Pump Problem

Jackie Renuart · 04/25/2006, 08:18 PM

I am running a Mag 12 for the return from the sump. It started making a ticking sound on Sunday and tonight it quit working. I removed it, took it apart and cleaned it. It seems to be working fine right now but I'm not sure if I should go ahead and replace it. Any advice would be helpful.

Thanks,
Jackie

Scuba_Dave · 04/25/2006, 08:23 PM

How old is it?
How long since the last cleaning?
Many people clean their pumps every month, others every few months. Me = once a year

poppin_fresh · 04/25/2006, 08:23 PM

If it is not that old and you havent cleaned it recently, then its probably fine. Pumps get warm, and that causes calcium to deposit. A good cleaning of the magnet and impeller every 30- 60 days keeps them running good.

Jackie Renuart · 04/25/2006, 08:30 PM

I'm not sure how old the pump is. I bought the whole set up from another member on here in March. I cleaned the pump at the beginning of March when I set it up and then again tonight.

Thanks,
Jackie

Scuba_Dave · 04/25/2006, 08:48 PM

Was there a lot of build up on the impellar in March?
What about now - 2 months later
My pump is an external & stays fairly cool so not as much buildup
The mags stay warmer so more buildup

Jackie Renuart · 04/25/2006, 08:59 PM

There wasn't alot of buildup in March or tonight. I know when I first hooked it up in March it wouldn't start out all. Took it apart, cleaned it, put it back in the sump and it still wouldn't start. Started the process over and when I put it back it started that time. I didn't have any more problems with it until Sunday.

Thanks,
Jackie

Scuba_Dave · 04/25/2006, 09:14 PM

Did you try soaking it in vinegar solution?
With my Mag5 just a little bit of gunk would keep it from spinning sometimes

04/25/2006, 08:18 PM	#1
Jackie Renuart Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Durham, NC Posts: 56	Pump Problem I am running a Mag 12 for the return from the sump. It started making a ticking sound on Sunday and tonight it quit working. I removed it, took it apart and cleaned it. It seems to be working fine right now but I'm not sure if I should go ahead and replace it. Any advice would be helpful. Thanks, Jackie

04/25/2006, 08:23 PM	#3
poppin_fresh Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Vermont Posts: 1,982	If it is not that old and you havent cleaned it recently, then its probably fine. Pumps get warm, and that causes calcium to deposit. A good cleaning of the magnet and impeller every 30- 60 days keeps them running good. __________________ PBITAWA! Current Tank Info: None now. Past- 180g w/ 100g basement sump and 20g 'fuge. H & S skimmer, T'5s & Tunze

04/25/2006, 08:23 PM	#2
Scuba_Dave EMERTXE YID Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Asylum, South of Boston, MA Posts: 10,362	How old is it? How long since the last cleaning? Many people clean their pumps every month, others every few months. Me = once a year

04/25/2006, 08:30 PM	#4
Jackie Renuart Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Durham, NC Posts: 56	I'm not sure how old the pump is. I bought the whole set up from another member on here in March. I cleaned the pump at the beginning of March when I set it up and then again tonight. Thanks, Jackie

04/25/2006, 08:48 PM	#5
Scuba_Dave EMERTXE YID Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Asylum, South of Boston, MA Posts: 10,362	Was there a lot of build up on the impellar in March? What about now - 2 months later My pump is an external & stays fairly cool so not as much buildup The mags stay warmer so more buildup

04/25/2006, 08:59 PM	#6
Jackie Renuart Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Durham, NC Posts: 56	There wasn't alot of buildup in March or tonight. I know when I first hooked it up in March it wouldn't start out all. Took it apart, cleaned it, put it back in the sump and it still wouldn't start. Started the process over and when I put it back it started that time. I didn't have any more problems with it until Sunday. Thanks, Jackie

04/25/2006, 09:14 PM	#7
Scuba_Dave EMERTXE YID Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Asylum, South of Boston, MA Posts: 10,362	Did you try soaking it in vinegar solution? With my Mag5 just a little bit of gunk would keep it from spinning sometimes