The Puffer Forum

My small HOB filter used to push water out much powerfuler than it does now, sometimes you can't even tell it's moving water, and it's sucktion is quite weak. do they wear out after a while? should it be replaced?

how often do you clean it? that could be the cause of your problem, sometimes the impeller get jammed with so much junk that the filter stops functioning almost entirely.

It could also be that the impeller needs replacing, somtimes the impeller itself can wear out, although its much more likely that its just clogged.

Sometimes the impeller will get sloppy in there too (or worn out - they do sell replacement impellers); clean it all up with a brush, reassemble & see how it goes.

well, i clean the pick up tube, and sometimes when the power goes out, i have to jump the impeller by flicking it with a stick to get it to spin, so i'm kindda thinking the motor could have burned up form that?

or the shaft is spinning in the impeller?

The magnet that runs the shaft could be covered with algae or obstructed..interfering as well
what kind of HOB filter is it..aqua-clear, whisper/topfin..?

How old is it?

I clean the impellor weekly, during water changes.

i've had it for 3 years, dont know before that, got everythign used... doesnt have a name brand, but looks like a older whisper maybe topfin

I'm thinking for $15 i'll put in a new one.

the one in my 55 gallon FW is whisper, and kindda has the same design.

Go with an Aquaclear.

I personally like Penguins, but they are a little pricier.

I love my aquclears. Always have.

Have had whispers and aquaclears & prefer the Aquaclears.

You can stack an AC however you wish. I started using bags of BioMax years before they added them to their filter material bags & included them with the sale of their filters.

I just set up my new AquaClear and it's pretty nice. definatly moves some water now, and i can turn it down when needed!! very nice!

You won't be sorry you bought one. Try putting 1" of filter floss between the sponge & BioMax to Polish the water crystal clear. Forget the carbon, unless you are removing meds. Either keep the old filter running for about a month, while the new one develops bacteria or try to squeeze as much of the stuff out of the old one into the new one.