Filter constant malfunction

I have a 350 canister filter that sits underneath my 50 gal. It keeps stopping working. I'm getting pretty aggravated because taking it apart is a pain. HELP!! What am I doing wrong and how do I stop this from happening ?

 

Does the motor stop? This could be overheating or a loose connection. Or does it stop moving water? This could be a broken or clogged impeller, misrouted hoses, or clogged media. Can you give us some details on what happens and how often it's repeatable?

 

The motor still works but the water doesn't move. I pretty sure the hoses are fine bc when it works again I never do anything with the hoses. Am I the only one who battles this kind of filter ?

My Angels are not as active as usual. My other fish are fine. I'm not sure if it's related to the filter or do they mellow out when they get older? They have gotten significantly bigger and their gills are no longer red and/or see-through? They aren't breathing heavy as if they are choking from the extra ammonia or anything? Could I be freaking out and reading into their behavior?

 

Try taking it apart and checking the impeller. Are any fins broken off? Did any filter material get stuck to impede turning. Clean gunk off the impeller and magnet. Could some filter material be blocking the hoses after its been running awhile?

 

Lol I cleared it out. There wasn't really anything in there? But it's up and running. I'm still not sure what happened. And it will work for awhile and break down again.