Deteriorated flowrate on Eheim 2226

[TES]

Hi Guys,

A couple of mths ago, I noticed that the flowrate of my 3yr old eheim 2226 has slowed down substantially and despite having cleaned the filter & impeller chamber there is still no improvement. I'm suspecting that the impeller may have reach it's life span but as U know, eheim part are quite ex., hence I would like to check if anyone had experience the similar problem and eventually resolved by replacing a new impeller. Also, how much does it cost ?

Thanks a zillion.

[vinz]

Replacing the impeller may or may not solve the problem... the other possibility is that the motor (or whatever that drives the impeller is called) is worn out too.

[TES]

Vinz,

That's what I'm worried. I believe the impeller is not cheap & I dun want to get stuck with such an exp. part if in the end it's not the cause. That's why I'm requesting for feedback b4 I proceed. Plse plse plse give me some advise & suggestions.

[ntim]

hey, i just got the problem. I was deciding whether to get the impeller,the part cost about $26.00.

[PeterGwee]

Is any of the impeller legs broken? If not the problem could well be the motor itself. Last resort, try cleaning the tubings that connect the whole system....flushing with the tap helps alot...give it a try. []

[David]

Hi TES

while you are cleaning the filter, did you look at the magnetic part of the impeller....if its gone silver or have alot of scratches on it, it maybe worth trying the impeller replacement.

[toledosun]

hey, I've the same problem with my eheim but mine's the small model (2217) I believe. However, it's only 4 months old! Called Petmart and they told me to change the magnet ($1.

Would really like to know if the lifespan is so short!

[TES]

Thanks guys.

ntim, do let me know the outcome shld U decide to replace the impeller ok. Likewise, I keep U posted if I manage to resolve it.

Peter, the legs are ok & hose still quite clear/clean. Hopefully not the motor as repair charge at QH wld be quite costly. I'll rather buy a new one.

David, ok I'll double check on the magnetic part.

Cheers.

[vinz]

Toledo Sun,

4mths... should be under warranty still. Don't ask me how to claim though. Eheims should last longer... just your luck.

[TES]

toledosun,

For your case, IMO, 4 mth is really too fast. U may wish to check whether there is any cloaking in the impeller chamber & hose. Replace the white filter pad if necessary. In any case, yours shld still be under warranty so I think U can still bring it back to the lfs and ask them to check if it's serious.

[toledosun]

that's what I thought. When I called Petmart, they said under warranty but it'll still cost me $18 to replace magnet!

Initially, I thought it was clogging and I've flushed the impeller with water (both ways) but the flow is still the same. My tubes clear for sure as well.

Guess I'll try and find the distributor and see what they say.

[ntim]

hi, i think i will do a thorough check on the parts again. Well, the impeller is ok and everything is intact. Can feel the motor that drives the impeller is abit warm than usual. May have to dismantle the motor for a check, the motor looks alright to me though. All other parts have been cleaned and inspected so will do a final check,may resolve to new impeller if it fails again. $26.00 is not cheap for a small gadget like this, still do not know whether it will work. Sign..... Will keep you posted for any outcome.

[ntim]

Your impeller may be dirty, try to clean it. Eheim products can last you for life. Bring the eheim to petmart, it's under warranty. You should not fork out any money should it be due to manufacturer's defect, remember it comes with warranty so make use of it.

[toledosun]

Thanks all. Found out that the cause was my own sloppiness. Failed to wash the tubes properly. All is well now

[willietan86]

does eheim sell the motor of every series n how much does it cost?

[hwchoy]

IME, a slow down in flowrate is invariable caused by algae built up in the tubings, especially in the u-tubes, flushing helps but best if you try to "pull through", use a soft wire to push into the tube (only the hard tubes) and tie a small piece of rag (not tissue!) at the end and pull the whole thing through the tube (SAF people know what I mean). For the flexible tubings I simply replace them, only $3 a metre, saves a lot of work and hassle.

[cbong]

Faced a similiar problem two years back. Qian Hu or Yi Hu (Aqua Eqpt Arm of Qian Hu)does the distribution and servicing for Eheim. You can bring the equipment in for servicing to determine if the motor or impeller is defective. Took me two days and had the impeller changed for $20+. They would be doing some mechanical testing. Can try...