Replacing an aquamaxx powerhead

cmeskee · 08/10/2013, 03:23 PM

I have an Aquamaxx EM 100 in my 75g reef tank. My powerhead (KSP-5000) died recently and I tried replacing the impeller assembly but it still wouldn't work, so I bought a replacement powerhead.

My problem is the new powerhead output piping that goes into the chamber (1.25') doesn't match the size of the intake to the chamber (1'). Has anyone ever replaced the powerhead on one of these and have any advice? Just find replacement plumbing parts at home depot? I'm a little surprised there doesn't appear to be any of the exact model powerhead that came with my skimmer on the market...

Thanks in advance.

Drae · 08/10/2013, 03:26 PM

Ate you sure it's the em and not the am series skimmer? How long have you had it.

cmeskee · 08/10/2013, 03:54 PM

The chamber has no distinct markings and I made the *guess as to what model I have based upon the chamber size, so you've probably nailed it. I bought it at the LFS about a year and a half ago and I don't know how long it sat on the shelves there.

Good news is I bought the replacement powerhead from Marine Depot, so return should be easy. If this is right, the replacement will be this it looks like...No specs on dimensions of the plumbing, so winging it again - wish me luck...

Drae · 08/10/2013, 04:51 PM

If it's the am series ( some came with sedra's) you might have to tinker with it to get the pump to fit. Is the pump mounted inside or underneath the skimmer?

cmeskee · 08/11/2013, 08:27 PM

The pump is actually mounted on the the front (or rear if you prefer) of the chamber. You got me looking and I found pictures of the pump that fits my skimmer, which confirmed your suspicion. I just boxed up the pump that fits the EM series and ordered the am series pump.

It was bothering me that the replacement pumps didn't match the look of the other, but it still looked like it could work if the fittings matched. Anyways, thanks for your help. Hopefully the replacement using the correct powerhead goes a little smoother.

Drae · 08/11/2013, 10:00 PM

It'll bolt right up. Glad to help. I was actually one of the first users of Aquamaxx on these forums and had 3 of the am series skimmers.

08/10/2013, 03:23 PM	#1
cmeskee Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 16	Replacing an aquamaxx powerhead I have an Aquamaxx EM 100 in my 75g reef tank. My powerhead (KSP-5000) died recently and I tried replacing the impeller assembly but it still wouldn't work, so I bought a replacement powerhead. My problem is the new powerhead output piping that goes into the chamber (1.25') doesn't match the size of the intake to the chamber (1'). Has anyone ever replaced the powerhead on one of these and have any advice? Just find replacement plumbing parts at home depot? I'm a little surprised there doesn't appear to be any of the exact model powerhead that came with my skimmer on the market... Thanks in advance.

08/10/2013, 03:26 PM	#2
Drae RAIDER NATION! Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: City of sin... Posts: 3,476	Ate you sure it's the em and not the am series skimmer? How long have you had it.

08/10/2013, 03:54 PM	#3
cmeskee Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 16	The chamber has no distinct markings and I made the *guess as to what model I have based upon the chamber size, so you've probably nailed it. I bought it at the LFS about a year and a half ago and I don't know how long it sat on the shelves there. Good news is I bought the replacement powerhead from Marine Depot, so return should be easy. If this is right, the replacement will be this it looks like...No specs on dimensions of the plumbing, so winging it again - wish me luck...

08/10/2013, 04:51 PM	#4
Drae RAIDER NATION! Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: City of sin... Posts: 3,476	If it's the am series ( some came with sedra's) you might have to tinker with it to get the pump to fit. Is the pump mounted inside or underneath the skimmer?

08/11/2013, 08:27 PM	#5
cmeskee Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 16	The pump is actually mounted on the the front (or rear if you prefer) of the chamber. You got me looking and I found pictures of the pump that fits my skimmer, which confirmed your suspicion. I just boxed up the pump that fits the EM series and ordered the am series pump. It was bothering me that the replacement pumps didn't match the look of the other, but it still looked like it could work if the fittings matched. Anyways, thanks for your help. Hopefully the replacement using the correct powerhead goes a little smoother.

08/11/2013, 10:00 PM	#6
Drae RAIDER NATION! Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: City of sin... Posts: 3,476	It'll bolt right up. Glad to help. I was actually one of the first users of Aquamaxx on these forums and had 3 of the am series skimmers.