20 Gallon Tank Repeat filter leaking on Aquaclear 50

[Kathylee]

Hi there!
On my 20g Tall I had a Aqueon HOB, after 1 year of it running I replaced it with a Fluval Aquaclear 50. It ran for 1 1/2 years & then the motor burnt. I bought a second one, after 6 months it burnt out! Now I am on my 3rd one, it's been running for maybe 4 months & started leaking a few days ago, I took it apart & cleaned it. Last night it started a slow drip from the top back right corner. I taped the lid down, only to wake up & find water all over again. Is there a different fix for this?

 

[HupGupp]

I've been using 20s and 30s for several years without problems so it seems odd that you're repeatedly having issues. It could be specific to the 50, I guess. Or bad luck. Are you doing anything unusual with them? What media are you using? Cleaning too vigorously?

 

[Adk1718]

Mine the casing broke after one year. Switch to the Seachem tidal ones. Mine (the 75 on my 45 gallon) has been amazing so far. Keeps the tank cleaner and seems more powerful. It’s also black so looks way cleaner in the tank

 

[Kathylee]

I've been using 20s and 30s for several years without problems so it seems odd that you're repeatedly having issues. It could be specific to the 50, I guess. Or bad luck. Are you doing anything unusual with them? What media are you using? Cleaning too vigorously?

I'm using the media it came with, the foam insert, charcoal insert, and ceramic bag on top. The only modification I made, was that I added a round sponge to intake tube - to prevent plants/fry getting into it. I've had the exact same aquaclear filter 50 running on my 29g for almost 4 years now with no problems. Just my 20g one keeps breaking down.

 

[Kathylee]

So the tank is on an antique dresser, a very large one with a mirror on the back, the filter is touching the mirror a bit, u used a couple folded up paper towels to buffer in between the filter & mirror & it hasn't leaked again.