Finding a mysterious leak in filter...

le0p · 01-28-2013, 02:50 PM

I have noticed recently that there's a small leak in my filter cabinet. It's not leaking a lot but there's a small puddle in the cabinet every few days. When I feel around the filter and the diy bio filter, I can't feel any moisture on either.

I feel like it should be coming out of the bio filter because it's made out of a house filter and being a DIY job, I just figure it's a mistake somewhere on my part. The thing is, the setup has been running for 6 months without a problem. I've only noticed it in the past week.

But, before I tear everything down, does anyone have an idea of how I can isolate the problem?

**Sugardaddy1979** · 01-28-2013, 03:10 PM

Can you detail the exact setup? Pics would help too or a diagram. What equipment are you using?

le0p · 01-28-2013, 05:15 PM

Here's a pic of the setup. The water pools underneath the DIY filter but it's an old cabinet and the bottom is a little bowed downwards right there, so it could be coming from anywhere.

The filter is a Fluval 206, the output goes into a house filter with an airpump injected through a T in the PVC, and then to the tank. I haven't noticed any decrease in flow or any other problems.. I think it's probably a leaking a small amount at a time, but I haven't been able to find it.

lochaber · 01-28-2013, 09:19 PM

Well, I'd at least try and get the power strip off the bottom.

Maybe try wrapping pieces of papertowel/tissue around the various joints, that should help make it easier to see if a leak is coming from a specific place.

le0p · 01-28-2013, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lochaber

Well, I'd at least try and get the power strip off the bottom.

Maybe try wrapping pieces of papertowel/tissue around the various joints, that should help make it easier to see if a leak is coming from a specific place.

Yeah, that picture is a little old. The first puddle I saw was after a water change and I thought I dripped some water down there while filling the tank, the second time I noticed it, I moved the power strip.

I'll do that, thanks, I didn't think of doing that for some reason!

le0p · 01-31-2013, 03:15 PM

Figured this out. It's happening during water changes or any time I turn the power off to the filters.

This is what I figure:

The DIY bio filter holds alot of pressure due to the air pump injecting into the system, when this pressure isn't being removed through water movement taking out some constantly, it's leaking slowly. If I use the pressure release after turning off the power, it doesn't leak.

Thanks for the help!

lochaber · 01-31-2013, 07:18 PM

Glad to hear that, sounds like about the best possible outcome, since you don't have to replace or repair anything.

01-28-2013, 02:50 PM	#1
le0p Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (4/100%) Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Pottstown, PA Posts: 232	Finding a mysterious leak in filter... I have noticed recently that there's a small leak in my filter cabinet. It's not leaking a lot but there's a small puddle in the cabinet every few days. When I feel around the filter and the diy bio filter, I can't feel any moisture on either. I feel like it should be coming out of the bio filter because it's made out of a house filter and being a DIY job, I just figure it's a mistake somewhere on my part. The thing is, the setup has been running for 6 months without a problem. I've only noticed it in the past week. But, before I tear everything down, does anyone have an idea of how I can isolate the problem? __________________ 5 gallon CHI (Thread) 40 Breeder (Thread) 20 High (Thread)

01-28-2013, 03:10 PM	#2
Sugardaddy1979 Sic em (View User Tanks) PTrader: (11/100%) Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Athens, GA Posts: 632	Can you detail the exact setup? Pics would help too or a diagram. What equipment are you using? __________________ Sunsun Pimp Club Member #068

01-28-2013, 05:15 PM	#3
le0p Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (4/100%) Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Pottstown, PA Posts: 232	Here's a pic of the setup. The water pools underneath the DIY filter but it's an old cabinet and the bottom is a little bowed downwards right there, so it could be coming from anywhere. The filter is a Fluval 206, the output goes into a house filter with an airpump injected through a T in the PVC, and then to the tank. I haven't noticed any decrease in flow or any other problems.. I think it's probably a leaking a small amount at a time, but I haven't been able to find it. Attached Thumbnails __________________ 5 gallon CHI (Thread) 40 Breeder (Thread) 20 High (Thread)

01-31-2013, 03:15 PM	#6
le0p Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (4/100%) Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Pottstown, PA Posts: 232	Figured this out. It's happening during water changes or any time I turn the power off to the filters. This is what I figure: The DIY bio filter holds alot of pressure due to the air pump injecting into the system, when this pressure isn't being removed through water movement taking out some constantly, it's leaking slowly. If I use the pressure release after turning off the power, it doesn't leak. Thanks for the help! __________________ 5 gallon CHI (Thread) 40 Breeder (Thread) 20 High (Thread)

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01-28-2013, 09:19 PM	#4
lochaber Planted Tank Enthusiast (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Oakland, CA Posts: 742	Well, I'd at least try and get the power strip off the bottom. Maybe try wrapping pieces of papertowel/tissue around the various joints, that should help make it easier to see if a leak is coming from a specific place.

01-31-2013, 07:18 PM	#7
lochaber Planted Tank Enthusiast (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Oakland, CA Posts: 742	Glad to hear that, sounds like about the best possible outcome, since you don't have to replace or repair anything.