Aquaclear Filter?

Question

I recently acquired a 45 gallon fish tank with an Aquaclear 50 filter. I bought this tank for two semi-aquatic turtles, whose living conditions require that the water not be filled to the tank's full capacity. I have the filter so that the long tube in the tank is submerged in the water only about 1/10 of its length. When I plug the filter in, it makes a strange, loud, almost unbearable sound that can only be stopped by unplugging the filter. The motor gets quite hot as well. My question is this: Is there a way that I can use this filter with the water level not filled to capacity? Thanks for any and all responses.

Answer 1

It takes the filter a lot of strength to pull water up farther than it needs to be. Once you get the tube filled though, it will be fine.
First and formost, make sure that there isn't anything blocking the filters line of water current. Anything like ricks, chunks of cardboard, etc.
When you start the filter, try starting it without the filter media (sponges, carbon, etc.)
Before turning it on, fill the filter chamber all the way up, then turn it on.
The filer will strain and strain to pull the air ou then the water up that long tube, which could take anywhere from 5 to 50 minutes.
While it is trying to do this, make sure it is on full strength, and everything is put tightly together. Keep filling the chamber with water, even if it just flows out, back into the tank.
Repeat until the tube is filled all the ay and water is running fully.
Remember to put your filter media back in.

I hope this helps!

Answer 2

This is how I start my AquaClear ...

I fill the filter box until it is running out. I set the pickup to the right -- slower setting that doesn't fully cover the impeller pickup -- I found it can draw the water up easier this way, the extra air goes to the side but my tank is to the brim. I get a container with extra water from the tank. I then plug the filter in. As it is pulling water up the tube, I pour the water I have in the container to help keep the impeller supplied with water for better suction. Once there is a flow in the tube and water is flowing, I move the intake to the high setting and it will remove the rest of the air in the intake.

I have never done this on such a low filled tank. Other things that may help in your situation is making sure the pieces are well-connected, and possibly using silicone to seal up if you notice an air leak still. You would then have to have definitely use a brush to clean inside the tube and where the 'grille' part is where you connect the multiple pieces.

I hope that helps, I cannot think of anything else that may do it. Like others have said, it is hard work for that impeller to pull water up that far. Wish you luck.

Answer 3

Fill the filter first with some tank water (open the top and fill about 1/2 to 3/4 full then put the lid back on) and then wait for the filter to start and it may make a sound but as soon as the water goes up the tube and fills it, filters it, and comes back the other side(the waterfall thing), it should start working without the annoying, irritating sound. It just makes the sound because the water didn't fully go up the tube yet and is using all of its power to get the water into the tube for the first time, but when it starts to get going it should start working properly without the sound.

Good luck! ^_^ =]
btw if this doesn't work try going to the place u bought it and ask or contact the manufactor company thingy and if it has a warranty u can exchange it for a new one or get it fixed. =]

Answer 4

The hang-on type filters will almost always have problems with turtle tanks, for reasons the first answerer has already described well. This type of filter was designed to have the water up to the top of the tank (or, at least used in a turtle tank which has an opening partway up the glass on one side).

Are you filling the filter with water before you plug it in? The impeller (propeller in the motor that draws the water upward) needs to be covered or it won't work. This is another disadvantage of a hang-on because if the electric goes out, the water is siphoned out the uptake tube and when your power comes back on, the filter runs dry and the motor burns out.

A submersible filter (sits entirely in the water) would be a better option for this type of tank, although they are a bit messier to clean.

Answer 5

it won't injury the filter out. you will possibly be able to desire to actualy run the aquaclear without inserts in any respect, however the only concern which you do is bypass water. all the inserts has a place interior the aquarium. the froth keeps with grimy factors from going lower back into the water. The carbon/amonia clears out the ammonia produced by employing fish waste, the suited is used for stuff like biomax wich can save good bacterias and others. the backside 2 are the main needed. good micro organism may additionally stay interior the sponge, and the ammonia remover is very significant. So i does no longer bypass without the ammonia remover, it does no longer help the fish in any respect to no longer have it cutting-edge. Ammonia poisoning isn't uncommon in fish dying in aquarium. by no ability exchange all 3 factors at as quickly as!

Answer 6

It sounds like you need a full tank. Maybe if you go to pet smart they can find something to help you filter part of it, or you can try a fish or snail that cleans water, as long as your turtles will not eat them.

Answer 7

Try getting filter 60-70