Emperor 400s FLOW RATE Problems -- PLEASE HELP

I no longer used HOB's but when I was, AC always out shinned the Emps.

Great info - I did not realize.  AC for me when my two emperors poop out, which appears to be happening quickly.  Always used emperors but noticed the same thing with regard to flow rate "droppage."

This thread is another example for me of the benefits of our club - great knowledge provided by experienced members.

Another plus for ACs is that it's intake tube pretty much seals.  It will pull water up that is below the bottom of the filter.  e.g., you can use an AC for a turtle tank where an emperor would surely fail.

Also, don't ACs cost less?

While having both filters for an extended time, I have found that the AC will have an immensely heavier flow, I have found IMHO, that when the Emps have lost flow, it was a result of not cleaning the inside of the Flow tubes that give the wheel's spin.

Now that is My Humble Opinion, Take it for what you may, but I have 4 tanks over 55 Gallons, and the only one that uses the Emps is the 55, AC110's are on the 60 Hex, 75 (x2) and the 220 (x2). In addition to my other filters. Good Luck I hope this may help.

Nuthman~

Ditto, I have 3 AC 110's on my 125 and the water is always crystal clear and flow rate is excellent!!

I have never been a fan of the emperors. I had the same problem with the few that I have owned. Ended up switching to the AC line. AC110 IMO completely out performes their Emperor equivilent..

PM Sent Zebra
Keeper

I am currently running several Marineland Emperor 400 power filters on my tanks. When brand new, the water flow was great. Within a month or so, after cleaning them thoroughly, they seem to slow down to a trickle. 

I have cleaned them very well, and have even tested the flow with NO media in them. I was using the intake extenders to reach deeper into the tank. Upon removing the extenders, the flow rate increase MARGINALLY.

Yes, I have cleaned them very well, including the impellers, spray bars (which spray very well -- lots of pressure).

These problems surface within a month or so. 
I have purchased USED Marineland 350s from club members and they work much better.  WAter returns out of them like a waterfall! 

I'm starting to think my new 400s are suffering due to cost cuts in manufacturing...(they don't make 'em like they used to) OR that my source PetMountain.com (GREAT PRICES BTW) somehow are selling "B" quality filters.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!  Thanks