xp4 with different flow rates

[hi-revs]

So ive got 2 xp4 in one tank with the canisters placed pretty much side-by-side.
Issue is that one of the xp4's has significantly MORE outflow. Why is this?
Neither of them has the "flow rate" adjuster installed.

Theyre both stocked with practically identical media. But the outflow is night and day difference.
The stronger one even has 3 extra holes drilled into it. and its STILL stronger than the other.

The weaker one is probably 8 months new, and the strong one is new.
Impellers/sponges are clean on both of them.

Only difference i can see between the 2 is that the hoses on the weaker one is shorter than the strong one. But i cant imagine it to do this.

Any ideas?

[jobber604]

Other things to check for:
-how you placed the media inside
-check the voltage and wattage of both canister filter
-are both impellers inside the same size
-are both filter pads the same inside
-are the internal trays stacked properly and in line

That is pretty odd. They 'should' technical be the same. I threw the white polishing pad away as I found it to clog up with debris frequent and obstruct water flow. I don't mind floaties in the tank.

[hi-revs]

im not using polishing pads either.

Everything you listed is the same, if not very similar. Except for the voltage.
Theyre both plugged into different outlets.
Not too familiar with outlet power so im not sure if that could make that big of a difference..

[jobber604]

I'm wondering if on the older filter, that there is a buildup of gunk collecting in the pipes that may constrict the flow of water. Since the piping twists and turns, there's a few choke points that can collect debris and buildup.

Good question. Makes me wonder if mine has buildup now.

[hi-revs]

That could be a possibility.
Would you replace the tubing? or squeeze out all that gunk back in to the tank? LOL

[Rastapus]

There are a lot of variables that will affect your flow as mentioned above. Mostly dirty impeller and well, also the media. Hoses will affect it but very slightly. The flow of an XP$ is likely too strong for the filter anyways, slower the better biologically.

[jobber604]

I wouldn't spend money to replace the tubing or piping. If really need to:
Hagen Fluval Hose Brush

[hi-revs]

i dont think mine are that dirty anyways. Hoses are still fairly clear with brown tint...

impellers are clean. And have been regularly cleaned on a monthly basis.

[gklaw]

One thing to check:

I think (as I don't have XP any more) there is a motor housing cleaning port (approx. 1/2") on the side of the head unit. If you are missing the plug, you could have a situation that the water is being pushed back into the canister instead of being pushed to the tank.

[hi-revs]

Will check for that. Thanks.