Cleaning a Gemini pump

[Ken1]

Does the impeller of an Aquarium Systems Geimini pump come off? I need to get into the section above the impeller... I can screw it off the motor housing but it won't come completely off since the impeller holds it in place. :?:

Thanks,
Ken

 

[liquid]

If no one else knows, I'd suggest contacting the mfg directly or the LFS you bought it from. Honestly I'm not sure but I'd guess you should be able to get at it somehow...

Why do you need to get up there?

Shane

 

[Ken1]

There's quite a bit of algae growth inside the plastic, and I'm worried that it will affect the motor. Unfortunately I got it off an auction as a used pump, so there's no LFS to turn to. I'll try contacting Aquarium Systems, I guess.

I wonder why these pumps aren't more widely sold? Are they still even in production?

Thanks,
Ken

 

[Anonymous]

I have one, but in 2 years haven't done anything to clean it other than clean the intake strainer. I know Rich Durso has replaced the bearings in his, I hope he won't mind me quoting from his page:

Note: I've had this pump seize on me several times. Each time I was able to take the pump a part and oil the ball bearings. However, each time I do this the pump has gotten louder and louder. It is now so loud I no longer bother to run it. I went to a local ball-bearing shop (amazed my small town had a ball bearing shop) and picked up some replacements. They were about $4 each to replace, part# NSK 608Z.

Bad Gemini Ball Bearing

Here you can see one of the two rusty ball bearings on the gemini pump. To get at this, you have to cut the sticker seal, remove the top black cap, and remove 4 very long screws that hold everything together. The unit can then be split into a upper half and a lower half. Remove the armature that has the ball bearings. Removing the ball bearings is no easy task but it can be done. Careful pulling with pilers and a few hammer taps on the steel rod.

Once the bearings were replaced I rebuilt the unit and tried it out. Still not as quiet as when I first got it, but it was much better. $8 in parts saved $80 on the purchase of a new unit.

You can find more here: http://www.rl180reef.com/

 

[liquid]

:shrug: You could always run it in a bit of vinegar to dissolve any deposits that might be in there...

Shane