Filter leaks from the main seal

This problem occurs when a watertight seal has not been achieved between the motor housing and the canister base.
1. Check to make sure that all four clips are properly closed. If they are, go on to step 2. 2. Make sure the filter is less than 55” (140 cm) below the water level.
    a. If it is below 55”, raise the filter by placing it on a sturdy, level platform.
    b. If it is 55” or less, go on to step 3
3. Unplug the power chord from the electrical outlet.
    a. Release the hoses by lifting up the Quick-Disconnect Valve Lever and remove it by pulling up gently.
    b. Carry the filter to the sink using the handles molded into the motor housing.
    *NOTE: Never remove the motor housing and attempt to carry the canister by the canister clips. This could crack the canister rendering the filter useless.
    c. Once you have the filter in the sink, release the 4 clips that secure the blue motor housing to the canister base and remove it.
    d. Flip the motor housing over.
    e. Carefully remove the outer O-ring and inspect it for damage. If it is damaged call the Tech Services line to find out how to obtain a replacement.
    f. Clean and dry the O-ring.
    g. Clean the groove where the O-ring sits to make sure no debris has gotten under the O-ring.
    h. Replace the O-ring, making sure it is not twisted.
     i. Check the media baskets to make sure they are straight and properly stacked.
     j. Make sure the raised circle on the top basket lid is facing up.
    k. Check the top edge of the canister for chips, cracks, or burs. If you find any, call Tech Services. If the canister appears fine then go on to the next step.
     l. Replace the motor housing and clamp it back in place.
    m. Reconnect the hoses by gently pushing the Quick-Disconnect back into place and pushing the lever down.
     n. Allow 2 minutes for the canister to fill back up. If the filter begins to leak from the seal, lift the lever back up and call Tech Services. If it does not leak at this point go on to the next step.
     o. Plug the power chord in. It should begin to pump normally. If the filter begins to leak from the seal, unplug it and lift the lever back up. Call Tech Services.

Water is leaking from where the power cord passes out of the motor housing

This problem occurs when water is able to squeeze past the seals at the bottom of the Quick-Disconnect block and enter the hollow spaces in the motor housing. From there the water runs down the cord. This problem is usually caused by the Quick-Disconnect not being properly seated on the motor housing.

1. If the filter sits more than 55” below the water surface, go to step 3 and raise the filter by placing it on a sturdy level platform. Replace the motor housing and reconnect the hoses by gently pushing the quick release block back into place and pushing the lever down.
     a. Allow 3 minutes for the canister to fill with water then plug the unit in and go on to step 2. If it is not more then 55” (140 cm) below the water level go on to the next step.
2. Check the hoses and make sure they have not been cut too short or stretched too far, creating tension on the quick release block. If there is tension on the quick release block go on to Step #3.
3. Checking the Unit
     a. Unplug the power chord from the electrical outlet.
     b. Release the hoses by lifting up the quick release valve and pulling up gently on the valve block
     c. Remove the motor housing and empty out the water in the canister. You may want to remove the motor housing over a sink so as not to spill any water on the floor.
     d. Tip the motor housing so that the power cord pass-through hole is pointing down into the sink. Allow any water trapped in the housing to drain out.
     e. If the hoses have been cut too short, call our Tech Services line to find out how to obtain new tubing. If they have not been cut short go on to the Step 3-G.
     f. If the hoses are being stretched, reposition the filter and/or inlet and outlet pipes to relieve the tension placed on the quick release block.
     g. Replace the motor housing and reconnect the hoses by gently pushing the quick release block back into place and pushing the lever down. Allow 3 minutes for the canister to fill with water then plug the unit back in.
     h. Monitor the unit carefully. If it begins to leak from the power cord pass-through hole again, unplug the filter, lift up on the quick release lever, and call the Tech Services line.

There is no water flow

1. Make sure the power cord is plugged in.
2. Make sure the filter is at least 24” (61cm) below the water level.
3. Make sure that the lever on the quick release block is fully in the down/closed position.
4. Make sure that the fill cap used in the initial set-up is on tight and that all parts are properly fitted.
5. Make sure that the hoses are not kinked.
6. Make sure that the hoses are not clogged.
7. Make sure that the strainer is not clogged.
8. If steps 1 – 7 check out and there is still no water flow.
     a. Unplug the power chord from the electrical outlet.
     b. Release the hoses by lifting up the quick release valve lever and pulling up gently on the valve block
     c. Remove the blue motor housing and empty the water from the canister. You may want to remove the motor housing over a sink so as not to spill any water on the floor.
     d. Flip the motor housing over.
     e. Remove the impeller cover by turning it counter clockwise.
     f. Remove the impeller and inspect it for damage, making sure that the magnet is not cracked. If it is damaged call the Tech Services line to find out how to obtain a replacement.
     g. Inspect the impeller shaft for cracks or uneven wear. If it is damaged call Tech Services.
     h. Inspect the opening that the impeller sits in for a build-up of sludge or debris that may prevent it from turning properly. If it is dirty, clean it out before replacing the impeller.
     i. Carefully put the shaft and impeller back in place and replace the impeller cover.
     j. Make sure that the gasket, which sits in the circular groove on the bottom of the motor housing is in place. NOTE: This gasket is not a continuous circle and may have a small gap. This is OK.
     k. While you have the filter open, check to make sure that your filter media is not clogged. Sponges may need to be thoroughly rinsed and the Micro-Filtration pad may need to be replaced.
     l. Make sure that you have removed the plastic bags from any filter media that comes wrapped in plastic.
     m. Check the media baskets to make sure they are straight and properly stacked.
     n. Make sure the raised circle on the top plate is facing up.
     o. Replace the motor housing and clamp it back in place.
     p. Reconnect the hoses by gently pushing the quick release block back into place and pushing the lever down.
     q. Allow 3 minutes for the canister to fill back up.
     r. Plug the power cord back in. If at this time the filter is still not pumping, call the Tech Services line.

There is slow or reduced water flow

Start with Step 2 under the No Water Flow section.

AIR HAS ENTERED THE FILTER
1. Check to make sure that all four clamps are properly closed.
If they are, go on to step 2.
2. Make sure that the fill cap used in the initial set-up is on tight and that all inlet and outlet parts are properly fitted.
3. Make sure the hoses are pushed onto the inlet and outlet pipes 4” (10 cm)
4. Make sure that the hose safety clamps are in place and securely fitted.
5. Make sure that no air stone or bubbling ornaments are located in the aquarium below or near the inlet pipe strainer.
6. Unplug the filter for two minutes, then plug it back in. While the filter is unplugged check the main seal for water leakage. If it leaks, go to the FILSTAR LEAKS FROM MAIN SEAL section of the guide and start with step 2.

The filter is producing fine bubbles in the aquarium

1. Make sure the spray bar is below the surface of the water. 2. Adjust the flow adjustment knob slowly until the bubbles disappear.

How do I reduce water hardness?

1. Unplug the power chord from the electrical outlet and wait two minutes.
     a. Plug the filter back in. If it is still noisy go on to step 2.
2. Check for a damaged impeller or impeller shaft.
     a. Unplug the power chord from the electrical outlet.
     b. Release the hoses by lifting up the quick release valve lever and pulling up gently on the valve block
     c. Remove the blue motor housing and empty the water out of the canister. You may want to remove the motor housing over a sink so as not to spill any water on the floor.
     d. Flip the motor housing over.
     e. Remove the impeller cover by turning it counter clockwise.
     f. Remove the impeller and inspect it for damage, making sure that the magnet is not cracked. If it is damaged, call the Tech Services line to find out how to obtain a replacement.
     g. Inspect the impeller shaft for cracks or uneven wear. If it is damaged, call our Tech Services.
     h. Inspect the opening that the impeller sits in for a build-up of sludge or debris that may prevent it from turning properly. If it is dirty, clean it out before replacing the impeller.
     i. Carefully put the shaft and impeller back in place and replace the impeller cover.
     j. While you have the filter open, check to make sure that your filter media is not clogged. Sponges may need to be thoroughly rinsed and the Micro-Filtration pad may need to be replaced.
     k. Check the media baskets to make sure they are straight and properly stacked.
     l. Make sure the raised circle on the top plate is facing up.
     m. Replace the motor housing and clamp it back in place.
     n. Reconnect the hoses by gently pushing the quick release block back into place and pushing the lever down.
     o. Allow two minutes for the canister to fill back up.
     p. Plug the power cord back in. If the filter is still noisy go on to the next step.
3. Follow the procedures under AIR HAS ENTERED THE FILTER.

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