Filter noise and bubbles?

I think my filter might be malfunctioning. It is a tetra whisper ex 70. When I first got it, the filter was totally silent. Now it has started making a loud humming noise... What would cause this? Also, the waterfall is causing tiny little bubbles that fill the tank. I read that tiny bubbles can cause fish to suffocate? They almost make my tank look dirty. Its a big problem that my filter is out competing my fridge on noise level. Any ideas?

 

My first guess is that your water level is too low.

Typically with a HOB, the water level should be just 'lapping' the outlet.

 

Those bubbles aren't going to kill your fish - only when the water becomes super saturated that it's a problem. Raise the water level and they will go away.

As for the filter, if the water level is low it will make more noise. It might also need to be cleaned - the motor housing.

 

I will try raising the water level on the tank. Right now I have it sitting just above the min water level that is marked on the filter. I tried playing around with the little propeller inside of it but it didn't do anything to help it. There also wasn't anything in there that could be clogging it.

 

Okay I raised the water level all the way up to where the water falls from the filter. If anything it made the noise that the filter is making louder.

 

sounds like there's something in the motor housing. I would remove the impeller and clean it out with q-tips.