Dead Filter

[JLovesBettas]

So I was running back and forth from my room and when I come in again I realize my filter had stopped. The filter had drained all the water from it and it was trying to run without any water. So I filled it up and found that the tube wasn't totally in so I pushed it in and it wouldn't start. I unplugged it and plugged it back in and it would not start. The past week it has been making this sputtering noise like it is trying really hard to get water up. I didn't think anything of it until now. I tried again this morning and nothing. What would be great is any tips on fixing it. But I doubt there is anything I could do to revive it, so what do I do now? How do I go about putting in a new filter, and what do I do until I can get a new filter? Help is most appreciated.

[ChicagoPete]

Did you try taking out the tube then giggle up and down and spin the fan blade a few times? The blade sometimes can get calcium buildup and get stuck.

[Oldfishlady]

When I have filters that stop...I tear them apart to get to the impeller area..sometimes this can be bound up by something....a snail, gravel, hair, plant material....anything......
You have to be careful and not let them run dry...this can burn them up

If you still have the owner manual I would look through the trouble shooting area...if you don't have it you can usually find information on it on their website and with some you can even get replacement parts

When I tear them apart to work on them I will give them a good cleaning with vinegar for any mineral deposit buildup

I work on mine all the time and some I have had for over 20 years and still work the same as when I got them.....

[JLovesBettas]

Okay well I got down to the impeller and there was nothing there. I am pretty sure it just burnt out because there wasn't any water in it. I will try to find the trouble shooting instructions. But I am wondering how I should go about switching the filter is there a certain way that can help keep most of the cycle bacteria?

[JLovesBettas]

Anyone?

[Oldfishlady]

With a new filter-cut the sponge part off the old filter media and add to the new filter media if this is a different type of filter...if the same type of filter just use the old filter media with the beneficial bacteria....however, if the filter media has been without oxygenated water for over 6 hours the beneficial bacteria is most likely dead and you will have to start over...if this is a mature tank....it shouldn't take more than a week or so the get a good colony on the filter media....