Bluecan Posted November 29, 2009 Report Share Posted November 29, 2009 Hey guys i have a second hand AC500 and its just rattling away, im just curious if anyone has any tips or experience with this? I have cleaned it out and pulled it all apart a few times, im just debating on wether i should get a new impeller or buy new? ... also any thought and opinions on other large HOB's that you could suggest if i do buy new would be appreaciated, from the research i have done so far they seem to get the best overall rating though.....?! ?!? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CORVETTE Posted November 29, 2009 Report Share Posted November 29, 2009 They are the best but they do wear out....the shaft needs to be replace and the impeller. but for a qwick repair turn the shaft ovef in side. ?Use pliers to pull out shaft and tap back into place should help short term but there is no better filter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluecan Posted November 29, 2009 Author Report Share Posted November 29, 2009 thanks, impeller runs about 13 bucks any idea what the shaft would cost? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishclubgirl Posted November 29, 2009 Report Share Posted November 29, 2009 Hey guys i have a second hand AC500 and its just rattling away, im just curious if anyone has any tips or experience with this? I have cleaned it out and pulled it all apart a few times, im just debating on wether i should get a new impeller or buy new? ... also any thought and opinions on other large HOB's that you could suggest if i do buy new would be appreaciated, from the research i have done so far they seem to get the best overall rating though.....?! ?!? I love my aquaclears and wouldn't give them up for anything!! One thing that has worked for me, is to shoot some Pam (cooking spray) around the impeller. It's safe for the fish(unless you fry them in it!!) and can be scooped off the top of the water after. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CORVETTE Posted November 29, 2009 Report Share Posted November 29, 2009 SHAFTS ARE AROUND 10 BUCKS AT GOLDS I THINK BUT LAST A LONG TIME. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluecan Posted November 29, 2009 Author Report Share Posted November 29, 2009 k thanks guys, i just tried the pam thing, seems to improved slightly ....but still sounds kind of like an air pump...and from what ive read from the manufacturers u should hear only water...so perhaps ill have to pick up some new parts, if they dont do the trick then theyll serve as extras for the new one anyways, just wanted to see if someone could suggest a cheaper brand and tips, thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigfishal Posted November 29, 2009 Report Share Posted November 29, 2009 The shafts are about $3 at big als but the impellers are cheaper at golds so just ask dennis at golds to match the shaft to big als price im sure he will. I have fixed tons of my AC's that way they are the one and only best filter! Once you fix the impler and shaft it will last you anouther 5-8 years! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigfishal Posted November 29, 2009 Report Share Posted November 29, 2009 There are cheaper HOB filters out there but the thing with them is they only last about a year or less and if something goes wrong with them you cant fix them and something always goes wrong with them. AC's are only about $20 more then the cheaper ones and it is a much better choice. My oldest ones are about 8 years old now! And my grandfather has some of the very first ones that they started making and is still running them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluecan Posted November 29, 2009 Author Report Share Posted November 29, 2009 awesome info, i have also been reading on the net that sometimes they take a while to settle in. Wish we had a golds up here !...thanks guys Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firestorm Posted November 29, 2009 Report Share Posted November 29, 2009 Once they grind and you have cleaned it all out, it is time to replace the impeller for sure but not necessarily the shaft. But it never hurts to replace both. Best HOB's IMO to run on any tank....although I much prefer the quiet sound of canisters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigfishal Posted November 29, 2009 Report Share Posted November 29, 2009 I have done the other way many time were I only rplacedthe shaft as itd the first thing that starts to wear down. Usually the $3 fix works fine for me I rarly ever need to replace the impeller. But I guess anyway works as long as you replace something. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ishkabod Posted November 30, 2009 Report Share Posted November 30, 2009 I have done the other way many time were I only rplacedthe shaft as itd the first thing that starts to wear down. Usually the $3 fix works fine for me I rarly ever need to replace the impeller. But I guess anyway works as long as you replace something. If you are going to the ACE meeting on tuesday i have a couple replacement shafts sitting around i can bring if you would like. Personally I'd buy a TOPFIN filter over an aquaclear for 3 BIG reasons. 1. Topfin has a lifetime warrenty and if you bring it in to any Petsmart they will replace it no mater how old it is. 2. It has a high back so no worries about the filter overflowing like i have had the aquaclear do to me more than three times in a couple of different ways. 3. COST :thumbs: Just my opinion Good luck. L Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dipset Posted November 30, 2009 Report Share Posted November 30, 2009 replace the shaft for sure unless the motor is warped, then it needs to be replaced. And with a topfin, you might as well not run a filter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluecan Posted November 30, 2009 Author Report Share Posted November 30, 2009 alright ill start with the shaft. I am unable to go to the meeting, but thanks for the offer I appreaciate it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluecan Posted December 4, 2009 Author Report Share Posted December 4, 2009 update...replaced the shaft it made a big difference still not completely silent, but ill give it until i complete my move in the new year to quiet down the rest of the way and the impeller to slime up, then ill replace the impeller and see how that works, but it is quite a difference already makes it more tolerable thanks for the help Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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