Alessa

Ok, I just bought the 5 gal hex from marineland, with the Eclipse biowheel filter for my soon-to-be betta. I set everything up today and started cycling fishless...

the filter had been working for about half a day then suddenly, the filter stopped working, it wasnt taking water in anymore. I took it out, and checked the magnet spinning thing, then tried again and it worked. then, like 3 min later ....

it stopped again!

does anyone know what's happening? is there something i might be doing wrong? its 2:16 am and I cant go to sleep because I know its not broken but i cant understand what could possibly be wrong!!! Help!!!

COBettaCouple

How high is the water level?

If the tank is full, try using a cup to pour tank water on the filter pad to prime the filter.

If that doesn't work, try using a turkey baster to squirt tank water into the intake tube from where the hole for the water from the intake tube to flow into the media area is. For some reason, this sometimes works with that filter.

mrsmuffin

COBetta is right, I have 2 of those tanks and if the tank is not pretty full, the filter doesn't work. The water has to be up on to the little black box that is above the intake tube (I am sure that there are way more technical terms for what I am talking about!) If pouring water in doesn't get it going, then try unplugging it for a minute and then plugging it back in. I have trouble getting one of mine started back up sometimes after I do water changes, but one of these things always works.

sirdarksol

I usually have to prime my filter about a dozen times before it starts working. The biowheels seem to be really touchy for some reason.

chickadee

If the filter media is not firmly down in the area where it is supposed to sit and it is sitting at a little too high a spot it will keep the water from flowing correctly and making the water turn. You may also want to check the little places where the tips for the wheel fit into. Sometimes they will have a small burr on them. They are plastic and after all mistakes to happen. If you continue to have problems call the manufacturer. They are the best and kindest people to deal with and when I needed help with one of my tanks that was acting up one time they worked with me on the phone for an hour and made sure all was running correctly before letting me go. They are there for that purpose and will make sure you are satisfied. They deal with this every day and have suggestions that we cannot possibly think of and will be very good about it all. Plus if there is something wrong they will correct it now and get you the parts you need free of charge and so you need to let them know you are having this concern. you will feel better for having called and besides you need to register your tanks warranty for sure as I have found that it is WELL worth it. I have had lights replaced and pumps replaced and biowheels replaced so it is worth it for sure. Your tank is under warranty and it needs to be registered for it to be good.

Rose

Alessa

Oh tanks Chikadee! I'll register it right away...

I tried the water level thing... the filter only started working when the tank was full to the max!!!! although i am still concerned that thing will stop working suddenly in the middle of the night and my poor betta will be in danger!

COBettaCouple

I try to make a habit of checking tank temps and the filters at least when i turn lights on & off. Any heater or filter could fail, so it's best to keep an eye on them.