Leakin Fluval filter

[relli]

On Thursday I was pleasanly surprised when I came home to find that my 50 gallon reef tank had somehow lost 15 gallons of water. Which unfortunately was soaked up by the carpet. Any how after cleaning up the mess and relocating the aquaium we have discoved that it was our filter that was responsible for this mess. It is a Fluval 304 cannister filter, that we have never had problems with before. It seems to be leaking from the handles on the sides. We investigated the seal and it seems fine, but water continues to flow (leak) out from the handles. Has anyone had this problem before with this fliter? Any suggestions would greatly appreciated as to how to fix this problem. Or if it can't be solved, next best filter suggestions would be great. Thanks....Relli

 

[jkvjl]

I have a Fluval 304 also what I do as a safty deal is stick it into a 30 gallon tank just in case of a leak.

 

[donmgicwon]

Originally posted by jkvjl
I have a Fluval 304 also what I do as a safty deal is stick it into a 30 gallon tank just in case of a leak.

Wouldn't that look lovely in the middle of the living room. On the bright side it would be a great place to throw all your empty beer cans.

 

[jkvjl]

Or you could stick it under your stand like normal people do.

 

[zibnata]

It happened with my 304.I had it for over a year. Luckily I was by the tank when the water started leaking. The cannister broke by the handles and I could have lost all the water since the intake was at the bottom of the tank. I then got another cannister at LFS for $25. About 1 hour after I set it up,I left the room and came back to find that this one craked by the handles also.Lucky I was home again.I then e-mailed the company and told them what happened and they sent me out a new cannister and a gasket for free. However I an afraid to use it.I since put a power filter and might use the cannister again.

 

[craprap]

This has also happened with my Fluval 404 after about 1-1/2 years of use. I purchase a new one because I could not get it to stop leaking. I has been about 9 months with the new one - no leaks yet - knock on wood:hilarious

 

[donmgicwon]

Do you guys carry your filters by the handles/latches? They are not really handles and shouldn't be used for handles.

 

[col]

Relli
On the main cannister where the motor unit sits there is 2 "wells" eithe side of the hinges. They are connected to the groove where the motor unit and seal sits.
If these have water in them then the water trickles out from where the handles are on mine. Not 15 Gallon though!!
I make sure these small "wells" (cant think of a better word) are empty by dipping absorbent kitchen roll in to soak the water up.