Leakage problem with Ehiem Professionel 2

[geejay]

Hi guys,

I am using the above mentioned external filter for the last 2 years. Lately, my house power supply tripped cos of ligthning, and to my surprise, the bottom of my fish tank was totally flooded. Located the leak to the seating of the powerhead to the filter box. Why should it leak when the power is off?. When it is running no leak.

I hope somebody can enlighten me.

Thanks

Cheers

[juggler]

I also encountered that before. I think the big O-ring is wearing out. Need to change.

When power is out, it leaks because the pressure is greater. When working, the pressure could be lesser and therefore did not leak. That's my guess/experience.

[avant]

yup..i used to have that problem when i switched off the power for cleaning..
getting the o-ring replaced should solve it

[geejay]

Thanks to Koah Fong & Avant for your help. I thought it was the rubber seal too, but mine does not have a rubber seal ( this is suppose to be square). Strange, could it have gone missing? (unlikely).

[BFG]

The rubber ring is located at the motor pump assembly of the canister filter. Over time, it could 'shrink' and went into the groove. It's kinda hard to take it out but I used a toothpick to pry it out.

[avant]

yup.. u should have the ring, and its square once u put it in although it is circular if u get it from the store.
if its really missing, then prob u will have to get a replacement.

[geejay]

Thanks BFG and Avant. Now I get it, looks like the seal has shrunk right into the groove.

Cheers, have a nice day.

[avant]

no probz! haa..good luck! and have a nice day to you too!

[geejay]

A big thank you to all for your help. Got my problem solved bought a new rubber seal from Lam Hong (lucky they have stock) - $24.

Cheers

[avant]

yup...the price is around there... it isn't cheap though it looks like an ordinary piece of rubber haa..

[ginaalan]

Hi,

Wanted to contribute to another altenative cheap solution.
Instead of replacing the rubber seal, you could add some padding (e.g. can make use of those left-over badminton/tennis grip - those type with adhesive tape), cut a small portion and paste it on the inner side of the 4 securing clips. In this way, the clips would exert a higher force when clamping down thereby compensating the 'shrunk' old seal. Be careful not to over-stuff the padding as not sure if the clips may give way.

[BFG]

What if the rubber ring is soaked in hot water? Would the rubber expand just enough to be reused again? Geejay, still have the old rubber ring? You might want to try.

[ahkarboy]

Another method to revive the O ring is to use the plumber's teflon tape. Wind it round the old O ring for the entire lenght and viola, it works like new. All leaks sealed. Tried that many times on my old Fluval 403 and it never failed.

[Alfa Low]

You can get the Eheim O-ring lotion ( Or should we call it lubricant? ) for just S$3.20 to try it out, it works in my case.

[valice]

Actually, doon't need to use Eheim's o-ring lotion. Most hardware shops sells those grease lubricants. You probably can just ask the sales person in the hardware for them. Think will even be cheaper than $3.20.

[benetay]

We must also be aware that the grease should be of aquarium safety, even with mis-handling the grease will not affect the water quality and not kill your prize fishes.

[Nicky]

I know this is quite an old discussion but does anyone has the experience of using commerically available o-ring?

[coryfav]

I know this is quite an old discussion...

I didn't notice until you mentioned.

Anyway, BFG, I've put away the old o-rings somewhere. If you wanna try the soak-expand method, do let me know.

[BFG]

Coryfav, my 2 2026 has been offline for a few days as my dad has stopped using his fish tank. However, I will get some spares o-ring and the 2 smaller o-ring where the detachable hose adapter is. The 2 2026 will be reused for a new 4ft hopefully before August this year. For safety sake, it will be placed on a metal tray to catch the water IF there is a possible leak in the future. The current o-ring will still be used and if the filter still leak, will use it to try the soak-expand method. Thanks for your offer!

[vincentlii]

How long before the o ring needs replacement? Where to buy it? Lam Hong. where is this place?