Tracyp Posted December 14, 2014 Report Share Posted December 14, 2014 So I acquired a 55 gallon tank complete with a number of different kinds of cichlids and everything to go with them including an API nexx filter. I've had it for about 3 months now and it runs great except I did a filter change tonight and it decided it didn't want to seal anymore. I've heard of the same issues with these filters but was wondering if anyone has had any experience with them? As it is I ran out in a panic and bought an Ehiem ecco 60 but when I got back the nexx was no longer leaking. I'm going on holidays for a week and am a bit nervous of leaving it if it's faulty. Any help greatly appreciated!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ckmullin Posted December 14, 2014 Report Share Posted December 14, 2014 (edited) Is the seal old and hard or is it supple? A dab of Vaseline on the seal can help greatly. Of course depends on where it's leaking. Had just seen this video: Edited December 14, 2014 by ckmullin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracyp Posted December 14, 2014 Author Report Share Posted December 14, 2014 Thanks for the video! I only have the one module and from what I can see it seems to be leaking from the two outlets on the base that connect with the canisters. I think it might be that an o ring was twisted or something and not allowing it to seal properly. Ill check it the seals out tomorrow and do what you advised with the vaseline, right now it seems ok.....go figure Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ckmullin Posted December 14, 2014 Report Share Posted December 14, 2014 Had something similar with my fluval canister. I was quick to pop the top back on and it began leaking. Took the top off and put it on again and all was fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charis Posted December 14, 2014 Report Share Posted December 14, 2014 I have the api nexx filter as well. I had read about leaking problems from the amazon reviews but I had a problem free first 6 months or so with it. Once or twice I noticed it leaking after I cleaned it and realized that I hadn't twisted the top on properly. Something about not getting the top sealed quite right seemed to change the pressure and allow it to leak a bit for the top, but more significantly from the base. Once the top was opened up again and resealed more carefully if worked great.I had a far more significant leak days after a water change, several months ago. I thought I had resealed it correctly, and didn't notice it leaking. Several days later we realized that the hardwood floor around the tank was saturated, the dry wall was wet and we had water running into the basement. This had been slowly happening for days and never noticed it! Terrible. Anyways, based on my experience, these guys have to be very carefully resealed and be under diligent observation post-water change to make sure they are not leaking. It's a shame when they are such nice, quiet filters. Long story short, I found the key to be properly resealing the top, making sure the bottom is seated correctly and watching them like a hawk after you'd done any maintenance. You may want to read some of the more negative amazon reviews just to hear how other people have solved their problems with the filter.... some of them had some good suggestions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ckmullin Posted December 14, 2014 Report Share Posted December 14, 2014 One last tip that can be done for any sort of canister filter. Grab a sheet of paper towel and put it down and place the filter on that. It will be a very quick visual check to see if any leaks are happening with wet or dry paper towel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracyp Posted December 14, 2014 Author Report Share Posted December 14, 2014 Thanks for all the help! I checked it today and there was still a very small leak. I opted to just switch it out to the Ehiem Ecco this way I could get rid of the HOB I had going as well as this one is rated to 60 Gallons and my tank is about 55 plus it's more energy efficient! Now what to do with the Nexx, I like it but don't fully trust it.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuperGuppyGirl Posted December 15, 2014 Report Share Posted December 15, 2014 Save it for an emergency filter, just use it in a clear Rubbermaid tote. Catch all the leaks just in case of an emergency. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracyp Posted December 16, 2014 Author Report Share Posted December 16, 2014 Good idea Super Guppy Girl!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rangergirl77 Posted December 18, 2014 Report Share Posted December 18, 2014 These have ALL been recalled I was told! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blink Posted January 6, 2015 Report Share Posted January 6, 2015 I learned to keep all my canister filters in a bucket, it's just more relaxing to KNOW that even if I have a little leak it will be caught and it makes maintenance simpler as there is no worry about drips and drops from the hose disconnects. If you are worried about leak detection you can put one of those blue paper shop towels from Canadian Tire in the bottom of the bucket, they darken up quite intensely when they get wet so it's much easier to tell if you've got any leakage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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