AC problems

**Fish Tail** · 05-02-2009, 12:32 AM

So, for the first time my AC filter wouldnt restart after I unplugged it.
Searched it on the Internet, and it wasnt much help. Whats going on?

**Wiggs** · 05-02-2009, 12:35 AM

I'd bet that it was something stuck int he impellar, that's the only thing that has ever caused mine to act up like that. It is tricky because it wont even sound like it is tying to turn...

I just unplugged mine and turned the impellar a few times manually, then plugged it back in and it was fine.

**NanoTankGuy** · 05-02-2009, 03:21 AM

Originally Posted by Wiggs

I'd bet that it was something stuck int he impellar, that's the only thing that has ever caused mine to act up like that. It is tricky because it wont even sound like it is tying to turn...

I just unplugged mine and turned the impellar a few times manually, then plugged it back in and it was fine.

Exactly what I did - I thought I'd stick a pencil inside and see if that helpes. It did :) AC's are the best.

Try taking the impeller itself out of the assembly, you can lift the little plastic cover that covers it (at least I can do it on my AC30).

**Northernguy** · 05-02-2009, 03:27 AM

When is the last time you you cleane the impellor.It will stop if it gets too full of crud.I guess its time for a water change so you can rinse it out!
Empty the filter out and twist the motor off the bottom.Pull the impelor out and clean the it out with Qtips.Do not use tap water.

**Crispy** · 05-02-2009, 02:00 PM

I simply plug it in and stick a pencil in there to get it to start turning... usually kicks on in a jiffy.

**Fish Tail** · 05-03-2009, 04:34 PM

Hah, I accidently poked the impellar with the end of the tube the brings in the water, and it just started spinning. Thanks though!

**Taurus** · 05-03-2009, 05:00 PM

Originally Posted by Northernguy

When is the last time you you cleane the impellor.It will stop if it gets too full of crud.I guess its time for a water change so you can rinse it out!
Empty the filter out and twist the motor off the bottom.Pull the impelor out and clean the it out with Qtips.Do not use tap water.

Take a old tooth brush and brush off all the biofilm on the impeller blades. Then rinse it under running water. You can rinse out the housing under running water too after you clean it out with Q tips. Take care of the impeller and the housing and the AC filter should last for a long time.

**fishlover49** · 05-03-2009, 06:43 PM

Yep, they do get slimmed up. I rinse mine off in old tank water and use an old toothbrush.

**korith** · 05-03-2009, 06:51 PM

Remember to take the filter media out, before you clean the inside of the filter out with tap water! I probably clean out the gunk in the hob filters every few water changes. May want to spin the impeller and see if turns smoothly as well, may need replacing.