Filter replacement suggestions.

[LadyMac]

I’ve thought of (and actually created a posting ) putting this in the looking for forum but, I thought it best to go here since I don’t have cash on hand.

Anyhow, a couple days ago my Eheim 2215 started to mess up on me. It lost its priming due to my stupidity and it’s been acting off ever since. It took me the better part of the day to get it going again, and since, I can’t restrict the flow without it causing the motor to rattle. (Too much flow stresses the fish) It also has sporadic flow, it’ll work well but then slow down some off and on during the day. I’ve checked the impeller, and it seems fine. I took the top off and got to the motor housing but.... you can’t get to the actual motor bits.

I am looking for either a new 2215 motor head, or suggestions. The tank it’s on is my half filled 29 freshwater tank. It houses only two fish, but water quality is important for them since they are a spawning pair. I have $25.00 on Amazon. I don’t have prime. So if anyone has any ideas of what I can get for that, or if someone has something and doesn’t mind me trying to get an art commission completed, I’d much appreciate it. I’m unable to do any water changes on this tank at this time, due to the water level, setup, ect.

Here is the tank in question, the angry pair and the innards of an Eheim canister filter.

 

[LC8Sumi]

I’d contact Eheim, maybe they have an idea how to sort it. Also: your tank looks great, good job!

 

[LadyMac]

Thank you!
Eheim would tell me to just replace the filter, since it is out of warranty. I bought it at a Bargain Hunt store, meaning it was a risk when purchased. I paid less than $20.00 for it at the time so I can’t really complain that it lasted as long as it did.

 

[WVNed]

How do you normally prime it?

My guess is there is air trapped in it somewhere. Because you are using it on a tank only 1/3 full it is having to lift the water quite a bit to get going. Is there a difference in height between the inlet and outlet in the tank?

 

[LadyMac]

Usually I do a gravity prime. I will pull the outflow pipe down and hang it into a bucket. This allows all the air to exit when it’s turned on. This time I actually sucked on the hose to get it started. I also had it unplug it and plug it back up to get the motor to actually turn the impeller.

 

[sharpimage]

maybe try running it in a bucket of vinegar. might knock some build up off.

 

[WVNed]

The problem with a canister is if there is an air bubble inside the pump the impeller is turning. It just doesn't move any water.
If you are restricting the output you are also limiting it's ability to push air bubbles out.
I am not sure with your tank if you can see the outlet to tell if air is still coming out.
I would fill a bucket with water and set the filter up on it and get it going and see if it works. The way you are using it is a special case that would make it extra hard to get all the air out.
Once it is going if it noisy that is also probably air. Rock the filter back and forth rather hard at the pump and it will come out.
A typical canister filter is made to lift water just a few inches to get going. That noise you hear means it is trying. Until you get all the air out it yours has to lift it several inches. Once it is going it only cares about the difference in height between the inlet and outlet which is usually zero since both are under the water.

 

[LadyMac]

Yep, I’ve rocked it rather hard.
This filter was a replacement for a 2213, which had run on this tank for years before moving this filter onto it. The hiding that was in the 2213 was added to the 2215, via the quick disconnects. When I start it up I’ve always started full blast and turned the outflow down, never the intake. The way the Eheim classics are set up, the intake goes through the bottom and out the top. I can see the tubing easily since it’s a small tank and no background on it. There is no air in there, and shaking it will cause the magnet to stop moving, and a loud knocking inside. Nothing like when air is trapped.

 

[WVNed]

It appears you can get parts here. I would start with an impeller, shaft and bushings. There are no parts in the motor block. Its just a wire winding. It either works or it doesnt.
https://eheimsupport.com/canister-f...m-classic-350-2215-canister-filter-parts.html
It kind of sounds like your bushings are worn out.
The internet where you can chat all day and accomplish nothing.

 

[SDK]

I tried one of the inexpensive Sun Sun canister filters as an emergency replacement and it turned out to be a great filter. It went from temporary to permanent and ran flawlessly for two years before I dismantled the tank.

They are about as inexpensive as canister filters get, and available on Amazon.

I would recommend not spending too much on Ehiem replacement parts. They were the gold standard for decades, but lately have been disappointing. The Sun Sun was a replacement for a newer Ehiem filter that I was having nothing but problems with...

 

[WVNed]

The old problem of fixing something old that does exactly what you want or spending on something new that may not.
I am not familiar with Eheim canister filters. I never owned one.

 

[LadyMac]

I tried one of the inexpensive Sun Sun canister filters as an emergency replacement and it turned out to be a great filter. It went from temporary to permanent and ran flawlessly for two years before I dismantled the tank.

They are about as inexpensive as canister filters get, and available on Amazon.

I would recommend not spending too much on Ehiem replacement parts. They were the gold standard for decades, but lately have been disappointing. The Sun Sun was a replacement for a newer Ehiem filter that I was having nothing but problems with...

Sunsun filters are good, but I’m not sure I want to go with another canister. They are great but very heavy. I had Eheim because they tend to have needed less maintenance in the past saving my hands. However.... I miss my little classic 2222s.

I’m thinking of maybe a mattenfilter style but that would call for a complete shut down and redo of the entire tank. I’ve also thought of looking for an internal sump style like what’s in AIO setups. Or maybe just a powerhead with a hose to create the waterfall.

 

[SDK]

I thought you wanted another canister filter. An internal filter is an even easier buy on Amazon and they are perfect for partially filled aquariums.

Here is a model I have personally used on a paludarium, and is within your budget