The Puffer Forum

Ok, so this filter I have (penguin 200 I think it's called) is making a racket! I accidentally unplugged that one instead of the other tank's - and when I plugged it back in it started knocking and STOPPED pumping. I can feel vibration, so something is working. If I lift out the intake (which I don't know what it's called but it's got a um... whirlie wheel that sucks stuff in, and a thing that goes down in a hole below.) When I put it in once, it worked. It sucked. Ten minutes later, knock knock knock... Is there anything anyone knows I can do? I can't see what makes the whirlie stuff whirl, cuz it goes down in a hole and that's all enclosed.

I think that is the impeller. Usually they are magnetically driven. If the impeller (the blade portion) isn't on the spindle properly (the prong that hold it in place) it may cause some bouncing giving you a "clack clack" noise.

My best guess, would be to get something to allow the impeller to grab hold of that spindle a little better.

somehow, it just must have gotten in there wrong Thanks J-P, I got it, and I thought I deleted this post... but here it is!

Thanks!

was it the spindle and the impeller?

Yeah, It seemed as though sometimes it didn't quite get in there right - maybe just barely getting in - therefore not forcing the propeller and the spindle together, instead the propeller (at least this is what I deduce) to pop up and just jump around in there on the axle. By making sure everything was kind of shoved up as far as it could go, and not jostle it at all on the way in - it would work perfect. If I bumped anything on the way down - knock knock knock.

Sometimes a rock can get it there and cause some bobbing around. Also if your impeller is worn or broke it can cause some noise.

I realize you've already solved it but just a suggestion for next time if it happens.

Ha i know what you mean, my emperor 280, will make crazy noises if you even look at it funny.

Get an Aquaclear & be done with the Penguin crap.

hey now, this one was free! I'll use it till it croaks!
Then, I'll invest in an aquaclear (or two)for my fahaka's monster tank when I get it.

Ohyouknow wrote:hey now, this one was free! I'll use it till it croaks!
Then, I'll invest in an aquaclear (or two)for my fahaka's monster tank when I get it.

LOL so was mine, and i had the exact same thought( no wonder people seem to be giving these away).

Pufferpunk wrote:Get an Aquaclear & be done with the Penguin crap.

I think the real problem is the cheapness of the components, everything is like a snap together model, anything shifts a little bit and you have a symphony of epic proportions. An aquaclear is next on my list.

mm, this filter that came with this tank, and all the other goodies that were bundled inside were just sitting in my uncle's garage. I guess the guppies over multiplied on them (hey at least if a fish died the kids didn't ever notice - apparently there were enough guppies at one point it was insane.) They bought all new filters and everything - and their son (five at the time) messed with the filters, and it quit working. Days later, when his dad noticed - the water actually was starting to turn black..... Lord only knows the conditions of the tank then. When I got it everything was pristine. I even got an electric siphon/cleaning gadget that is too complex for me to figure out. I'll stick to my tried and true siphon... although, I accidentally sucked up a bulb (my puffer trimmed his veggies down to the bulb...) and it plugged my siphon... Can't seem to get it out.

I like free. If not free, then next to free and really cheap. I don't have super deep pockets, and I love my puffer to NOT give it the best I can. Networking my way to his dream tank at the moment... I have one in my sights. Now I just gotta work on the ol' man. Cake. At least I hope... This just wasn't in my plan when I bought him... I guess it's all brought to you buy the intelligence of the LFS lackey, who just wasn't informed.

His error+I fell in love = $$$$$$. It's life.... and a disease. Wish my boyfriend would catch it.

I got a free Prozm skimmer once. As soon as I could afford one, i bought a REAL skimmer.

Pufferpunk wrote:I got a free Prozm skimmer once. As soon as I could afford one, i bought a REAL skimmer.

Yeah, but you and i both know there is a world of difference between a noisy, but mediocre working filter, and a bad skimmer.