My Eheim 2228 (which is effectively an older version of the 2028 i.e. Pro2 with x3 trays)

Anyway, has a leak when not powered on, leak stops if i turn the taps to "off"

When turned on the leak is as good as gold. The filter is 2nd hand and was like this when i got it, was a deal and a good deal on a whole tank.

Leak comes from very top of cannister (i.e. just under top fitting/powerhead), and the leak is only on one side of the filter.

Hard to state without showing you a diagram which i havent got.

I think it's something to do with "O" ring? Which i believe is the black rubber band that fits between the head fitting and cannister?

Is this what they mean to use vasolene for?

A new ring was £14 in Wild-woods, i was a bit shocked at the price to be honest.

I am using the filter, but in the event of a power failure, my tank would empty itself within a few hours, as the filter continues to suck out water through the pipes even with the power turned off.

Any immediate idea's as to the problem? I've tried taking it apart and putting it back, same issue

perhaps its a common fault .....hence the high price for the replacement!

they say use vasolene(petrolium gel) on the rubbers..............think it repells water so would help with a small leak!(i have not tryed this myself)

yours sounds a little more than a small leak so im not sure!

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If it was a filter you want to keep long term you could bodge it?

ok this is only my bodge solution!
(at a last resort)

use something like MILLIPUT 2 part modeling clay/puty, cling film and vasolene!

mix the 2 part puty together equel amounts and make a long thin strip. take kitchen clingfilm and place over the rubber seal and top motor ,put the strip of puty around the lip of the bottom housing and fit together !.........milliput is not harmfull to fish so its good for this use!

Vasolenei hear you cry! well rub that into your hands and they feel real soft

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How about having it above the water line? Might not be practical, but it would stop water flowing down if there was a power cut.

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dont they have to be below the outlet /water level to syphon rob-c?

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I've never used vaseline on filter seals before, and the few guys I know personally who did use it had nothing but bother from leaks from their Eheims and Fluvals. It could just be that the O ring has reached the end of its life and needs replaced. If you still have problems after replacing the seal, email Eheim, they are quick to reply and may be able to point you in the right direction.

that could be the idea of a genius Rob C, but i think Rob Pope might be right in that it wont work, i shall try though, in raising the filter might reduce the flow (leak) somewhat once power is off?

I have an Eheim 2026 head actually spare, i might nick the O-Ring and see if it makes a difference. The heads are the same size, i presume the O-Ring's will be too.

Thats the one of the problems I'd thought about, but thought it'd be worth a try.

The O-Ring's should be the same then, again definately worth a try.

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I think externals will work ok by the side of a tank once primed! not sure about above ? worth a try as you say -Rob c-

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i think most externals work on a siphon to boost the flow so it would most likely reduce the flow by a considerable amount