Equipment Review and Discussion :: Fluval 404 - Motor running, no flow

[BullDog]

For the last week, I've noticed the water in Ralph's tank was rather cloudy. My first thought was new tank syndrome. I did a 50% water change about a week ago, and thought I may have disturbed the good bacteria. But I tested ammonia, and it was at 0, and nitrate was still at an acceptable level (about 15-20 ppm). I figured it would clear up soon.

This morning, the power was out for about 1 hr. When it came back on, I didn't hear the horrible sucking noise I heard from the Fluval 404 like I did last time. I took that as a good sign.
Apparently it wasn't.

This afternoon, I looked at the tank, and it didn't look like there was much output from the filter. I put my head down by the filter, and I could here it humming away. So I put my hand infront of the output nozzle and there was nothing coming out. So I turned off the filter. The first thing I noticed was that the motor casing was quite warm to the touch.

The next thing I noticed was that when I took the filter apart, it was stinky. Not "dirty filter" stinky, more like "stagnant water" stinky. My filter probably hasn't been working properly all week.
So I cleaned all the media, took out the impeller and gave it a wipe and put it back together.

Filled it back up, and plugged it in, but the same thing. The motor starts up, but there's no flow.

Anyone have any thoughts if this is fixable? Or should I just go order myself an FX5?

[BullDog]

So I found out people with a similar problem emptied the filter, then re-primed it and it started up. I tried that, and sure enough it started.

But now the big puzzler is what would have caused it to stop in the first place?

[mat012]

Or should I just go order myself an FX5?

Should we be happy or sad that you were able to fix the 404?

[BullDog]

Should we be happy or sad that you were able to fix the 404?

xD My sentiments as well - I was already looking up FX5s on ebay Not too many on there at the moment though...

[jenaero]

I had the same problem with mine. Turns out, the water level was lowering for no apparent reason (inside the canister). I popped the hoses out from the top of the canister, poured water in until the level was at the holes, plugged her back in and viola!

[BullDog]

Hm... That's interesting. Thanks Jen!

I've noticed that when I start it up, it leaks slightly from the clips on one side. It only leaks for a minute or two until it stops. I've inspected the seal, clips, and surrounding plastic, and can't see anything. I was going to try getting a new rubber seal, since that's cheap. It may have something to do with that...

[mat012]

it leaks slightly from the clips on one side.

Its leaking - well that settles it! Time for a new filter!

[steve]

You might just need to add a little lube to the O-ring before complete replacement. I've had endless problems with the 304... so I'd check your options while you're at it

[BullDog]

Would I need to lube it if I bought a brand new seal?
I tried lubing the old ring last time, but it didn't seem to help (had to use vaseline b/c I had no proper lube)

[steve]

I suppose a little vaseline wouldn't hurt. If it is still leaking , then it's not closing properly. That was one of the problems I had and the case eventually broke because of it.

[BullDog]

Hmm... That's a bugger... Well, I'm keeping my eye out for an FX5 now anyhow... Maybe I'll put it on my bday wishlist

[grey goose]

The 404s and 304's etc can be tough to master and get to work right.
Here's a few things I learned over the years:

If the canister water level is dropping, it means it's sucking air from somewhere on the intake side. First make sure the hose is seated in the rubber seals at both ends and that the plastic nut is tight. But the most likely cause is the rubber connector on the plastic tube....to ensure that this does not suck air, keep this connection below the waterline.

When I clean them out, I fill them with water BEFORE I hook them back up to the hoses. The 404 takes about a gallon and a half. I then rock them back and forth a few times to work all the air bubbles out, and add more water, then hook them up. This makes priming so much easier.

There is a large O-ring that goes around the motor housing. Carefully remove it (don't stretch it) and give it a light coating of silicone lube. Vaseline will work just as well. When removing this ring, don't pull on it, you'll stretch it out, just sort of roll it off the housing with the tips of your fingers and put it on the same way. There are also smaller O-rings on the valves, lightly spread some lube there too, no need to take them off.

[BullDog]

Thanks for the tips Goose!
I've only just started filling up the canister before I start it with the last couple cleanings.

I bought a new o-ring today. I haven't put it on yet, because I just gave the filter a clean, but I'll probably do it before the end of the week.

I didn't even think to check the seals on the valves! That makes a lot of sense as well!

Thanks much!

[gt5268]

Hi.My experiences with fluval have been horrible!! Please stay away from these filters!!! Don't buy them!!! They work really well for a short while but they break very easy!!! The first thing these filters do is leak and then they will fall apart on you piece by piece until they stop working for good!! Stay away from fluval!!!

[Daniel3507]

really? alot of people here have them and havent had problems with them