URGENT: Need help re-starting Fluval 404

[Stussi613]

I took my filter down today to give someone some of my media and to do a regular maintenance and I can't get it to start again.  Cleaned the impeller and put it back together...lots of water in it, good seal...tested the motor quickly off the filter to make sure the impeller is spinning...can't get it to start.  Any advice anyone has would be GREATLY appreciated.

[sdivell]

Are you sure there is water in the feed line?  if there is an air pocket in that you wont be able to start a syphon from the tank

[Stussi613]

I'm pretty sure there is no way that air could have gotten into it, but I'll go and double check.

[Stussi613]

I got it going, turns out the seal on the motor housing was wet and not creating suction.  I've read that these seals can be troublesome, but since the filter was only started for the first time in April (brand new seal out of the bag) I didn't think it would be old enough to cause grief.

Disaster averted.

[JD]

I realize it's fixed already but...my old 404 was a sob to get restarted. It was always air. I just turned it on and flipped it upside down to get it to start. Everything has little tricks to them!

[jimskoi]

Some people will lub the seal with vaseline(spelling).
Also,when you start it,tip it to the side so that the output is up.If there is air in it.It will be pushed out quicker.

[JD]

Petroleum based lube probably isn't the best thing to use in an aquarium.
Not sure what is though. Just the thought of oily stuff in the tank makes me wonder.

[beertech]

You can get non toxic plumber's lube at most hardware stores.

[jimskoi]

This is a quote from American aquarium Products

*Lubrication of the receiving hose barb or other connection is essential. I prefer/recommend silicone lubricant as it also makes and excellent water seal, however vasoline (petroleum jelly) can also work in a pinch.

Here is another one.

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f14/vasoline-on-o-rings-in-a-marine-tank-79867.html

[GrahamWebb]

I just picked up a Fluval 403 and have been cleaning it, I was just going to buy a few missing parts from the LAS and then I was going to start her up...what's all this talk about lube?
What parts do I have to lube?  anyone...anyone...

[jimskoi]

You dont have to lube anything.I have never done that in all the 15+ years I have been into fish.
If its an old unit.sometimes the rubber gasket looses some of its sealing capability.Lubing it works.

[gerryo]

On both of my fluvals there is a self priming feature.  Just pump this up and down a few times and all air will be exhausted and the pump can then pump water instead.  Read your instruction book.