Shutting off canister filter

This is a potentially dumb question but... My canisters all have shutoff valves (FX6, 407) that will stop the flow of water through the filter. This is handy during a water change or when I'm trying to spot treat algae, but if I shut the water off, do I need to unplug the filter? I am thinking I probably do because it seems like if no water can flow but the pump is still trying to push water, that could potentially damage the pump. But I'm not sure, and it's kind of hard to get to the power outlets with my setup...

 

I turn mine off for water changes and haven't had any issues. The only time I unplug it is for cleaning. It will be fine for the few minutes you are spot treating. I turn mine off to feed too. And forget to turn it back on once in awhile too. Have not had any problems yet.....

 

Ooooh turning off to feed is a good idea... I've had issues with that since the filters are powerful enough to just blow the food all over where it quickly gets stuck in plants and stuff leading me to tend to overfeed so there's enough for the fish to get some. Never occurred to me to turn the filters off to get around that...

 

Just have to remember to turn it back on....I give them enough time to eat worms off the bottom etc. When I turn it back on all the rest from the bottom floats around and they eat that too. I do it because my Ram is a super slow eater then she gets enough.

 

When I feed I just reduce the flow using the flow control, on Fluval 400 series.

 

I occasionally unplug and plug back in my filters when I feed flake food.

During larger WC's, I will unplug and turn valves to off position on the canisters.

If both valves on a canister are closed and its left plugged in, I would think its possible the impeller might start to cavitate.

 

FYI I emailed fluval and after a while they emailed back and said once you shut off the valves you should unplug the filter.

 

FYI I emailed fluval and after a while they emailed back and said once you shut off the valves you should unplug the filter.

I actually think it mentions to do this in the instruction booklet. I have a 406 and 307 and yep, I lift the flow lever and than unplug the filter.
Then triple check that I’ve plugged it all back in as I’ve also forgotten to do that until several hours later!

 

It's always safest with any electrical system to turn the power off whenever you need to stop the action. I've got my filter & heater hooked up to a power strip, so whenever I need to feed or do any kind of maintenance, I just flip off the power strip and it stops power to anything which could be a hazard.

 

I do the opposite I specifically keep all the filters on all the time and drop food at the returns just so it Does flow all around the tanks.

 

I never close the in/out valves for more than a few seconds While its running. Usually to divert water for a floor drain for a water change. Something about closing both valves and having a motor trying to suck water and blow water in a trapped environment Doesn’t sit right.

I thought there was something in the book about not closing the intake valve and to make adjustments only through the output valve while it running?

For sure it needs to be unplugged any time there is a change in the diversion of water to let any trapped air bleed out of the canister.