM means the Original Equipment Manufacture. They are from Fluval.

[Footrash]

The Fluval carbon packs are already packed in porus bags right ? Had to use other brands my LFS does not carry any Fluval products .