[Saverio]

Anyone out there use a Fluval 404 in their planted tank? I just acquired one as part of a 125g setup on craigslist. I've got my hardscape set up and just filled the tank up with water today, to start cycling it.

One thing I'm noticing is that the filter outlet occasionally (like every few seconds), burps a fine mist of bubbles into the tank. No leaks in the canister assembly, so I'm wondering if this happens by design? Filter's run for a few hours now, so I'd think it would be done expelling any air trapped in it.

If this is the case, I might have to get a different filter, as this won't bode well for when I set up my pressurized CO2 and start planting... :icon_neut

 

[DiabloCanine]

Anyone out there use a Fluval 404 in their planted tank? I just acquired one as part of a 125g setup on craigslist. I've got my hardscape set up and just filled the tank up with water today, to start cycling it.

One thing I'm noticing is that the filter outlet occasionally (like every few seconds), burps a fine mist of bubbles into the tank. No leaks in the canister assembly, so I'm wondering if this happens by design? Filter's run for a few hours now, so I'd think it would be done expelling any air trapped in it.

If this is the case, I might have to get a different filter, as this won't bode well for when I set up my pressurized CO2 and start planting... :icon_neut

It is burping, can last for days until all the air is out. Shake the cannister and pump the siphon to purge it. If it continues to make air you have an inlet leak....DC

 

[Politely]

If it's not leaking, I wouldn't worry about it.

Mine burps air for two reasons:
1) after cleanings (filter not filled to top); and
2) because of gas intake, CO2 & O2 - pearling & water changes.

If it bothers you, just slowly tilt the cannister and the air will purge out faster.

 

[epicfish]

Is the Fluval 404 enough flow for a heavily planted 40 gal. breeder? Sorry for the hijack.

 

[Saverio]

Thanks for the replies. I ended up finding out where it was sucking air in. Like Diablo mentioned, it was in the suction line. Air was being sucked in at the union between the flexible suction tubing and the rigid tubing that holds the suction strainer.

What I ended up doing is push the tubing in farther and made sure that the union stays about 2" below the water line. No more burping, and the filter is much quieter now.

No need now to switch filters, and I can continue my grand scheme of planting, pressurized CO2, and ultimately; discus. :icon_mrgr