Defective Filter?

[asianpuffer]

Hi.
I purchased awhile ago a eheim 2075 cannister filter. Just today I noticed that my 38 gallon tank has not been keeping as clean as when I had my AC 70. I also noticed that whenever debris come near the intake, MOST just pass right by without sucking up. If i take the intake strainer cap off I can feel suction pressure but with the cap on there is none what soever. The water seems to be coming out just fine with enough pressure. I believe this was like this since I first set it up with the material the filter came with. Today I tried rinsing the filter out and tubes but still the filter doesnt seem to be sucking much. and ideas?

[Nick]

A large diameter screen or strainer cap covering the entire hose inlet for a cannister filter generally diffuses the input over a much larger area, intentionally, so that fish won't get stuck to it. If you have large, chunky wastes, consider finding an inlet cover with much larger openings.

Also, honestly - aquaclear filters are HARD to beat. They just work really, really well, often better than filters costing several times as much. It's just a simple, solid design. Did you know, for instance, that when you adjust them to move water more slowly, they still run the pump at full steam, and recycle the already filtered water, so the bacteria can grab anything missed the first time?