who really cleans their pumps annually?

[Gracias]

I am looking to see if anyone sees a benefit in taking apart thier return or skimmer pumps and if they notice a difference after they clean and reassemble?

My buddy says "if it aint broke dont fix it" i was wondering what the community does.

 

[NL146]

I cleaned my return pump whenever it looked like the water level in the DT dropped. After cleaning it would go back to normal level. This did not happen often though.

 

[MIKE NY]

My skimmer has a large pinwheell pump which I clean every month and my return every six months...and yea I notice a difference in flow

 

[Tonyscoots84]

I do my pumps every six months, keeps them running smooth.

 

[lfsmarineguy]

I'm constantly cleaning pumps. It's not as necessary with the smaller internal pumps but when you start playing with larger external pumps, salt and dust can seriously cut into the lifespan of the unit. Clean pumps can also cut down on heat.

 

[Gracias]

i just took apart my skimmer pump sendra 5000 - it was abit gunked up...question - is the impeller supposed to come apart from the shaft?

i put it back together and it works but seems to me they should be one piece - thoughts?

 

[Gabe]

Every month

 

[jaa1456]

I do my pumps every six months, keeps them running smooth.

Same here

 

[jedimaster1138]

Skimmer pump gets cleaned when I notice it being noisy. A good cleaning out renders the skimmer completely silent and gunk production seems faster.

Return, less often, though I do pull off the grill and clean that pre-filter sponge dealie about every week or 10 days (it's an eheim 1260).

I do the same with Vortech wet sides. I seem to be able to tell by ear when it's time to give them a bath in vinegar, or at the least, a rinsing and toothbrushing.

 

[Paul B]

Some of mine I probably have not opened in 15 years. No problem. But some, depending on where they are get loaded with amphipods so I may have to clean the screen, but not take them apart unless they stop.

 

[Flushtown Reefer]

i just took apart my skimmer pump sendra 5000 - it was abit gunked up...question - is the impeller supposed to come apart from the shaft?

i put it back together and it works but seems to me they should be one piece - thoughts?

It comes apart.. you can switch it between regular and needle wheel impellers

 

[saltwaterinbrooklyn]

Ehiem 1262 over here , I service every 3 months !!!!

 

[Gracias]

It comes apart.. you can switch it between regular and needle wheel impellers

makes sense - Thanks -

 

[vio]

I do my pumps every six months, keeps them running smooth.

same here, i learn the hard way, now i do 50% RO/Di 50% white vinegar, never live the pumps for long time on vinegar, i damage 2-3 pumps, the magnet swallow, got bigger on center of the magnet.:banghead: