Problems with Aqua-Tech 20-40

[DragonFire]

I have a 30gal with an Aqua-Tech 20-40 and it's been about 3 months now, after 1 1/2 to 2 months the water flow went from a waterfall to a trickle, even with the filter out.

I called Aqua-Tech and they sent me a new Pickup tube and impeller right away and everything was good for several weeks, then back to a trickle again. There's nothing blocking up the tube. Any ideas, just get a different HOB or ask Aqua-Tech to send a new motor?

[Lady Hobbs]

Do you run a brush up thru the tube? I've got a couple of these filters and had them for 2 years with never a problem.

[TowBoater]

It may be burning up. Do you let it run dry while doing w/c for longer periods of time?

[sailor]

What do you use for substrate. You might be getting grit or sand into your motor and interfering with the impeller.

[Incredulous_Ed]

Lift up the tube a bit and see if that helps flow. If not, lift it up and the whole impeller thing while its running then put it back in slowly.

[luvfins]

I have an aquatech and the impeller on mine has to be cleaned at least once a month or else when I unplug it to do a water change and plug it back in, it doesnt start. But then again, I have 5 furry animals, so fur gradually makes its way into the tank somehow and gets wrapped around it.

[ladyoutlaw50]

I have never had good luck with the aqua-tech filters. I currently use Whisper power filters and have had good luck with them. I am researching the canisters.

[DragonFire]

I took the pickup pipe out and cleaned inside really well and it seems to be working better now. I really couldn't see anything in there but I guess there was enough to make a difference. Thanks everyone.

[luvfins]

Ya, I really dont like the aqua tech. Hoping to replace it soon with an aqua-clear.