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Filstar Problem

PostPosted: Tue Jul 04, 2017 2:36 pm
by adam85491
Hi all!

It's been years since I posted....all was well until recently, and I'm hoping you can help.

I have a Rena Filstar XP3, which is probably in the real of 6-7 years old, maybe more. I see that the product now seems to be called 'API Filstar L'

When I bought this, it was probably one of the best offerings on the market and many people here had one. I've replaced the hoses and intake/output on it once and obviously the media countless times.

The issue I'm having lately is a weird 'crunch/grind' noise that happens periodically. I came home from a trip to a power outage and this is when the issue first started. I noticed the automatic feeder must have dispensed too much food judging by how much was stuck to the side of the filter intake. I replaced the media and stupidly lost the impeller rod down the sink. I ordered a new impeller altogether and noticed a rubber stop on the new one which I don't remember having on the old one. I couldn't get it to fit so I took it off (I still have it) and put the new rod in the old impeller. I cleaned everything out and still, the problem persists. It happens a few times an hour and lasts between 2-5 seconds or so.

I tried using the new impeller, but as of right now it was working great and after 5 minutes the unit turned off. Not sure why. I'm going to empty it out and re-prime. I don't know if the new impeller solves the issue or not since it hasn't run long enough for me to know. I was thinking my bubble wand might be causing air to get into the filter, so I turned it off but no difference. Is this thing spent? I'll try to get a video of the noise when I can.

If it is spent, I'll be looking for recommendations on a new unit. It's a 46 gallon bow-front tank with a 6" male RES and above-tank basking area. The 175-gallon rated XP3 seemed to hold up well.

Thanks

Adam

Re: Filstar Problem

PostPosted: Tue Jul 04, 2017 4:32 pm
by adam85491
Update: So, it cuts out after a few minutes with the old and new impeller.

It seems like the black piece that you push down to fill the canister is leaky. When in the 'up' position water continues to drip out. What would cause this? Could this be an issue?

Re: Filstar Problem

PostPosted: Tue Jul 04, 2017 4:43 pm
by litefoot
I came across this with another filter (pondmaster) in the early days. The inner magnet was starting to demagnetize . When they work its great but any abnormal operating conditions well its over. Power outage could have over heated it , not restarting correctly. Another words operating at a different speed . You may just get the part but may be better off with a new filter. The new impeller chances are was from API , may of been little different on the specification's than original Rena impeller ? You could go with new motor and impeller from same place ( to be matched ) , I would just go with a new filter. Your call ! I like Fluval and Ehiem myself.

This is an old chart , may help : http://www.redearslider.com/filter_chart.html

Just saw your up date one minute after my post . Being impeller / motor on top and if it get's an airlock that to could cause it to over heat also which can still demagnetize the motor. Causing them to run at two different speeds (the noise) until it just stops.

Re: Filstar Problem

PostPosted: Sat Jul 08, 2017 2:34 pm
by steve
Hey Adam, the black piece you're referring to is the lever? I think there are 2 little o-rings attached to that but it sounds like the filter is not priming. I sometimes have to add water or shut it off and rock it back and forth a bit.

I would probably get a new filter, the FX6 is really popular for turtles. Filstar has shipped operations to China and quality seems to have dropped.

Re: Filstar Problem

PostPosted: Sat Jul 08, 2017 4:15 pm
by adam85491
Steve,

The black piece is the lever. Basically when up, water would keep dripping. Not sure if the gaskets were going or what. The motor just kept shutting off after 5 minutes, no matter what I did.

I see a lot more options on the market. Seems like a lot of chinese brands on Amazon. What about Eheim vs. Fluval? FX6 looks good but 400 gallons for a 50 gallon tank might be overkill. I paid around $150 for the XP3, I was thinking around $200 for a replacement.

Re: Filstar Problem

PostPosted: Sat Jul 08, 2017 4:55 pm
by steve
If the motor is stopping, then I think that's the primary problem. I don't there are any safety measures to turn it off. Eheims are good, pricey but reputable.