GEX S Hang On Filter loud rattling sound

[tetrakid]

I have used many HOFs though the years, and all were running very quiet. Recently bought two new units of the bigger models but only for standy and have not used them yet.

I believe your problem is most likely due to some internal misalignment. It is a good idea to test the unit in a tall rimless container or a spare tank, and do all the adjustments to find the silent solution before putting it in the fish tank, as it will be easier to manipulate. Also make sure it is completely submerged and filled with water without any air pockets inside.

[gumball]

What do you mean by internal alignment? Frm what I observe there's only 1 way to fix the pipe and the impeller as everything seems to be molded to fit.

[felix_fx2]

What do you mean by internal alignment? Frm what I observe there's only 1 way to fix the pipe and the impeller as everything seems to be molded to fit.

He mean the moulding was off.
So even when fixed up correctly will still have sound.

[tetrakid]

Depending on the brand of HOF, some of them can have the impellor housing removable for cleaning, while some are permanently moulded. For those that are not removable, nothing can be done, since the alignment is done at factory. So for these, you just need to ensure that there are no residual air inside any part of the unit. But in my experience through the years, I have not had noisy HOFs, and mine were all off the shelf ordinary (made in China?) types.

PS. Although there's only one way to attach the parts together, if you find that a certain adjusted position will make the unit run silently and efficiently, you may leave it at that position as long as the water flow is good, which shows that the pump is working properly. You should also leave the flow setting at max, since the motor is always running at max rpm regardless of flow setting.

[gumball]

Hello so I meddled around with it and now it's at an acceptable noise level. Thanks everyone for their input! Another question, my filter seems to be quite dirty already. I bought a filter cause the shop didn't have the cartridges. Can I use that instead? It's some 2 dollar black color flat sponge thing.

[Bieffe]

I'm sure you can as cheapo filters also use these sponges. But maybe the original medium maybe more effective.

[altezza_87]

when i was using the GEX HOF, I just put some ceremic rings at the bottom and fill up the rest of the remaining space with filter wool. works well.

[gumball]

Do we have to change the ceramic rings? I'm not sure if I should buy so much if I only need some. I saw they seem to sell in big boxes.

[altezza_87]

don't change the ceramic rings, it is supposed to house beneficial bacteria. only change the filter wool.

[doppelbanddwarf]

I believe the sound might be trapped air bubbles. When I was using this HOF previously I remember sometimes have to on and off the power a few times, or adjust the flow rate high and low a few times in order to get the trapped air out of the pipe. This filter should run almost silently.

[gumball]

I believe the sound might be trapped air bubbles. When I was using this HOF previously I remember sometimes have to on and off the power a few times, or adjust the flow rate high and low a few times in order to get the trapped air out of the pipe. This filter should run almost silently.

Hi, unfortunately doesnt seem like it's air bubbles. I have to tilt and not fully insert the pipe into the mould that contains the impeller to reduce rattling. I suspect whether it could be insufficient water flow or turbulence in the pipe that causes the impeller to rattle. Cause if the pipe is removed or lifted high enough from the mould, the impeller seems to run quietly, but at a reduced flow rate.

[diazman]

I had the rattling issues with my old S filter. I always have air trapped in and i had to put the medium flow output, if i made it higher, air starts to chock the impeller.. Additionally, the impeller will rattle if I adjust the pipe too much. The filter is good... but the pipe issues is really bad

[gumball]

Any other recommendations for hang on filters? I like this cause it's got space to put the mediums, and it has the "waterfall" which I like the sound of. Simple to use too and price is reasonable.

[dam123355]

not normal

[diazman]

Any other recommendations for hang on filters? I like this cause it's got space to put the mediums, and it has the "waterfall" which I like the sound of. Simple to use too and price is reasonable.

So far the only one with waterfall feature is the GEX HOFs. I always go for Eheim HOF, initial cost a bit to on the high side but they work good, fill the tank to the brim and watch the filter work . Space is equally, if not almost as large as the GEX counterparts.

[Navanod]

I used to have this problem with the GEX M HOF as well.

A few thing I did that fixed it:

Top up the tank water so the filter doesn't have to suck as hard to get water up into it.
As suggested by a bro above, let the thing run until it seemed like all the air are out, then on and off it a few time until the noise stops. Yes, it sounds silly but it does work!
Make sure the filter is leveled (by using that small tab below to push against the tank).
Clean the impeller when all the above fails to work.

One of my friend though, claimed that after a few months, no matter what he does, the 3 GEX he had remained noisy no matter what he did. I didn't have this problem.

[AhVy]

I have this problem too! Just got the filter 3weeks back. GEX M - after running it on my small 6 gallon tank. I moved it to my 2ft tank and initially rattling was a little.
Now..its getting worse and worse. I did everythg as mentioned above..but it still is rattling loudly.
It's definately the impeller. But no matter what i do.. Adjust the flow, until thr is no air trapped..but doesn't work. So i conclude it is the make.

Anyone else got this problem?

Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2

[gumball]

Hi AhVy,

What I did in the end was that I detached the pipe away from the mold that houses the impeller. I put in the mold that houses the impeller, then I put the pipe in slowly without fully inserting the pipe into the mold, leaving gaps between the slits in the mold and the pipe to allow more water to enter. The water still flows, so I guess it still works. I suspect that insufficient water is entering the impeller housing causing turbulence. Try just leaving the impeller in without the pipe and topping it up with water and turning it on.

[doppelbanddwarf]

I used the M sized filter for roughly three years before it died on me. Noise was always minimal for me. I always get all the air out of the pipe by adjusting the flow rate from max to min and back a few times when I prime the filter after washing.

[felix_fx2]

Hi AhVy,

The flow control when adjusted have any effect? I do remember back when using hof, the vibrations when in operation were higher.

But not really audible, maybe it's just me. My 3 feet's fan make hell alot more noise then anything else for my tanks.

Maybe someone using a gex hof can try it out and revert?