behind tank power filter keeps shutting off

blacklabel3

My power filter keeps shutting off on its own, and I can't figure out why. The filter is the type that hangs behind the tank, poor water back into the tank, has a tube that sucks water from the tank, and the tube has some sorta of spiny thing that creates the suction on one end.
The way I've been fixing it is by removing the tube and resetting it, or unplugging and replugging the power, turning it on and off basically. Sometimes I can catch it making this rumbling/scratching sound a little while before it shuts itself off. That's pretty much all i know. Anyone know what's going on? Can I fix this thing? It cost me enough money that I really want to avoid junking it.

Attached Images

2010-01-25 17.22.37.jpg (111.8 KB, 13 views)

7yl4r

Sounds to me like it might just need to be cleaned up a bit. Could potentially be fixed by (carefully) taking it apart, giving it a little clean, and putting it back together. (just mechanical cleaning, no soap or anything)

I think these particular hang on back filters have troubles like this commonly (my old ones did). I remember that the tube would sometimes end up at a very slight angle, stopping the spinning of the propeller-like-do-hickey.

Does the motor continue to hum when it's stopped?

blacklabel3

I can't really hear the motor humming once it stops flowing, it's pretty silent I suppose. How difficult would it be to take it apart for cleaning? Is there a large chance I'll break it?
Thanks for the reply

7yl4r

I think that as long as you are careful and remember where everything goes it shouldn't be too much trouble. In the past I've had similar issues and they were resolved pretty easily. I'm no pro though, I've only had two or three of these. (just make sure you unplug it and don't do anything you're afraid isn't reversible)

iamntbatman

Check to see if there's something blocking the impeller. Take the plastic cover off. Next, pull the tube out (if you grab where the tube curves up and into the filter, you should be able to lift it straight out). Usually, the impeller housing and impeller are attached to the end of the tube that sits in the filter box. Sometimes stuff like Java Moss or other debris can get wrapped around the impeller and can cause it to stop spinning. At this point you can also reach down into the filter and see if there's any debris down by the impeller housing that might be obstructing the impeller.

Tyyrlym

What brand is the filter?

blacklabel3

It's an Aqua-Tech 30-60