Is there an air source (air stone, air curtain or similar) in the tank near to the intake strainer? If so, move it away from the intake or remove it/turn it off completely.

Take the filter apart and check the main filter gasket seal ring and the ‘o’ rings where the intake hose connects to the filter. If any are dirty then clean and re-seat them (wet them first). If any are damaged you can order replacements through your local Hagen dealer.

If you have tried all this and nothing has worked the impeller may be damaged – check and clean it when you have the filter taken apart. It won’t be trying to spin backwards but it’s possible the shaft or fins could be damaged. A replacement can again be ordered through a Hagen dealer.

Your Fluval filter carries an industry leading 3 year manufacturers warranty so if it is genuinely defective it will be repaired or replaced. Try the above steps first though – 99 times out of 100 these will cure the problem.

One person suggested that the propeller is trying to spin backwards? If this is the case, how can i fix it?

If not, what else could it be?

I would hate to think that I spent over $200 on junk. My sister is looking into buying a canister filter – should I tell her to stay away from Fluval brand?

I have a Fluval 3G on a 150 Litre Aquarium working fantastically I would”t be without it! I’m looking for a replacement UV steriliser currently I have a separate FishRFun unit which has done me well, but I was hoping to purchase an Inline unit to go on the output of the 3G, do you have any recommendations as I couldn’t see a Fluval product!

Many thanks

I will admit though, I tend to keep more nano-appropriate fish like rasboras and dwarf rainbows as opposed to goldfish. I think it also helps in this small tank to include hearty live plants like java fern, swords, or anubias. Additionally, moss balls are a great deterrent for algae growth.

The filter included is designed to trap debris, and the carbon is to remove organics and heavy metals. The final stage is the biological media where the nitrifying bacteria are housed. It could be possible that you have a bacterial bloom, which is extremely common in new tanks. There is a product called Bio Clear, made by Nutrafin that may help rid the cloudiness.

Additionally, the gravel may produce dust if it wasn’t rinsed thoroughly before placing it in the aquarium. Clear Fast will help glue the particles together and catch them in the filter.

Did you follow the directions specifically on the Cycle, included with the tank? With the new formulation of Cycle, you need to add it over a span of 3 days. You could have a bacteria bloom if you added the entire bottle on day 1.