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Need help with canister filter! please!

Posted:
Sat Feb 28, 2015 2:47 pm
by TurtlesOwner97
Hi guys, I recently bought a used sunsun canister filter (303A). Filled it up with media and water to get it primed easier but there's this problem, the filter outlet keeps blowing out air along with water, causing inconsistent flow rate and it stops working after a few hours. been trying to figure out what happened but just couldn't find the source of the problem. The screw nuts and connecting parts are all tightened up. could it be trapped air or some air leak?? if so, where's the most common component which has this problem?
Re: Need help with canister filter! please!

Posted:
Sat Feb 28, 2015 3:24 pm
by steve
Check the o-ring (might need lube) and hose seals. Check to see there are no cracks on the inlet pipes. After you prime it, let it sit a few minutes. Then after it is running, unplug and let it sit for a few more minutes. This applies to most canisters, not just the sunsun.
Re: Need help with canister filter! please!

Posted:
Sat Feb 28, 2015 11:21 pm
by TurtlesOwner97
steve wrote:Check the o-ring (might need lube) and hose seals. Check to see there are no cracks on the inlet pipes. After you prime it, let it sit a few minutes. Then after it is running, unplug and let it sit for a few more minutes. This applies to most canisters, not just the sunsun.
There's a small crack at the inlet pipe(made of plastic) which is fully submerged. It's a connecting piece between the J-hook and the inlet strainer. Could that be a problem?
Edit: Btw, I realised this problem can happen without any strainer or connecting parts. I did a test with just the hoses, the same problem occurred again. Bubbles and air kept coming out from outlet.. the inlet hose is much more shorter than the outlet though...
Re: Need help with canister filter! please!

Posted:
Sat Feb 28, 2015 11:48 pm
by TurtlesOwner97
There's no water leaks also.
Re: Need help with canister filter! please!

Posted:
Sun Mar 01, 2015 1:34 am
by steve
If the crack is under water, it's not the problem but you will want to replace it. Did you let unplug it like I described? Is the inlet too close to the outlet?
Re: Need help with canister filter! please!

Posted:
Sun Mar 01, 2015 8:39 am
by TurtlesOwner97
steve wrote:If the crack is under water, it's not the problem but you will want to replace it. Did you let unplug it like I described? Is the inlet too close to the outlet?
So I should replace it? But why? Can I just silicone it? And nope not yet, because I have not assemble back the connecting pieces, will do once I have the time to. The inlet and outlet are placed at each corner of the tank, hence they are quite far apart.
Re: Need help with canister filter! please!

Posted:
Sun Mar 01, 2015 8:53 am
by steve
The crack will worsen, making the fitting loose. If it's loose, the intake cover is not as secure, and could cause a trapping issue. Either replacement parts or PVC, it should be an inexpensive fix.
Re: Need help with canister filter! please!

Posted:
Tue Mar 03, 2015 6:20 am
by TurtlesOwner97
steve wrote:The crack will worsen, making the fitting loose. If it's loose, the intake cover is not as secure, and could cause a trapping issue. Either replacement parts or PVC, it should be an inexpensive fix.
Oh ok got it, thanks! Tried unplugging and letting it work after a few mins, didn't work for me. I tried placing a power head to the inlet to push all the trapped air out. When I plug it on again, it works well without any bubbles or sort but after 15 seconds or so, the problem came back again..
Re: Need help with canister filter! please!

Posted:
Tue Mar 03, 2015 3:57 pm
by steve
Not sure how readily available SunSun parts are, you might want to go with PVC.
Try priming it, leaving it unplugged and rock the filter back and forth a little. Is the filter below the tank?
Re: Need help with canister filter! please!

Posted:
Tue Mar 03, 2015 10:43 pm
by TurtlesOwner97
steve wrote:Not sure how readily available SunSun parts are, you might want to go with PVC.
Try priming it, leaving it unplugged and rock the filter back and forth a little. Is the filter below the tank?
It's next beside with the tank. I had no issues with the other canister running beside it.
This canister is driving me nuts.. could it be impeller problem?
Re: Need help with canister filter! please!

Posted:
Tue Mar 03, 2015 11:48 pm
by steve
Is there too much slack with the hoses? Can you lower it?
Re: Need help with canister filter! please!

Posted:
Wed Mar 04, 2015 12:55 am
by TurtlesOwner97
steve wrote:Is there too much slack with the hoses? Can you lower it?
Nope, I've cut it to the shortest length as much as possible.

Re: Need help with canister filter! please!

Posted:
Wed Mar 04, 2015 12:57 am
by Kansasslider
Its a sun sun. They tend to leak air all over. I no longer recommend them. Sorry for your problems.
Re: Need help with canister filter! please!

Posted:
Wed Mar 04, 2015 7:51 am
by TurtlesOwner97
Kansasslider wrote:Its a sun sun. They tend to leak air all over. I no longer recommend them. Sorry for your problems.
Really...? I bought on impulse because there are good reviews about sunsun canister. Damn, what a waste of money and time man
Re: Need help with canister filter! please!

Posted:
Wed Mar 04, 2015 8:12 am
by Kansasslider
From what I understand the problem is the intake and output. I'm not sure as I have never owned one. I'm sure what ever is causing it can be fixed. Sorry, wish I could help more. You should read this maybe it will help.
http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com ... ilter.html