Equipment Review and Discussion :: fluval internal filter troubles

[Starchick]

I've been using a fluval 3 plus in Napoleon's tank since about mid-february. Last night it just stopped running. The clog indicator was down, so I figured it would be fine once I cleaned everything this morning. Nope. I took it apart as much as I dared and didn't find anything that could be clogging it. It seems it's just dead. Has anyone had this happen? Is it possible to save it? If not, do you suppose either the store or the company would replace it, given that it worked for a total of 4 and a half months? I still have the box, but not the receipt. Otherwise, meh, more money that I don't have going down the tubes.

[xsavingsaturdayx]

Try calling customer service tommorow. I dont know if they operate on weekends. I think they have like a one year warranty..do you still have the box? It probably says it there.

[Starchick]

Okay, weird experience. I coudn't find a customer service number anywhere, the website had a troubleshooting faq but it didn't really help. I finally found pdf files of the manual, which was different from what came with the filter. Turns out the entire motor head comes off, not just the lid of it like I thought. Once I had that off, the little propeller part comes out, and you would not believe the gunk I rinsed out of there. Apparently you're supposed to clean all that out every other month. No wonder it was clogged! Anyway, I'm glad I don't have to buy another one!