Problem with Fluval FX5

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Chris G

Member
Mar 25, 2010
14
0
1
Nr Cardiff
Hey guys,

Im having quite a few issues with my fluval fx5, had it for well over a year now and the problems, just started a few weeks ago.

It started off with extremely slow flow, and now the filter is extremely noisy and still has almost no flow.

I believe it may have started when i lifted the lid to clean the media and the white bit on the filter lid came off the lid and stayed on the pipe. There was also an 'o' ring that appeared which i have never seen before.

The instruction manual with the filter is useless. Im seriously thinking of replacing this filter, but really dont want to shell out for a new one.

I have taken it apart loads of times, cleaned the impeller, and pipes and everything. Ive even replace the impellor now, but its still pants. Anyone got any ideas what could be wrong with it?

Thanks

Chris
 
FF MkII

FF MkII

Retired Staff
Apr 28, 2009
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I dont know anything about these filters as i have never had one but it does sound as though something has come away or it wasnt put back as it should have been thats causing the problems. Does it look as though anthing has broken off? if not then its just a case of putting it all back together hopefully
 
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Chris G

Member
Mar 25, 2010
14
0
1
Nr Cardiff
Well I did think it was the 'o' ring. It came off with the lid, I left it where it was at first, still had problems.

I then tried putting it between the white thing and the lid, but the pipe would not go into the lid then, and therefore wouldnt close.

I have now lost the 'o' ring unfortunately, so am going to try and find one tomorrow. But i just dont know what else to try now.
 
scatz

scatz

Retired Staff
Apr 8, 2009
5,379
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Devon, UK
you say an O ring came off, did you find where from and replace it ok?
it sounds like you are getting air in there somewhere
 
scatz

scatz

Retired Staff
Apr 8, 2009
5,379
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38
48
Devon, UK
you must have posted at the same time as me.
the problem has to be this O ring, but without seeing it, i couldn't say where it is supposed to go
 
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Chris G

Member
Mar 25, 2010
14
0
1
Nr Cardiff
Well when the 'o' ring came off, I couldnt figure out where it had come from, as i had never seen it before. I tried it in a few places and nothing seemed to sort it. Im wondering if maybe the 'o' ring had worn or something as it would not allow the lid to close when positioned where I believe it should have been. The problem is the instructions dont show the inside of the lid, so im not sure exactly whats supposed to go where.

From what I have read, these filters are supposed to be good, but i just havent had much luck with mine in the last few weeks.

Another strange thing is though, the filter has a feature where you can drain the filter by using a seperate pipe and plugging it in, but the flow has gone from being a stream to a trickle with this also.
 
GrubbyGirl

GrubbyGirl

Member
Nov 18, 2009
608
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16
Kent
Have you checked the diagram in the manual because it only lists 2 different types of O ring, so as it's not the big one it must be what's called the Top Cover Click-fit O-ring. Part number A-20212

Having looked at the manual and from what you said, I have a feeling your aquastop valve needs replacing
 
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Chris G

Member
Mar 25, 2010
14
0
1
Nr Cardiff
Yeah, checked the manual, all of the 'o' rings are on the intake and outtake nozzles, this one i found inside the filter, which isnt shown on any of the diagrams.

Where the out tube goes into the lid of the filter, there is a white cap, which has a small airline going into the filter, this came off the lid and thats when i first noticed the 'o' ring.

Its really confused me.

:wb:
 
GrubbyGirl

GrubbyGirl

Member
Nov 18, 2009
608
0
16
Kent
Why not contact Hagen, they should be able to talk you through it? If they are anything like Tetra when I had a problem they sent me the part for free even though it was an old product.
 
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Chris G

Member
Mar 25, 2010
14
0
1
Nr Cardiff
Thanks.

Im gona pop down to my lfs tomorrow, and get new 'o' rings hopefully if they have them, then im going to take the whole thing apart and try again, cleaning all the tubes and everything. If this doesnt work, then i will try getting in touch with Hagen.

Looking at the manual theres not much to do wrong, so i must be missing something.
 
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Chris G

Member
Mar 25, 2010
14
0
1
Nr Cardiff
Well I didnt manage to do it yesterday, couldnt get the parts at my lfs.

Went further afield today, and luckily one shop had an unused fx5 there, they let me buy the 'o' rings from them, i also bought new tubing as i wanted the output nozzle lower in the water.

Came back, took the whole thing apart again. I ran fast water all over the pipes, inside the filter and everything. Changed the piping and also replaced one of the aqua stop valves.

Dont know what did it exactly but the flow is almost good as new, and the lovely humming sound has returned, and the whooshing sound gone.

:woohoo:
 
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