Is it normal for canister filter top to feel warm ?

[tonyhow]

Am new with canister filter.

Just start using a 2nd hand Eheim 2226 canister filter and not sure about the feature as I have not use one before.

The filter is running fine, however, I always feels the round top of the filter where the propeller located is warm to touch. It can dry a damp cloth to bone dry within few hours.

Was much warmer earlier after 1 week of usage - almost hot to touch, I checked the setup and found the white filter media(compatible) is sucked up (partially) to the propeller compartment that it leave a depression of the propeller cover on the media.
I guess it is bcos I do not have the green lattice on top. So I put a plastic divider between it and the propeller which I think helps avoiding the media from being suck into the propeller thus reducing the heat.

It is still warm to touch and I guess it was the reason why my 2.5" tank is always around 30 degree and with a fan running 24hr only managed to bring to 29 degree never lower. Till I install a chiller which brings it down to 28 degree.


Question to all who are using canister filter out there :

1. It is normal for canister filter motor/propeller compartment to feel warm to touch ?

2. Without a chiller, what is your tank temperature with the canister filter?

3. It is true that canister filter will heat up the water as it is being used?

4. How come canister filter is not self cooling like other internal filter since it does contact with water all the time?

Thanks in advance for your response.
cheers

[stormhawk]

The canister filter's head will usually generate a small amount of heat but not to that extent you described. My 2222 and 2026 do not feel warm to touch.

About the lattice, you can get a replacement lattice from any of the shops selling Eheim spare parts. Check the Eheim website for the part number before you go down and get the lattice.

It does heat up the water a little but not too much. My 3ft tank's temperature without a chiller and using the 2026 is only 27 degC on most days. On very cool days the temperature can go all the way to 24 degC. And yes, the filter isn't that warm to touch.

[confusekid]

You are sure that the ehiem do not have air inside it. MAybe you can take it apart to check the propeller to make sure nothing is stuck in that area.

Jack

[jhansolo]

Just start using a 2nd hand Eheim 2226

Apply a little vaseline to the impeller, being 2nd hand it might just need a little lubrication. It is not normal for ehiem to be that warm.

[tonyhow]

Apply a little vaseline to the impeller, being 2nd hand it might just need a little lubrication. It is not normal for ehiem to be that warm.

Ya I realised it was bone dry when I remove it to check.

Can Vaseline like vicks vapourub be used or have to be those neutral petroleum ?

Any other lubrician I can used?

[tawauboy]

the motor area will be a little warm. all filters will warm the water a little but most heat will be lost to the surrounding. so the increase in temperature is negligible if there is ventilation.

there isn't a need to add any lubricant to the impeller shaft. water acts as a lubricant as well as a coolant.

[stormhawk]

Can Vaseline like vicks vapourub be used or have to be those neutral petroleum ?

DON'T use Vicks Vaporub! It contains some active ingredients that might wreak havoc in your tank. Use only the lubricant sold by Eheim or those safe and meant to be use in a fish tank.

[tonyhow]

ok, thanks all for the advise/response

With the input, I feel the slight warm on the top is reasonable so I will leave it as it is.

Going oversea 2moro for 4-6weeks.
Just hope the tank can hold/maintain till I am back.
Asking my daughter to on/off the lights & feed the fishes only. no CO2

keeping my finger cross.
cheers

[gummynut]

sorry.. off topic.. i understand that most of the equipment & accessories sold at the LFS do not carry the safety sticker, which i suppose all electrical appliances should have one. So how sure are we that these things would not cause us issues under normal usage since most of us let them run 24/7. sorry for being paranoid, but have seen some fire related incidents on the TV before Does branded items like ehiem have this sticker?