Fluval 406 issues

[ladylunis]

Hi all, I'm having trouble with my new Fluval 406 and I'm hoping you can help.

We set up a 75 gallon saltwater tank the other day. We got the filter going, water in, salt to where we need it to be, etc. The filter ran perfectly for a full day.

Yesterday, we added live sand. Since we added the sand, we have had trouble with a severe rattling noise. It sounds like it did when we first started the filter before the water started running through. There was no trouble with the filter until the sand went in. We also noticed that anytime we turn on a small appliance (vacuum, hair dryer, etc.) it rattles.

Here are a few things we have done to try to correct the issue:

-Changed out the surge protector to a higher quality one.
-Checked the impeller for build up and rinsed it out.
-Checked all hoses for proper connection and no air leaks.
-Shook the canister to try to work out any air bubbles inside.

We are still having trouble, and are ready to give up and return it for a different filter, but wanted to get some advice from here first. Any thoughts?

 

[Diana A]

The impeller would be the item that is causing the noise. I own a 406 for about 6 years. Is the 406 new?

 

[ladylunis]

The impeller would be the item that is causing the noise. I own a 406 for about 6 years. Is the 406 new?

Brand new.

 

[CrayolaViolence]

You've definitely gotten sand around the impeller. you can try breaking it down and washing it out but I have found this to be a continuous issue if you use fine sand.

 

[ladylunis]

You've definitely gotten sand around the impeller. you can try breaking it down and washing it out but I have found this to be a continuous issue if you use fine sand.

We have cleaned it out and we are still having the same issue.

 

[Diana A]

Inspect the impeller and the impeller stick for imperfection. If has an imperfect, call fluval for a replacement. This happened to me when I first purchased mine. When you place the impeller cover in its place, make sure you push down around the entire cover. Make sure you hear a click sound. This will make sure that the impeller is seated in the center

You canister has the be under your tank. Don't put any water in the canister. If there is any water, dump it out. Place the canister cover on, and connect the hose. Open your aqua stop, pump and primer and the canister should now start to fill with water. Make sure the primer stick is all the way down. When the bubbles stop coming out, plug in the filter.

I never experienced sand in the impeller area in the years I had sand in my tanks

 

[ladylunis]

Inspect the impeller and the impeller stick for imperfection. If has an imperfect, call fluval for a replacement. This happened to me when I first purchased mine. When you place the impeller cover in its place, make sure you push down around the entire cover. Make sure you hear a click sound. This will make sure that the impeller is seated in the center

This was the issue. The impeller cover was damaged. Fortunately, it came with an extra one. When we put the replacement on, the problem stopped. I guess the sand was just a coincidence.

All is good now. Thank you all for your help!

 

[Diana A]

Glad to hear it is working now.