Fluval C2 Decreased Flow

I've been using a Fluval C2 for a few months now and everything has been fine (other than the impeller noise) until recently. When I first got the filter, hardly any water was making it's way up through the spout that feeds the trickle chamber. Flow through the filter was great. Now there is substantially more flow through the trickle chamber spout and not as much through the filter. The C2 has a flow indicator that pops up when the filter begins to clog, but my indicator is not sticking up (it does work however). Does this indicator only pop up when the foam filter is clogged? Mine is clean, so the only other thing I can think of is my media (Matrix) is dirty and reducing flow and perhaps the indicator doesn't pop up when the basket gets clogged. Anyone have a Fluval C2 that can comment on this issue? Can I safely rinse the Matrix in tank wayer without disturbing the BB too much?

 

I've been using a Fluval C2 for a few months now and everything has been fine (other than the impeller noise) until recently. When I first got the filter, hardly any water was making it's way up through the spout that feeds the trickle chamber. Flow through the filter was great. Now there is substantially more flow through the trickle chamber spout and not as much through the filter. The C2 has a flow indicator that pops up when the filter begins to clog, but my indicator is not sticking up (it does work however). Does this indicator only pop up when the foam filter is clogged? Mine is clean, so the only other thing I can think of is my media (Matrix) is dirty and reducing flow and perhaps the indicator doesn't pop up when the basket gets clogged. Anyone have a Fluval C2 that can comment on this issue? Can I safely rinse the Matrix in tank wayer without disturbing the BB too much?

Yes you can if it's dirty, if you are afraid that it will affect your cycle add some bacteria booster, culture to filter media. And don't rinse it hard just shake it little bit in tank water so bigger chunks fall down.

Btw. I researched a lot about filter media and matrix is not great options for small filters it is good in sumps, but if it's working for you keep it like that.

 

Turns out the Sponge Filter pre-filter was all gummed up with plant matter once I clean that off the flow vastly improved. I'm thinking with all these plants may be better off with a canister. Do you agree?

 

I also think it would help if I remove the Sponge Filter and rinsed it in the old tank water after the tank has had a chance to cycle and suck up all the stirred up debris. Up until now, I've been rinsing it during the water change and putting it back in, then it sucks up all that debris and plant matter and quickly gets clogged again. It wasn't an issue until I added all the plants.

 

I would clean the sponge filter at least every 2 weeks in tank water so it doesn't impede the flow. If that is too long and it starts to clog up the works, then every 10 days. Just find a schedule that works for you.

 

I clean the filter every week when I do my water changes. What I was trying to say is I should rinse the filter after I fill up the tank with new water because all that stirred up debris and plant matter is clogging the filter that I just cleaned.

I'd like to switch to a canister (Marineland 160), but I imagine I'd have the same issue with plant matter clogging up the mechanical filter, which would be more of a pain to service. Perhaps a sponge on the intake tube is the solution?

 

I wouldn't suggest cleaning filter on day when you do wc, canister filter is always better option. I had two internals and changed them for one canister I will never again have tank with other type if filter. I don't know how big is your tank but those hang on and internal filter sponge get clogged fast in planted tanks.

 

The tank is a 20 long. I think a lot of the debris is being generated by the rockwool shedding off the roots of the dwarf hairgrass I planted a few weeks ago. Maybe I should tried to remove more of it before planting. I was worried about damaging the roots.

What about a canister makes it better for planted tanks? Plant matter will still make its way into the intake tube and the filter inside the canister, and be even more of a pain to clean.

 

I think no matter what filter you use in a planted tank, you're always going get that. I would wash the filter after the water change. It will catch all the debris from the water change and then afterwards will be clean too.

 

I noticed this morning that the impeller on my HOB (Fluval C2) was pretty darn quiet. When the water flow is normal (filters unrestricted), the impeller is noisy. Someone online commented about their impeller making noise when it is starved of water. I'm wondering if my filter being clogged caused more water to surround the impeller and silenced it. If so, maybe a slightly restricted flow is desirable, for this particular filter anyway. My Aquaclear is also noisy. You'd think they would have improved the design by now!

 

I've been wanting to switch to a canister anyway, so now is as good a time as any. I was going to give the Marineland Magniflow 160 a try. Would you suggest using a spray bar since it's only a 20 gallon tank? That way the water current wouldn't be so strong. And will the Fluval Edge pre-filter sponge fit the marineland intake tube? I'd like to have something on the tube to block plant debris. Lastly, I have a Fluval surface skimmer that I'd like to keep running. I imagine I simple connect it to the intake tube using a Tee fitting?

 

The tank is a 20 long. I think a lot of the debris is being generated by the rockwool shedding off the roots of the dwarf hairgrass I planted a few weeks ago. Maybe I should tried to remove more of it before planting. I was worried about damaging the roots.

What about a canister makes it better for planted tanks? Plant matter will still make its way into the intake tube and the filter inside the canister, and be even more of a pain to clean.

I have 22gallon approx long tank too. When I moved to fluval 206 canister I can say that water is cleaner I see less derbis in tank almost non (I have on timer stream pump that is turned on for 4-5 hours and it get all new gunkof the substrate in water so filter can get it), I need to clean filter once every 1,5-2 months and it is easier I just releas filter from pipes, pick it up and take it in bathroom, I have prepared water and then I clean it without water spill, drops etc.
But I would say major plus is enough space for all mehanical and biological media so tank is more stable and water flow is stronger.

 

I don't have experience with marinland filters but you can get any sponge and secure it with zip ties to filter intake. Water flow depending on fish that you have if it's bettas then spray bar is good idea for more common fish I don't see reason for it. Fish like stronger flow and distribution of makro and mikro nutrients is better.