GEX S Hang On Filter loud rattling sound

[gumball]

Hi Guys, I just purchased my new GEX hang on filter (S) for my tank, i hooked everything up, turn it on. I read reviews that it's very quiet, however when I turned it on, there's a loud rattling sound. It sounds like it's coming from the motor area. Does anyone know why that is?

[alvinchan80]

That rattling sound should be coming from the HOF cover.. You find something to hold it down and you won't hear the sound again.. Or simply just put your finger in the lid and you won't hear it already, so rectify the problem from there..

[gumball]

it's not the cover, I do not have the cover on at the moment. I also checked that it's not the vibration cause when I held the filter up and not touching the tank, the rattling sound is still present.

[gumball]

okay, I just played with the water flow control., when it's all the way to the right (least water) the rattling is quite serious. I turned it all the way to the maximum, less rattling but still present. ideas?

[tryo]

I have the same filter and was having the same problem. I found out the problem was at the water flow control valve as air was going in from there making the motor rattling with lots of noise. I push hard making sure there is no air leak in and the noise went away. Do try it.

[gumball]

I think you're right. When i turned it to the right (less water) there seems to be a lot of bubbles. i tried pushing it in, but it doesnt seem to work. I'm so disappointed.

[gumball]

I think my fishes can live with maximum flow.. doesnt seem to have bubbles inside anymore, but still rattling sound. tried adjusting the little knob at the bottom to balance also, does not seem to help. Should I return this and get another HOF?

[alvinchan80]

Mine previously was the cover.. Other then that it was pretty silent..

Not using that anymore.. So can't advise..

[gumball]

lucky you

[Bieffe]

Fill with more water made my cheapo HOF more silent. Also try to remove the flow control and refix. The contact points between filter and tank can place some foam or rubber to insulate? The usual packing material when you get new tank etc.

One more thing try to re sit the part connecting to the impeller. Sometimes not seated properly also gives noise problem. Furval C2?

If want silent I think internal filter works best.

[felix_fx2]

Can check if restricting the flow from the intake will help.
The sound rattling from impeller or movable parts like the lid.

If sound is from the impeller part, during operation. Take a look if it isfrom the blades touching and scratching the base. My old gex hof had that problem, only self resolved when I reseated the rubber thingy that held the impeller inside the hof.

FYI, same thing actually applies to canister if the impeller is not in proper alignment.

[gumball]

How can I check if the blade is touching or scratching the base? Do I remove the pipe that is connected to the impeller and turn the power on?

[Bieffe]

How can I check if the blade is touching or scratching the base? Do I remove the pipe that is connected to the impeller and turn the power on?

Dry run short while is ok. But before doing that, check with a torch if inside impeller area any debries like stones? Shake the impeller with finger is it smooth, axle not too wobbly? check gasket, seated ok? Then check the matching part that sits onto the impeller. Any extra plastic that was finished properly? If all ok, prime it again and re-start with cover also. Sometime covered is quieter.
Still no good? Bring go back c328 ask auntie test test for you.

[gumball]

okay thanks guys, I'll try that when I get home tonight.

[felix_fx2]

How can I check if the blade is touching or scratching the base? Do I remove the pipe that is connected to the impeller and turn the power on?

Run without the media and use light shine in.
I recall the pipe section is translucent, if you remove nothing holding it in place.

If you remove the pipe and impeller, Look at signs. Abrasion marks.
It is a pretty new one. So should not have alot.

Running without water not advised. If your impeller blade bend not sure still can exchange anot.

[felix_fx2]

Dry run short while is ok. But before doing that, check with a torch if inside impeller area any debries like stones? Shake the impeller with finger is it smooth, axle not too wobbly? check gasket, seated ok? Then check the matching part that sits onto the impeller. Any extra plastic that was finished properly? If all ok, prime it again and re-start with cover also. Sometime covered is quieter.
Still no good? Bring go back c328 ask auntie test test for you.

Put some water, Not totally no water.
Someone had his impeller broke when he tried turning his canister on to test for a while.

Ps: the short while, must be really short IMHO.

[gumball]

okay! so I removed the pipe, put in the propeller topped up with water and turned it on. wow! it was silent! just the hum of the motor. I took out the valve control also as suggested, and put it back. Put the pipe back into the motor. slightly noisier, still sounds like something is rattling inside (compared to when it was without pipe) but I guess that's normal? First time I'm using a HOF. Should I record and post it up? I'm just afraid that when i'm not at home something goes wrong..

[gumball]

okay, so after more testing, I realized that when i fully insert the pipe into the connector that houses the impeller, the rattling comes back, however if I do not fully insert the pipe but leave it hanging above the connector, it becomes silent. any ideas?

[felix_fx2]

Sounds to me like QC issue.
Moulded parts not so "zhun" then it might cause Mis-alignment.

My experience with the older gex was pretty good. But similar to yours have some noise when set to lowest flowrate have some noise. But mine always was nearly max.

[gumball]

I see, I uploaded a video here, gotta turn it up a bit to hear the rattling. This is at maximum flowrate. Is this type of rattling sound normal?