Fluval 306 rattling

[qquake2k]

Yesterday I took the Fluval 306 canister filter that's on my 46 apart to add some Poly-Fil. But now it's rattling. As far as I can tell, the rattle is inside the filter, not from one of the tubes or the cord.. I tried moving it around, and tilting it from side to side. Some air came out, but the rattle didn't change. Any ideas?

 

[GlennO]

First I would check the condition of the impeller & shaft and that the impeller cover is properly seated. Btw I found that the filter head installs & seals much easier if you keep some lube on the o-ring.

If all the above is ok it’s most likely still some air that hasn’t escaped.

Edit: I just listened to the video it sounds like more than just air in the system. Definitely check the impeller.

 

[qquake2k]

I didn't touch the impeller or cover, so I'm pretty sure that's not it.

 

[Jonmott]

Sounds like the impeller, clean and lube it up with some Vaseline or food grade silicone lube

 

[GlennO]

I didn't touch the impeller or cover, so I'm pretty sure that's not it.

Still worth checking if the noise persists. The noise is similar to what one of mine made when an impeller blade snapped off.

 

[qquake2k]

Still worth checking if the noise persists. The noise is similar to what one of mine made when an impeller blade snapped off.

Yes, I do plan on checking the impeller. It's still making the noise, and it sure does sound like the impeller. I suppose some debris could have gotten into it during the process.

 

[qquake2k]

I took the head apart and inspected the impeller, but didn't see anything obvious. It turned freely, and no "catch" or rattle. But I cleaned it anyway, and greased it, then put it back together. Voilà, no rattle. Whatever it was, it had something to do with the impeller, as several of you suggested.

 

[qquake2k]

I may have spoke too soon. It's rattling again, but not as bad.

 

[GlennO]

I may have spoke too soon. It's rattling again, but not as bad.

At least you have confirmed that it is impeller-related. Maybe it's time to replace it.

 

[qquake2k]

It's a relatively new filter, but I suppose I could get an impeller kit for it. Certainly cheaper than a new filter.

 

[GlennO]

Would be handy to have on hand in any case. I've been meaning to order impellers for my filters to have as spares.

 

[qquake2k]

Pricier than I expected.

 

[GlennO]

I think that's pretty good considering you get the cover as well. If you want though you could try just a replacement impeller and shaft.

 

[qquake2k]

I looked, an impeller alone is $26.

 

[GlennO]

Yikes, get the kit..lol

 

[Cichlidude]

Pricier than I expected.

Ouch. For only about $35 more you can get a Sunsun/Polar Aurora 370gph filter.

 

[qquake2k]

I've had SunSun in the past, but I prefer Fluval canisters, as the flow is adjustable.