Equipment Review and Discussion :: Question re: Fluval 404

[jenaero]

I've had this filter for over a year with no problems. Regular cleaning, changing of media, etc. Last week the output started to get weaker until it finally quit (took about 2 days). I took it apart, fiddled with all the junk in the top and put it back together. Worked fine for a few days then it started to die again. Turns out all I have to do now is pull the tubes out of the top and top up the water. I've never had to do that before and the water level in the canister has always stayed the same until now. Just wondered if anyone had an idea why this is happening?

[steve]

Sounds like its a loose connection somewhere. Air could be seeping in and I'm surprised you haven't had any leaking yet.

[jenaero]

That's just it. I'm always checking for leaks now and there's been nothing. I just hope this doesn't mean my filter's on it's last legs...those things are expensive.

[DavidY]

If there's a leak somewhere along the intake hose or inlet, you won't see a leak because it's probably sucking air in, not pushing water out. Check the intake hose and the fitting where the hose attaches to the canister. I wouldn't be surprised if that part cracked since those filters are so difficult to attach the hoses to.

[jenaero]

Will do.. Thanks.

[steve]

Good point. I've only had leaks from the motor housing. It was a constant problem when I had the 304.

[grey goose]

Disconnect the hoses from the Aqua stop and flush them out with clean water. Maybe get one of those brushes and push it thru. Then disconnect the Aqua stop and look thru to see if there are any obstructions. Open and close the valve a few times (it should open and close smoothly) if it hangs up, spray a small amount of silicone lube on the inside, there are little O-rings in there. Inside, next to the impeller, is a small "self cleaning well" (it's not). Take an old toothbrush and clean it out under water. Lastly, carefully lift out the impeller, leaving the shaft in place, and rinse it out with water. Check to see if the black part has any marks on it. If it does replace both impeller and shaft.

[jenaero]

I dis-assembled everything the first time it quit on me. Gave everything a full cleaning. I now have to add water every other day. I checked for leaks last night and nothing....

[grey goose]

It sounds like a bad impeller then. I had to replace one on one of my 204's. It had the same symptions as yours, just started slowing down. On the 204 the shaft is sorta part of the impeller. On the 404/405 it is a separate part. When you replace the shaft/impeller, make sure the shaft is seated in the little rubber thing at the bottom.