Leaking Eheim Pro II series? Does yours leak?

[Philtre]

From what I hear/ seen/ observed and what I have experienced with my my pro II, seems that after 2 years, this leaking problem is very apparent in the pro II series - i.e. when filter is off, or when you on the filter again after a maintenance.

I know someone would suggest a change of the filter head o-ring, but I really wonder if it's due to an old o-ring or is it a deficit/ fault/ flaw in the pro 2. Theoritically, if it's the o-ring, then why not a better one? If it is the latter ... then erm .... :dunnoe:

In all honesty, I don't see any problem with the Pro series (which is older than my Pro II) and the Pro II is supposed to be better than the Pro.

In any case, I was just wondering about your experience with your Pro II. Do you have similar problems?

Thanks!

[Callichthyidae]

I've leakiphobia that made me considered cutting down on my bigger setups so that I won't need to use ProIIs anymore.

Or maybe it's because I've too many ProIIs around, and when they take turns to leak...

[BFG]

My 2 ProII has a metal tray under it to catch any leak.

[Philtre]

I've leakiphobia that made me considered cutting down on my bigger setups so that I won't need to use ProIIs anymore.

Or maybe it's because I've too many ProIIs around, and when they take turns to leak...
My 2 ProII has a metal tray under it to catch any leak.
Came out from the shower after changing water for my tank, but only to step into a flood of water. Man, was I crossed .... :swear:

So that's three of us with leaking Pro IIs. From the polls, it's 3 out of 4 so far. I'm sure there are lots of people using eheim filters. How are your Professional II Series doing?

Does your Pro II series leak?
2026
2028

For reference: Pro Series
2222
2224
2226
2228
2227
2229

Please do share your feedback.

[Callichthyidae]

Now I've only half the number of ProIIs running, half the mental-stress during weekly water-changes. :yupyup:

My old Eccos are still serving me well, but they're only for smaller setups. :scratch:

[BFG]

What I notice is that after 2 years for my 2222, it leaked. But it was a 2nd hand one. The 2 Pro II had been shut off as my dad doesn't want to keep his fishes anymore. But I am planning to use them for a new 4ft planted tank sometime in the future. What I need to do with this 2 Pro II is to change both the large o-ring as well as the 2 small o-ring where the detachable hose adapter is. Both ProII will use the same metal tray as a precaution. Will get some spare o-ring too just in case.

Could it be due to constant opening and closing of the filter that the rubber ring has worn off?

[cloud79]

Could it be due to constant opening and closing of the filter that the rubber ring has worn off?

I dun think the rubber ring has worn out, i think it has harden.

This is what i experience, if you maintain your filter more, it will take longer time for your o-ring to harden. Once i did not maintain the filer, i start to see water stain at the side of my 2028. In this period of time, i on and off my filter as i change water in my tank. This is what i have observed but may not be applicable to others.

I remember talking to someone and he mentioned that the canister filter is pressurised and if you suddenly off it, the pressure built up in the filter increases and this causes water to leak out. Will check it out again with that person. :)

[Callichthyidae]

.. What I need to do with this 2 Pro II is to change both the large o-ring as well as the 2 small o-ring where the detachable hose adapter is. Both ProII will use the same metal tray as a precaution. Will get some spare o-ring too just in case.

Could it be due to constant opening and closing of the filter that the rubber ring has worn off?
If a canister has been left dry for awhile, it'll be a good idea to change the o-ring before you start using it again. But then, I've not had any experience of the need to change the smaller o-ring as the leaks I've seen from my canisters were not from the hose attachments. So I only keep a spare bigger o-ring in hand. As for the tray, it'll only be a precaution if I use one cos the leak that I've seen from a canister under my 4ft tank will need a pail instead. :D

OMG! Constant like how? I only switch on/off my canisters during the weekly water-changes. :scratch:

I dun think the rubber ring has worn out, i think it has harden.

This is what i experience, if you maintain your filter more, it will take longer time for your o-ring to harden. Once i did not maintain the filer, i start to see water stain at the side of my 2028. In this period of time, i on and off my filter as i change water in my tank. This is what i have observed but may not be applicable to others.

I remember talking to someone and he mentioned that the canister filter is pressurised and if you suddenly off it, the pressure built up in the filter increases and this causes water to leak out. Will check it out again with that person. :)
Harden as in the elasticity is gone?

Maintain more like how often? The norm is about 3 to 6 months? I don't understand how maintaining the canister (changing the filter wool and cleaning out the filter sponge and media) can help the o-ring, unless you talk about having to vaseline the o-ring. But how? Have to remove the o-ring (I'm not comfortable with doing that - constantly digging out the o-ring will definitely cause a :mixpotion) or just apply the vaseline over? It's not toxic to fish, huh? :stressed:

Eh... how to not 'sudden off it'? If one needs to switch off the canister, how to 'pre-warn'? Or do you mean switching off the canister after a long time? How long is long?

More guide from Eheim on this will be good, otherwise you guys will see me with a 4ft tank supported by 4 x 2235/6 from 4 corners! lol

[Philtre]

Could it be due to constant opening and closing of the filter that the rubber ring has worn off?
:scratch: hmmm ... but I only open the filter once every 6 months or more .... I don't open it during the weekly water change.
I dun think the rubber ring has worn out, i think it has harden.
That was my point, if the shelf life of the rubber ring is only what ... 2 years? That means there are no materials that would provide a longer shelf life?

This is what i experience, if you maintain your filter more, it will take longer time for your o-ring to harden.
Somehow, I agree with Fav. When you maintain your filter more - with that I suppose you're talking about opening the cannister and cleaning it out; or wait, are you talking about maintaining as in changing the accessories? Well, if it's the latter, that would be logical BUT, it would bring me back to my point mentioned above!? If it's the former, as with Fav, I don't see any connection.

I remember talking to someone and he mentioned that the canister filter is pressurised and if you suddenly off it, the pressure built up in the filter increases and this causes water to leak out. Will check it out again with that person. :)
But guys ... seriously, if it's the pressure and all, then wouldn't other filters leak as well; well if they don't, then would it be due to the design?(which brings me back to my first post)
Imagine spending a large sum of money (compared to the sponge/ box/ other kinds of filter) only to have to worry about contast leakage that would require pails (and mops! FaV! :screwed:); well, that kinda defeats the purpose for me.

In any case... Anyone else using the eheim cannisters? How about those using cannister filters of other brands? Any feedback, input would be great!

[cloud79]

Maintain more like how often? The norm is about 3 to 6 months? I don't understand how maintaining the canister (changing the filter wool and cleaning out the filter sponge and media) can help the o-ring, unless you talk about having to vaseline the o-ring. But how? Have to remove the o-ring (I'm not comfortable with doing that - constantly digging out the o-ring will definitely cause a :mixpotion) or just apply the vaseline over? It's not toxic to fish, huh? :stressed:

Eh... how to not 'sudden off it'? If one needs to switch off the canister, how to 'pre-warn'? Or do you mean switching off the canister after a long time? How long is long?

More guide from Eheim on this will be good, otherwise you guys will see me with a 4ft tank supported by 4 x 2235/6 from 4 corners! lol

This is what i have observed but i not to sure why more maintenance may help. The vaseline is not toxic to the fishes, i guess the function of it is to soften the rubber.

Basically for me, when i intend to drain the water below the inlet, i will off the filter.

Haha i guess we will have to get more answers from them once i consolidate these queries, any others wish to shoot more questions?

[cloud79]

:scratch: hmmm ... but I only open the filter once every 6 months or more .... I don't open it during the weekly water change.

That was my point, if the shelf life of the rubber ring is only what ... 2 years? That means there are no materials that would provide a longer shelf life?

I guess it has shelf life as well but not too sure how many years.



But guys ... seriously, if it's the pressure and all, then wouldn't other filters leak as well; well if they don't, then would it be due to the design?(which brings me back to my first post)
Imagine spending a large sum of money (compared to the sponge/ box/ other kinds of filter) only to have to worry about contast leakage that would require pails (and mops! FaV! :screwed:); well, that kinda defeats the purpose for me.

In any case... Anyone else using the eheim cannisters? How about those using cannister filters of other brands? Any feedback, input would be great!

It is the rubber that harden to cause the leak. Not really a design problem. If you are using the classic filter, after a few year you will realise that the rubber is not as elastic as before. In Pro series, the o-ring is hidden so you may not realise this. In classic filter, you can easily see the o-ring and it will not be easy to push the motor head to the canister when the rubber harden.

I guess feedbacks from other brands user will be useful. :)

[cloud79]

I am using this for my filters. I normally will spray this after around 4-5 mths when i am doing my maintenance. It will help to maintain the elasticity and i guess lengthen the shelf life of the o-ring.

[Callichthyidae]

... that would require pails (and mops! FaV! :screwed:)...!
That tank's more than 3ft away from the bedroom's doorway and can you imagine I stepped onto the wet floor at the doorway? How much water was already there! :eeks: Thank God the water flowed towards the doorway and not over to the wardrobe or that would mean the end of a tank in that bedroom. :doh:

The vaseline is not toxic to the fishes, i guess the function of it is to soften the rubber.
I think it's rather to prevent the o-ring from hardening...

Basically for me, when i intend to drain the water below the inlet, i will off the filter.
Pretty obvious task leh...

It is the rubber that harden to cause the leak. Not really a design problem. If you are using the classic filter, after a few year you will realise that the rubber is not as elastic as before. In Pro series, the o-ring is hidden so you may not realise this. In classic filter, you can easily see the o-ring and it will not be easy to push the motor head to the canister when the rubber harden.
I've not had similar problem with any of my Eccos, which have o-rings too.

I am using this for my filters. I normally will spray this after around 4-5 mths when i am doing my maintenance. It will help to maintain the elasticity and i guess lengthen the shelf life of the o-ring.
Datuk, it'd help to show us a pic of the product with its name in front leh! :qm:

[cloud79]

The second picture is the front of the product and the wording is in German.

[cloud79]

This is the reply that i got from Eheim regarding the maintainence and usage of the filter.

Pertaining to your enquiries forwarded to me, below my replies, do take note that this is applicable only to our products:


Maintenance
Maintenance for EHEIM canister filters, once every 3 – 6 months. If the filter is properly set- up with the right media, and not overloaded with live stock, it is not necessary to “clean” the filter too often. You will need the Beneficial Bacteria (BB) colonies residing within the media for “healthy” water.

O Rings
Simply applies our Water Neutral Maintenance Spray to the O rings during every maintenance cycle to prevent the O rings from Hardening. For our Pro Series filter, when mounting the Pump Head to the Canister, please ensure that you lock the EZ clips diagonally.

Storage
Should you decide to store your Canister Filter, please ensure that all O rings are sprayed using our Water Neutral Maintenance Spray.

Quality
We are using top of the range material for our canister filter, in order to ensure Quality, Durability and Reliability. For most of our

Filters, we are using High quality Ceramic Shaft and Bushing, to ensure that our filter runs smoothly and silently.

We are certified and verified by some of the most stringent Independent Testing Agencies around the world, VDE GS (Germany), TUV GS (Germany), UL,CSA (USA and Canada), JET (Japan) to name a few.

100% of all External Canister filter are tested before shipment.

Reliable
If it’s printed on our box, we deliver! When we states that our product displaces X litres of water, we mean it!

Spare Parts
We guarantee our filters Spare Parts availability for 10 years! Meaning should you own a filter, which model we stop production in 2006, the parts will be made available till 2016.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone at PetFrd.Com a Happy and Prosperous Chinese New Year!

Once again, Thank You for using EHEIM.
If there are more questions, maybe we can consolidate them and email to Eheim for enquiries. :)

[corydorus]

I remember talking to someone and he mentioned that the canister filter is pressurised and if you suddenly off it, the pressure built up in the filter increases and this causes water to leak out. Will check it out again with that person. :)

I think the other way is also important. Theoritically, need to follow certain procedure when changing water especially after de-pressurised and then pressurised again to avoid damage to your canister.

One of the sympton is when you find difficulty locking back after cleaning. Then u need to be careful.

just 2 cts theory

[Philtre]

ermmmm ..... the Eheim reply doesn't really address my concerns ... I think ....

[corydorus]

I use my JeBao and JeBo for more than 2.5 yrs. No leak.
I have anther Jebo for my 3ft at SG, about 1 yr liao. Working good.

[cloud79]

I use my JeBao and JeBo for more than 2.5 yrs. No leak.
I have anther Jebo for my 3ft at SG, about 1 yr liao. Working good.


Wow great. How about others who have used them? Seem like their quality is getting better.

[cloud79]

More reply from Eheim on O-ring.

O ring like all other parts have a shelf life, they will wear and tear like most items. The hardening effects are mainly cause by the chemicals or gases (Fert, Co2, Medicines) which were poured or are already in the tank.

Like the tyre, even if you don't drive the car, the tyre will hardened
through time, even if they are park at shaded spot.

When you maintain the O ring, it will last a long time.

Below a list of common mistakes made by users of the Pro II which will
result in the quickening to the damage of the O ring:

1) Closing the EZ clip wrongly - EZ clip should be snap in place diagonally
and not horizontally. Just like tightening the nuts of your Car Rims to the
Rotor Disc.

2) Priming the Filter with the power on

3) Priming the Filter with water in the Canister

4) Did not maintain the O ring

5) Should disconnect the AVR (Auto Valve Release) when the filter is off,
this is to release the Vortex pressure for the Canister.

5) Applying Non Aquatic Vaseline / or other lubricants

[atlantis]

Good thread!

My Eheim ProII has started to leak but I can't tell from where except the base is wet. I noticed also that water collects and drains off from the small holes located at the corners of the base of the pump head (when I open and lift it) - but I am not sure if this is normal. The first time this happened, water was collecting *externally in the cavities below the pump head handles!.

[Callichthyidae]

Normally when the leakage is due to the big o-ring, water will sip out when the filter is switched off. If the external of the canister is dry, you can actually see the water from the point of leakage.

[cloud79]

Yes probably due to the O-ring, maybe you can take out the O ring and see if it is still elastic or already a harden rubber?

[Philtre]

More reply from Eheim on O-ring.
O ring like ... ...
Now we're talking! Definitely more contextural this time round. By the way, there is still no definition on what is involved in "maintaining the o-ring" - just spray the proprietry spray thingie? :dunnoe:

[mad scientist]

Now we're talking! Definitely more contextural this time round. By the way, there is still no definition on what is involved in "maintaining the o-ring" - just spray the proprietry spray thingie? :dunnoe:

On Eheim's website 's FAQ section, no mention of the maintenance of the Pro II series but for some other models, part of the instructions are as follows:

Moisten o-ring and fit on to base of pump head. Attach pump head and close clips.

Then lightly lubricate the sealing gasket of the pump head with Vaseline. Place the pump head on the filter canister, close the EZ clips and place the filter into the cabinet. Lightly lubricate the sealing rings on the integrated double tap connector with Vaseline; insert and lock in place. After both of the tap levers on the integrated double tap connector have been opened (ON position), the filter will automatically fill up again with water and be ready for operation. Put the filter into operation by connecting the power plug.


http://www.eheim.com/faq_man.html

I'm more curious about the part on priming the canister WITHOUT any water in it. :scratch: Seems that I have been doing it wrong all this while. Thank goodness my Eheim canisters don't leak. :thumbsup:

[Philtre]

On Eheim's website 's FAQ section, ....
I'm more curious about the part on priming the canister WITHOUT any water in it. :scratch: Seems that I have been doing it wrong all this while.
Thanks for the FAQ!

Re priming without water
Righto! I almost forgot about that!
Given that it's not a typo .... how many of us are "killing" our eheims by priming it when it's filled with water; worst still, when it's on!? :oh:
". . . "
Thank goodness my Eheim canisters don't leak. :thumbsup:
:bootem: just you wait! how old are yours anyways? Pro IIs?

[cloud79]

I guess i am not alone. I always fill up my eheim during maintenance, will be faster to keep the filter going. Just prime a bit and you can see the filter running. :)

[Philtre]

So..... it's not a typo....
Do NOT prime when :
a) it's on
b) there's water in the cannister.

Any word from eheim on how we should maintain the o-ring of the Pro IIs?

I wonder why all these information are not in the manuals. I would think that these are essential operating/ maintenance information. :dunnoe:

[mad scientist]

Thanks for the FAQ!

Re priming without water
Righto! I almost forgot about that!
Given that it's not a typo .... how many of us are "killing" our eheims by priming it when it's filled with water; worst still, when it's on!? :oh:
". . . "

:bootem: just you wait! how old are yours anyways? Pro IIs?

I don't think it's a typo.... cos I read almost the same thing in the following website:

http://www.tropicalfishcentre.co.uk/eheim.htm

"First of all, those seals around the top, and where the pipes connect, keep them well coated in ‘Vaseline’.
Next, when you are cleaning out the impellor make sure that all the grot is removed from the bottom and inside of the body that the impellor sits in. This is essential so as to keep the impellor cool and smooth running.
When cleaning the head of the filter take great care to clean right down the little hole that is in the surrounding area. It is only small, and a lot of people miss this one out. It is there to allow water down to the bottom of the impeller body to cool it and keep it running free, but this hole clogs up in time.
Next is the priming of the filter, which a lot of people have trouble with. Assuming that the filter is empty and clean, make sure that the outlet pipe is completely free from any water as this will stop the priming of the filter. (Even if there is water in that bit of pipe that goes into the tank, you know the bit that has the U bend in). Now leave off the outlet pipe which comes off the filter box and with all taps on (if taps are fitted) give the outlet a good suck, (a spare piece of pipe helps with this). Then when you hear that the water is flowing into the filter box, you can put the outlet pipe back on. Depending on the size of the filter you should have plenty of time to get that pipe back on, so don’t panic about it."

Shocking huh? :scratch:

[leecs93]

Thanks to coryfav for refering me to this thread.

So, what is the correct method of priming the ProII? No water in the canister, power not on, rainbar above/below water level, inlet tube in the water? Can someone pls explain?

Looks like I'll have to change the O-ring as well. Cannot afford another flooded home if there's an unannounced power failure. Sure :bangwall: .

Btw, where to find this O-ring? Pretty common at LFS?

[Callichthyidae]

Btw, where to find this O-ring? Pretty common at LFS?
Depending on where you're situated, those LFSs which stock Eheim parts should have. I normally get mine from Clementi Florist aka C328.

[feizhai]

wow, eye-opening thread! had no idea the eheims could be so tricky - macam ducati/vespa liddat, gotta maintain maintain maintain.
i just recently cleaned me jebo 819 (jebo vs jebao - inconsistent speleeeng or wot? 2 different brands? sipeh cheem) after 6 months and so far so good, although i have to ask if anyone else has difficulty getting that top cap off... you know, where you add water to the filter after you've closed it?

is it true that eheims have the lowest wattage around and are thus cheapest (in terms of utilities) to run? i have this fear that the jebo filters are consuming enough energy as the fridge, heh.

er can move to new thread if needed mods :sorry:

[leecs93]

Went to buy the O-ring from C328 today. Let's juz say it wasn't cheap for a piece of rubber! Anyway, came back, removed the old O-ring and replaced with the new one. I put some vaseline on the top and bottom side of the rubber when putting the rubber in place. :scratch: Canister filter also need lubricants!! :biggrin: Tested it out by switching off the power when the filter was running, :clap: YAY :clap: , no more leaks.

But the old O-ring doesn't seem to feel hard or cracked. Still elastic and can pull at both ends and feel like rubber band. Not complaining though coz can rest easy that if power failure, won't be a flood again! :woot: :woot:

[Callichthyidae]

But the old O-ring doesn't seem to feel hard or cracked. Still elastic and can pull at both ends and feel like rubber band. Not complaining though coz can rest easy that if power failure, won't be a flood again! :woot: :woot:
That's why I make sure I don't mix the old and new ones by mistake. No one wants to encounter a flood! :p

[Philtre]

... But the old O-ring doesn't seem to feel hard or cracked. Still elastic and can pull at both ends and feel like rubber band. Not complaining though coz can rest easy that if power failure, won't be a flood again! :woot: :woot:
Ahhh!!!! :idea: That means you wouldn't know when to replace the O-ring and you still can't rest easy! :D

BTW, have you added your vote to the above poll yet? :biggrin:

[tomcat]

Good thread!

My Eheim ProII has started to leak but I can't tell from where except the base is wet. I noticed also that water collects and drains off from the small holes located at the corners of the base of the pump head (when I open and lift it) - but I am not sure if this is normal. The first time this happened, water was collecting *externally in the cavities below the pump head handles!.


This leakage is from the 2 small internal O-rings (sited inside the pump assembly) that are attached to the bases of the transparent hose adaptor(with a ball in it). Normally happens if you take out the filter to clean. So while hooking back the hoses, it may cause the transparent hose adaptor to slant one side, causing the leak. I did not replace the parts. I simply reinforced it with white tapes. You need to dismantle the pump assembly and then remove the adpator from the catch. That part is actually not rigidly attached to the pump assembly.

[atlantis]

This leakage is from the 2 small internal O-rings (sited inside the pump assembly) that are attached to the bases of the transparent hose adaptor(with a ball in it). Normally happens if you take out the filter to clean. So while hooking back the hoses, it may cause the transparent hose adaptor to slant one side, causing the leak. I did not replace the parts. I simply reinforced it with white tapes. You need to dismantle the pump assembly and then remove the adpator from the catch. That part is actually not rigidly attached to the pump assembly.

Thanks. I will pay more attention to that part the next time I open it. It has been working without leaking since the last time I opened it (a few weeks back).

[leecs93]

Ahhh!!!! :idea: That means you wouldn't know when to replace the O-ring and you still can't rest easy! :D

Well, safe to say that will keep track of the next time to change the O-ring. Would prob replace in 2-2.5yrs time. Good estimate?

[Callichthyidae]

Well, safe to say that will keep track of the next time to change the O-ring. Would prob replace in 2-2.5yrs time. Good estimate?
I don't know...

Each time I've to disturb a ProII during water change, my heart-beat quickens:

- switch off: check and re-check for leakage - get ready to reach for spare o-ring
- switch on: listen for cranking sound - get ready to inspect the impeller

:screwed:

[Parrotfish73]

I use my JeBao and JeBo for more than 2.5 yrs. No leak.
I have anther Jebo for my 3ft at SG, about 1 yr liao. Working good.
I juz chk the price for eheim 2026 and its abt $280. The guy told me jebao abt $80 for my 4ft tank...... He did mention jebao products difficult to find spare parts.

But 1 eheim = 3 jebao leh. So you guys think eheim worth investing??

[cloud79]

You have to weigh your options and see which one will outweigh the other.

I am a Eheim filter usage so this is my views. I agree that it costs high premium but spare parts are readily available. Furthermore some of my filters have lasted me for very long time and the power usage is much lesser in relative to ther filters.

Not too sure why my 2028 leaks when my o-ring of my 2217 has harden and there is no leakage though is harder to fix the canister back when doing maintenance.

[Callichthyidae]

That's why I love my Eheim Ecco! Only problem I've had with the Ecco over the past years, was through my own negligence. :flower:

I may consider trying a Jebao one of these days, after I'd to deal with another ProII problem after my weekly water-change yesterday. Had to raid a spare ProII for 'spare parts'. :screwed:

[Parrotfish73]

You have to weigh your options and see which one will outweigh the other.

I am a Eheim filter usage so this is my views. I agree that it costs high premium but spare parts are readily available. Furthermore some of my filters have lasted me for very long time and the power usage is much lesser in relative to ther filters.

Not too sure why my 2028 leaks when my o-ring of my 2217 has harden and there is no leakage though is harder to fix the canister back when doing maintenance.
Bro, which eheim model do you recommend for a 4ft tank?

[corydorus]

That's why I love my Eheim Ecco! Only problem I've had with the Ecco over the past years, was through my own negligence. :flower:

I may consider trying a Jebao one of these days, after I'd to deal with another ProII problem after my weekly water-change yesterday. Had to raid a spare ProII for 'spare parts'. :screwed:

I would strongly suggest we go Jebo or likes. Just get more units and have as many in your tank physically possible. It makes no economic sense for me to pay for the premium and spares when the cost of Jebo is so cheap.

I can easily buy 3-5 Jebo units for an Eheim ( Just a rough calculation )
This is what i plan to do though I yet have a sure fail case. If any Jebo down, i just tear it apart as spares.

Sorry if i hurt any eheim fans. This is just my personal view, eheim quality is perceived quality brand. when parts are so cheap, service is almost redundent.