Aquaclear super buzz noise

Experiencing an issue with this Aquaclear filter.

It is not doing the normal rattle sound that many aquaclears are famous for.
I do a little tap on my others and yes, they quiet down.

This one is more of a high pitch shriek buzz -- obviously something with the motor. I just replaced the impeller shaft as it looked a little worn down. Mind you, this filter was brand new in box two months ago. Any ideas or solutions welcome.

It was doing this exact thing before the swap out, and I've just had the filter unplugged this week.
I also have rinsed out and cleaned the parts several times.

Here is a video link showcasing what it's doing after changing out the impeller shaft.

Please help - going crazy.

 

Darn! That would drive me bonkers.

Perhaps a little white petroleum jelly on the impeller? It may quiet it down and yes, is safe to use - just a little.
You've obviously checked for impediments in the shaft housing.

Edit: You already replaced the impeller - learning to read101 with Mike.

I would go for a warranty replacement of the entire unit if possible. Surely there's at least a year on those?

Edit2: What does the motor sound like outside of the unit? Just in a bucket, or quickly dry. Can we try that?

 

Yea, it’s crazy.
My gut is telling me to find a little brush to scrub out that hole where e impeller shaft goes. I’ve rinsed over and over vigorously.
I did the petroleum trick on the shaft. It does run quiet when dry and in a water bucket, but it is touchy. I’ve seen it start to make that noise outside the filter as well when orienting it different directions.

I could either replace the impeller itself, or the entire motor...
But it gets to be to the point where a new aquaclear on Amazon is about the price of a couple parts.

I also have 3 other aquaclears, so I couldtry with their known good gear, but I really don’t feel like touching them, since they ain’t doing me dirty

 

Are you using a sand substrate? .. my fish sometimes party and the granules end up in the impeller causing it to shriek.

 

I do have a sand substrate. But I just cleaned all of it out and I’m using a fine pre filter sponge.
I hope there’s not a couple grains lodged in some unreachable area of that motor assembly

 

It is super level? Mine are finicky when off level.

 

I’ll use an actual level to see.

I use the little leveling device on the back, but perhaps I’m not using it properly.

In any case, it’s level looking to the naked eye, but that is a good call out.

 

I always angle them just slightly forward towards the tank with the little props that come with the filter.

 

angled it a tad up and it still decides to screech

 

There are several sizes that use the same
Motor. Maybe swap it with another motor on and see if it stays the same? I am curious...lol.

 

Never heard that before. Is the magnet on the impeller ok? Not damaged at all?

 

Never heard that before. Is the magnet on the impeller ok? Not damaged at all?

It looks like it had a small small amount of abrasion on it. Could that alone throw it out of wack?
I’m going to switch out the entire motor with a known good one, then do the same with a known good impeller and see if I can spot where the hang up is. It’s just so close to the point where the extra troubleshooting is not worth the $35 for a new AC30 or 50.

It looks like it had a small small amount of abrasion on it. Could that alone throw it out of wack?
I’m going to switch out the entire motor with a known good one, then do the same with a known good impeller and see if I can spot where the hang up is. It’s just so close to the point where the extra troubleshooting is not worth the $35 for a new AC30 or 50.

It also makes me think about whether I would try something different like a seachem tidal or a marineland penguin, since I basically went all in on aquaclears for all my tanks. I know of nothing else.

 

It looks like it had a small small amount of abrasion on it. Could that alone throw it out of wack?
I’m going to switch out the entire motor with a known good one, then do the same with a known good impeller and see if I can spot where the hang up is. It’s just so close to the point where the extra troubleshooting is not worth the $35 for a new AC30 or 50.

It also makes me think about whether I would try something different like a seachem tidal or a marineland penguin, since I basically went all in on aquaclears for all my tanks. I know of nothing else.

In my experience anything weird on the magnet can make it loud, but I have to admit I have never heard that particular sound. I personally like the aquaclears and only use them, but I certainly understand your frustration. Do you keep shrimp in this tank?

 

In my experience anything weird on the magnet can make it loud, but I have to admit I have never heard that particular sound. I personally like the aquaclears and only use them, but I certainly understand your frustration. Do you keep shrimp in this tank?

Yea, I’m used to the typical little rattle they make from time to time. I do the little finger tap trick in the middle, or if it’s just happening often, I set a little plant on top and then it’s a dead quiet and beautiful unit.
no shrimp in here. A sand substrate though, and it’s possible that early on before I got a pre filter sponge, it got some sand in here. Not a lot, but enough to create some abrasion.

 

Yea, I’m used to the typical little rattle they make from time to time. I do the little finger tap trick in the middle, or if it’s just happening often, I set a little plant on top and then it’s a dead quiet and beautiful unit.
no shrimp in here. A sand substrate though, and it’s possible that early on before I got a pre filter sponge, it got some sand in here. Not a lot, but enough to create some abrasion.

Yes it’s very possible it was the sand. I was asking about shrimp because the tidal hob has a skimmer that can suck in baby shrimp, just wanted to warn you in case you went that route. Hopefully an impeller/motor swap gets you going again, they’re great filters.

 

Yes it’s very possible it was the sand. I was asking about shrimp because the tidal hob has a skimmer that can suck in baby shrimp, just wanted to warn you in case you went that route. Hopefully an impeller/motor swap gets you going again, they’re great filters.

So I swapped out the whole motor and impeller unit with a fluval AC30 I just got a couple weeks ago.
It’s doing great.
now I need to isolate and find out if it was the impeller (thinking it is) or the motor.
Just can’t do it at the moment because sleeping infant is 10 feet away and I don’t want anyone to relive that noise.
I’ll update this once it’s determined what it was.

 

So I swapped out the whole motor and impeller unit with a fluval AC30 I just got a couple weeks ago.
It’s doing great.
now I need to isolate and find out if it was the impeller (thinking it is) or the motor.
Just can’t do it at the moment because sleeping infant is 10 feet away and I don’t want anyone to relive that noise.
I’ll update this once it’s determined what it was.

Happy to hear it’s fixed, and certainly don’t blame you about not wanting to wake up the baby lol! Please update us once you’ve isolated, I’m very curious what it was

 

I'm quite fascinated by the Seachem Tidal's but here in Canada, they are pretty expensive vs. AquaClear or similar.

I understand they don't have self-priming issues that AquaClear's can have (sometimes), but I think I'll wait until my AquaClears or Tetra Whisper give up the ghost - which you know, might be never. I'd rather save a buck, if I don't have to spend one.
I've always just used basic multiple ac sponges in all of them - works like a charm and easy to clean.

Off-topic - but anyhoo - glad you did your scientific experiment on them and figured it out.