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  • Emperor 400 Filter Problem PLEASE HELP

    Hi everyone, I'm new and fresh out of the gate with a filter problem. A friend gave me their Emperor 400 Filter and wow I'm sick of the same problem over and over.

    Here is what is happening. Everytime it turns off or is slightly jostled while I'm cleaning the tank. The skewer that is attached to the inside fan becomes unseated and I loose suction. I can usually fiddle with it until it's back in prime it and get it restarted. However, it went of track on Tuesday and it hasn't come back up. I got an aquaruim full of fish that need that filter back up and running. If anyone has any ideas I would really appreciate it.
    Thank you
    NewAquaMom

  • #2
    Re: Emperor 400 Filter Problem PLEASE HELP

    Hmmm....

    Skewer I am guessing means the impeller rod and fan being impeller?

    I don't see how it would cause any problems if it became unseated....the only thing that would cause you to lose siphon is the intake tube or u-tube being moved upwards or the water level in the tank falling below the bottom on the intake tube at the strainer.

    Have you tried cleaning the filter out? Maybe there is something in there not allowing it to fully seat or the impeller is worn so it requires a helping hand to get started? Usually with Hang On Back filters if the siphon is lost all you have to do is fill the tank back up with water and then fill the filter itself with water and plug it in.



    Welcome to the Box!
    700g Mini-Monster tank

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    • #3
      Re: Emperor 400 Filter Problem PLEASE HELP

      The key is knowing how the emperor works. If it is a new model, there is a housing where the impeller is stationed and onto  that housing sits the water intake tube.

      First thing I would do, unplug the filter.
      Second, remove the the intake tube, take a flashlight, and observe the inside of the filter, see if the impeller looks like it is sitting properly in it's housing or if it is "cocked" or "tilted" at an angle, the yellow impeller should be the only thing you are able to see. If you pull the spray bars, the two long tubes that spray the water onto the bio wheels, if you pull them out from the impeller housing, you would then be able to remove the entire impeller housing to verify it is not damaged in some way.  

      There's not really a whole lot involved with the impeller housing and or assembly, it is fairly straight forward and simple to clean and replace.

      If you are satisified that the impeller system is intact and in good condition, then replace the impeller housing, the spray bars, and the intake tube and plug the unti back it. You will need to prime it, by pouring water into the filter cartridge bays to the top. You may want to fill them before pluggin the filter back in.

      But as along as the impeller is intake and the housing is mounted proplerly, the unit will run with minimal noise.  I personally liike and use the emeror filters and consider them to be very effecient filters for the money.

      The emperor can be modified to replace the discardable cartridge with more efficient filter media that can be cleaned and reused. For more on this, pm me if you are really interested.

      CF

      NOTE: the emperor impeller will not always be yellow, they are now grey or black for the most part.
      Truth is the cement that holds the bricks and stones of a sane and civilized society together. Remove the former and the latter will crumble.

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      • #4
        Re: Emperor 400 Filter Problem PLEASE HELP

        Does anyone know of a fish shop in town I could take this to and see if anything is broken or needs something replaced? I know this sounds absurd, I just feel I don't have a lot of time left for my fish. And I've already spent hours trying to sort this out. I realize I'm doing something back assward and it's a minor thing. But I'm totally at a loss. I've done all recommended except buy replacements and that is only because I want to try everything before buying something that might not need replacing.

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        • #5
          Re: Emperor 400 Filter Problem PLEASE HELP

          Update your profile to reflect location.

          There are tons of LFS around town but finding one close to you would probably be best.
          700g Mini-Monster tank

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          • #6
            Re: Emperor 400 Filter Problem PLEASE HELP

            Where in NW Houston? Maybe a Fishboxer can help?

            I am in NW Houston. I use two 400's on the back of my 150g. I have to say I am a bit confused as to how the impeller shaft can come out of its mounts unless there is something blocking the socket where the little black bushing sits. BTW I am not sure if anyone else does the same thing but I often take the impeller housing out and clean it out, and I clean out my spray bars every two months. I use the "right size" slip in media, but also I use other media holders too.
            Russ



            My other hobby?Vroom![b]

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            • #7
              Re: Emperor 400 Filter Problem PLEASE HELP

              Originally posted by RussGB";p="
              I have to say I am a bit confused as to how the impeller shaft can come out of its mounts unless there is something blocking the socket where the little black bushing sits.
              Same here.
              700g Mini-Monster tank

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              • #8
                Re: Emperor 400 Filter Problem PLEASE HELP

                I also have a couple of Emperor 400's.  Before it stops working for you, does it make any noise?  Do you hear any grinding or abnormal sounds?  These filters are really great and I would hate for you to lose faith in them.

                I would be happy to look at it for you, but I live in Sugarland... :?

                I wonder if Mike would mind taking a look at it?  Mike!!  You around??

                Mike's Tropical Fish and Pets
                14203 Stuebner Airline
                Houston, TX 77069
                Ph. 281-586-8787

                Store Hours:
                Sun 12pm-5pm
                Mon- CLOSED
                Tues-Sat 10am-7pm
                Our Fishhouse
                Sleep: A completely inadequate substitute for caffeine.

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                • #9
                  Re: Emperor 400 Filter Problem PLEASE HELP

                  I have the walmart version and mine is starting to make a TON of noise... what is the problem with it ?
                  It stopped and cleaned it out.  now its still making a ton of noise and I am starting to think its time to replace it with something better.. thinking about getting a Aquaclear 110 in there to replace it

                  What fish do Jesper have
                  180 WC T. Moorii Chilambo +1 Petro trewavasae.
                  110
                  Cyps, WC Xeno Spilopterus Kipili WC/F1/F2 T. sp red Kiku
                  58 S. Decorus

                  "The problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money." -Margaret Thatcher

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                  • #10
                    Re: Emperor 400 Filter Problem PLEASE HELP

                    I always equate a ton of noise with a chewed up impeller.
                    Our Fishhouse
                    Sleep: A completely inadequate substitute for caffeine.

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                    • #11
                      Re: Emperor 400 Filter Problem PLEASE HELP

                      The impeller is the ONLY moving part in just about any filtration system.

                      CF
                      Truth is the cement that holds the bricks and stones of a sane and civilized society together. Remove the former and the latter will crumble.

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: Emperor 400 Filter Problem PLEASE HELP

                        I'm @ Jones and 290 and any help today would be so helpful just PM me. Thanx everybody!

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                        • #13
                          Re: Emperor 400 Filter Problem PLEASE HELP

                          You Welcome AquaMom, and yes yes...welcome to tbe box.

                          CF
                          Truth is the cement that holds the bricks and stones of a sane and civilized society together. Remove the former and the latter will crumble.

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Re: Emperor 400 Filter Problem PLEASE HELP

                            Yes Boss, I'm right here.

                            AquaMom, I'll be glad to fiddle with it for you, just bring it by and I will see what I can do.


                            Regards

                            Mike
                            Resident BUM !!!

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                            • #15
                              Re: Emperor 400 Filter Problem PLEASE HELP

                              If you can't make it to Mike's I can take a look Saturday. I will be at my other job Jones and Cypress N Houston. (actually half way bewtween Jones and Eldridge on Cypress N Houston at Scale Auto Racing 281 807 4026). So I am really close. I may have a sapre impeller around somewhere. I'll take it to the shop with me.

                              My 400's make noise if somehow a piece of sand or gravel get caught up. They realy rattle and grind.
                              Russ



                              My other hobby?Vroom![b]

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