Flooding on power loss. Fluval 406.

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Urgula

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Jan 5, 2018
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I've discovered that on power loss, the fluval 406 (4 years old, ~80gal) lid is pushed up, the clasps unlock themselves and the water obviously leaks very fast.

I close the side clasps properly and it doesn't leak when it's running.

My fluval 206 (12 years old, 40gal) doesn't do the same.


Is this normal (too much water pressure or something) or I have a broken filter that I need to replace?
 
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Lol I tried to follow the link 3 times before I realized it's a link on this thread to this thread.......I was like what the heck I hit the link right?

I've not had a 404 but I do have a 104, 204, and 304 none of them have done it and they are kind of old. Maybe the 404 isnt designed with enough internal bracing to handle prolonged exposure to constant pressure in a power out situation. It seems the 404 is designed with the exact same materials and manner to the three smaller ones. Maybe that material allows the larger "can" to bulge and then the locks pop and there goes the leak? Only time I had problems with mine (other then maintenance) is user error or the seal being bad. Had to replace the hose assembly on one because of a leak and the lid seal on another. I didn't push the hose assembly into the can all the way and lock it down good which caused a leak and I've also not gotten the clamps pushed down right a few times which caused a leak.
 
Oughtsix said:
I had a Fluval 404 that leaked. I tried replacing the main seal but ended up tossing it. Since then Ihave not been a Fluval fan.
Click to expand...

This is my second canister filter, first one is fluval aswell, but apparently 40gal/150L is not enough pressure to rip off the clasps on it, so never had issues.

What's a good canister to look at?

Already had to replace the valve on it, so if more things keep failing, might just get a new filter.
 
twentyleagues said:
Lol I tried to follow the link 3 times before I realized it's a link on this thread to this thread.......I was like what the heck I hit the link right?

I've not had a 404 but I do have a 104, 204, and 304 none of them have done it and they are kind of old. Maybe the 404 isnt designed with enough internal bracing to handle prolonged exposure to constant pressure in a power out situation. It seems the 404 is designed with the exact same materials and manner to the three smaller ones. Maybe that material allows the larger "can" to bulge and then the locks pop and there goes the leak? Only time I had problems with mine (other then maintenance) is user error or the seal being bad. Had to replace the hose assembly on one because of a leak and the lid seal on another. I didn't push the hose assembly into the can all the way and lock it down good which caused a leak and I've also not gotten the clamps pushed down right a few times which caused a leak.
Click to expand...


The leak is immediate.You disconnect the power and observe how the clamps open themselves and the top flies off (literally), starting a waterfall.
I'm quite sure the assembly is fine, since I've been using a 204 for 14 years and never had issues.
My intake hose is straight on top of the filter, maybe that's why?

I've moved the filter to the same level with the tank so there's no syphoning, however, but it's ugly & a pain to start the filter after maintenance...
 
Just a guess is that either the filter head o-ring or gasket has gotten thinner over the years or the latching clamps have lost there gripping capacity.

If you have been otherwise happy with the Fluval series filters, just get another model. There are a lot of options out there for canister filters so everyone will have there own opinions. Is your preference a filter with baskets or trays?
 
> Is your preference a filter with baskets or trays?

Hum...I believe my google-fu isn't very good.When I search, the same images come up for both, so I'm unsure what's the difference.

I got some megapoopers swimming around, so whatever holds the most media, does the most "tanks per hour" circulation is fine.
I can't really over-filter.

I have the standard:
- ceramic rings
- filter flos
- carbnon + amonia absorber "white rocks"
- Sponges
- On the side thre's additional sponges that catch all the goo/poop.

The more "levels", the better since I can stick more sponges and bio rings.


All fluval canisters other than FX seem to have the same flimsy clasps, so by buying another of the same would not prevent this from happening. Don't seem like I can replace the clasps (unless my google-fu is failing me) I don't have the space for an FX and the stand is definitelly not meant to have anything larger than a "standard" canister.

This is also only my second canister.

I've never had anything break down on me, so can't really say I'm a fan of this or that brand. This is my first serious leakage situation.
My local fish store doesn't really cary anything other than fluval for "serious" filtration, so I didn't test anything else.
Fluval 206 lasted 14 years and still going. The fluval 406 is only 4 years old, but I got it used with the 80gal and had to replace the valve since it was slowly leaking. Basically my experience is 50/50 and can't tell if it's good or bad since I don't know if the issue is present after old owner broke something or it's the brand's fault.

Rest of my tanks are nano and function with whatever garbage they come by default.
 
Urgula said:
The leak is immediate.You disconnect the power and observe how the clamps open themselves and the top flies off (literally), starting a waterfall.
I'm quite sure the assembly is fine, since I've been using a 204 for 14 years and never had issues.
My intake hose is straight on top of the filter, maybe that's why?

I've moved the filter to the same level with the tank so there's no syphoning, however, but it's ugly & a pain to start the filter after maintenance...
Click to expand...

I have a 15 year old Eheim Pro III. I haven't used any canisters for many years (I use sumps) but I am confident I could connect it up and have it going in 10 minutes. The Eheim replaced my Fluval 404 and ran for 10 years without a single hiccup. The Eheims cost a lot (I recall getting a decent price on sale) so I can't really say if the price premium is worth it to you... but I can testify that the Pro III models are very solid / well built. After I got over the initial sticker shock I never regretted spending so much on a quality filter.
 
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