Habitat - Indoor :: Fluval 306 problems

Turtle tank setups and other indoor configurations.

Post Posted: Wed Aug 23, 2017 8:44 am   Fluval 306 problems

So, I bought a Fluval 306 second hand (had been used with just fish for about a year previously). I've had it for maybe 5 months or so? It has been fine, but lately it leaks intermittently (with a slow drip down one of the sides by the handle).

I've read about various reasons for leaking, investigated and lubricated the o-ring (which looks to be in perfect shape), and called / emailed the company for advice.

But then I realized that it has also been making a little rattling noise lately. The impeller and well are clean and free of debris. BUT the impeller cover seems to not want to snap in as tight anymore. In fact, now, when I open up the filter after a few days, the impeller cover is sitting there on top of the media boxes (no longer in it's proper place).

The impeller cover looks fine. What doesn't look fine is the white casing of the motor head. It looks a little warped, which is preventing a good seal around the impeller cover.

A new motor head is cost prohibitive and will cost more than I paid for the filter. I feel like it should be under warranty (3 year warranty), but I don't think the company would easily agree with me.

I was thinking, maybe I could try adding some silicone glue around the impeller cover? It is risky though, if it makes things worse. Right now, the filter is still working as it should for the most part.

I've created a "Turtle Stuff" album on Flickr, since Photobucket is no longer any help... I don't think I can get it to imbed though.

https://flic.kr/s/aHsm2CWf3P
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Kingbird44
 
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Post Posted: Wed Aug 23, 2017 9:03 am   Re: Fluval 306 problems

Sorry to hear. They really get you on replacement parts ! Second hand will never honor or transfer warranty to you. Being used you have no idea when it actually started wearing housing down. You are seeing the end result.

It's a poor design and I do not like anything with impeller on top . Any leakage air gets in causing a rattle and wears housing down as you are seeing. Sometimes even cracking the impeller.

You may try to make a gasket yourself but will need to be very thin to fit ? Truly sounds like it's over for that pump.

If you look at the parts ad they recommend that you "annually replace to prevent failure" so they know it's a poor design !

Look here: http://www.partsandmedia.com/fl306andfl40.html
litefoot
 
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Post Posted: Wed Aug 23, 2017 11:00 am   Re: Fluval 306 problems

Couldn't hurt to ask them anyway and this does look like a defect. Connecting to companies via Twitter or FB seems to work better if you want to try it. Is that white casing made to be removable?

I had a 304 way back and the case was terrible... had to buy a 305 case to transfer other parts to it. Looks like the 306 is completely different in design.
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steve
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Post Posted: Wed Aug 23, 2017 12:29 pm   Re: Fluval 306 problems

I did inquire via email. They said it was not under warranty if second-hand. But I said, "your warranty says nothing about it being non-transferable. It just says I need proof of purchase". They didn't really have a response. Honestly, I think its a silly rule- it's just a way for companies to get out of honoring warrenties. If I can get in touch with the guy I bought it from I might try again via phone. I never gave them my serial number...I didn't HAVE to tell them it was second hand (But I did after reading their warranty!)

It is good to have your agreement that this is likely a defect.

Good companies should stand by their products. I have a pair of binoculars that I bought second hand and the company happily honors their lifetime warranty.

What do you suggest instead for filtration, litefoot?
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Post Posted: Wed Aug 23, 2017 1:56 pm   Re: Fluval 306 problems

Most companies would rather replace a few small parts at no cost to you, rather than potentially lose a customer for life. Along with the collateral damage you could cause by telling others your issues and turning them away from a company and its products. It may require a sob story on your part, but I'm sure you could get the parts you need, at little or no cost. It's not like you caused the issues yourself. Poor or cheap design most likely.
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Post Posted: Wed Aug 23, 2017 2:30 pm   Re: Fluval 306 problems

What about asking person you got it from if they still have the receipt ? Even if yes you may find it's still out of warranty ! You were told only a year old for fish but that may not be true and on your end another 5 months. Never seen one myself wear out that fast , other person not knowing may of ran it without a good prime and or let air get in it to destroy it so soon. Buying use is the chance one takes.

All filters under $200 have there problems some casings , motors , impellers , lines and so on. Even the FX6 has a poor connection on the drain. So I baby it !
I know a few people with the Fluval 306 and have no problems , getting a good prime is the trick. There's always something to baby or take extra care with any filter.
My FX6 is the first filter I had to buy in about 30 years. I always made my own , DIY ! In the very beginning it was PondMaster's and I still have four of them and works. But I did modify them for turtle use.

This is me and me only I never buy used anything electrical.

As suggestions // the 306 is not bad but sure you have a bad taste in your mouth now . If you got a new one your would have spare parts already !
PennPlax , Eheim also has some good ones. Again this is me talking and anything under $200 is truly on the cheap side. Unless you don't have two hundred.
I myself have a monthly savings just for Piggley have done that for some 40 years so I would not have any surprises when it came to needing something. Just an extra regular savings for you know for deductibles , maintenance , emergencies and so on. Once I get my set number in it I don't touch it unless for my FX.

You can read 10 reviews 5 its good 5 its bad on any filter... but watch how people word reviews that tells more. Wish I could help , it's a personal call for you and your budget.

"Thank you" for being honest with Fluval saying used. If it was your company you have to draw a line somewhere with used and no receipt.
I / myself rather sleep well being honest than making up a story , lying.
Making up a sob story ... could work but Not me ... truly believe what goes around will come back around !
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Post Posted: Wed Aug 23, 2017 3:28 pm   Re: Fluval 306 problems

Well, I tried calling and got a human on the phone, and she was pretty helpful. She is going to send me a new impeller cover to see if that helps. If not, she said I need the receipt to send it in, but it should be covered. I didn't mention anything about it being second hand.

I generally try to be pretty honest with businesses, litefoot. But it doesn't seem right that buying it second hand should make a difference to them. A 3 year warranty is good for 3 years! They don't know how well any person will treat the product- whether one person owns it or 7.

I did email the person I bought it from, so we will see if they have the receipt. And by the way, even if I was the first owner and lost the reciept, they would apparently not honor the warranty. Some companies just use serial numbers to follow the product, which I think makes a lot more sense.
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Post Posted: Wed Aug 23, 2017 3:41 pm   Re: Fluval 306 problems

Unfortunately with larger companies, they often only see $$$, and don't always stand behind their products. My time working for companies like this is what led me to leave them.. We're talking about parts worth a few $, and in the grand scale of things, they should have no problem replacing the parts. "Customer Satisfaction" is geared towards generating more sales; that goal does not necessarily emphasize "standing behind your products". I've dealt with several of the larger companies, including phone, cable, internet, cars, etc.. start at the lower level representatives who are doing their job, and they will of course deny you service if you do not have a receipt, or if the issue is something that they do not cover. They're just doing their job. But if you move on to the higher level representatives, they would rather retain customers, even if the customer is not always "right". That was my position in previous companies I worked for.

I of course respect your decision to keep your integrity, but just wanted to chime in my experience with it.. it's not lying, just showing facts to them that, as Kingbird mentioned, shouldn't "change" based on other factors. A 3 year warranty is a 3 year warranty. If it doesn't mention that the warranty is nullified with transfer of ownership, then it's fair game. Plus, the parts to them cost, what, a few dollars at most? It makes more sense for them to keep a happy customer, who will say good things about them, even if it was as simple as saying "don't worry, the impeller is on us".
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Post Posted: Wed Aug 23, 2017 5:01 pm   Re: Fluval 306 problems

Rambologic do you think they just take it as a lost over a year with other giveaways. This is part why prices go up and they recover there loses and some people bitch why things go up. I understand higher level for customer service , at that pay scale its not worth there time so just give it to you so you move on. Then some say I got it free. Very few thing in life has a transferable warranty , very few. Withholding the truth to me is lying , call it old school. So a company or person that has more than another it's ok to let one integrity out the window so one can get something free ? It was used and as the "3 year warranty" it's not it's a limited warranty look here :

3 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
Fluval 06 Series External Filters are guaranteed against defects in material and workmanship under normal aquarium usage and service for 3 years from date of purchase. Non-replaceable and non-serviceable parts will be repaired or replaced at Hagen's discretion, free of charge, when the complete filter is returned with all components along with a valid proof of purchase and postage paid. This warranty does not apply to any filter that has been subject to misuse, negligence or tampering. It does not apply to filters which have been incorrectly assembled or unsuitably maintained or where installation and maintenance instructions have not been followed correctly. The warranty does not apply to wear and tear parts such as the impeller, impeller cover or motor seal. No liability is assumed with respect to loss or damage to livestock or personal property irrespective of the cause thereof. Before returning the filter under warranty terms, please ensure that all setup and maintenance instructions have been followed. If you are in doubt, please contact your local aquatic specialist retailer for further advice before returning the product.

The wear parts are not even covered. I'm glad I'm old and not this 2017 mine set.

To keep a happy customer is great // that requires a person to buy a product and to keep that customer happy. I 've been around and when I read bad reviews or people post a bad comment most you can see right through as , well to be polite , wrong. See why less major companies today in the US. Ever see that movie about .00123 cents added up on paychecks then that guy transfer it all to his check , it was in the millions when added up !

Guess it's just a generational thing to justify no integrity and I will be no part in it.
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Post Posted: Wed Aug 23, 2017 5:08 pm   Re: Fluval 306 problems

Exactly, litefoot: the warranty says nothing about it being non-transferable. If it did, I think their argument would be valid, even if I don't like it. I do my research usually. Also, I have already purchased a replacement impeller shaft and o-ring in the past. Sending me a new impeller cover was HER idea in hopes it might avoid having to replace the actual motor head.

I'm not so sure about your 'generational' reasoning...I would think that older generations might like the idea of not buying new things: reusing, replacing parts, etc. I thought that things used to be "built to last"? Part of the reason I buy used items is because I think it is often less wasteful. I'm not saying it is always the best choice for every item.

Pricing issues are complicated, and I don't think customers "cheating" the company is the primary reason. I understand your concern, but how about we just agree to disagree?
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Post Posted: Wed Aug 23, 2017 5:18 pm   Re: Fluval 306 problems

I apologize if you took it the wrong way litefoot - I did at no point state that lying is the way to go. In that case, the warranty would not cover Kingbird or anybody for that matter on what went wrong with the filter. At the same time, it's a decision that managers, such as customer satisfaction and account managers, to make the decision as to whether they will stick to the strict interpretation of the warranty, or let it slide "this one time". You shouldn't expect them to offer you a new filter, but a company sometimes needs to make a choice: stick to their written policy, no discussion, or have a written policy for legal reasons, but be flexible with it. On the consumer end, most appreciate the flexibility, especially when they have been loyal, honest, paying customers for years. On the other end, companies thrive on those loyal customers. Hope you understand today's logic, as odd as it may sound.

But I think this has gone way off topic now..
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Post Posted: Wed Aug 23, 2017 5:22 pm   Re: Fluval 306 problems

The only reason I even bothered with the company is because the motor head seems to be warping- not much I can do about it or could have done to cause it. She wanted me to try the impeller cover first. If that fixes it, I will be surprised.

Anyway, the amount of ethical arguments we could get into on this forum is endless. I'll update you guys on whether the impeller cover does anything... :?
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Kingbird44
 
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Post Posted: Wed Aug 23, 2017 5:30 pm   Re: Fluval 306 problems

Image

Is that what you are talking about when you say it's "warped"?

By the way, to embed pictures, go to "share photo" --> BBCode --> resize (this size is 800x450) copy the link. Paste it, but only keep the stuff in-between the (IMG) tags.
rambologic
 
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Post Posted: Wed Aug 23, 2017 5:31 pm   Re: Fluval 306 problems

Yes, if you look at the picture before my finger is on it, and the one where my finger is on it, I have pressed it down to where it should be
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Post Posted: Wed Aug 23, 2017 5:32 pm   Re: Fluval 306 problems

Thanks for the tip :)

ImageFluval306-1 by Kingbird44, on Flickr


It is possible I am wrong and the space really should just be filled by the potentially worn-down impeller cover. I don't know! I was trying to get the company to help me figure it out but they never asked to see pictures, anyway...

The woman said that the impeller cover falling off the leaking might be two separate issues, also. I am going to replace to o-ring also.
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