DON'T SKIP PUMP MAINTENANCE (and Vermatids)

[erics210]

Sooooo. Busy again playing with the tank.
As mentioned in another thread, I tried upgrading my red sea s500 power center, but it arrived damaged and only resolution was.to open a case and return it for a full refund.

Good news is after the disappointment of not getting the replacement electronics, I took my drawer out to give it a cleaning and test all the outlets and connections. Initially 7 of the 14 outlets were not.workkng properly. Found a damaged wire and some other issues. Not just 1 non working outlet.
So, with everything cleaned up, moved onto the 3 circulation pumps that haven't been working properly.

Just pulled the 3 circulation pumps from the over flow area.
HOLY ****!!!
Vermatid snail shells everywhere!

Probably explains the pumps issues I have been having. Not turing back on sometimes. One appears dead. But I did order one back up just in case.

Will have to make that a QUARTERLY maintenance!

14 months-NO GOOD

So I ordered citric acid, that came today.

Filled my tub, turn pumps and tubing on. Add the few other items like hang on cleaners, isolation boxes, etc, get em all ready, they add the acid, and keep checking. Will have a second tub to rinse everything. Only other thing is. I guess I need to take the old arm n hammer from the fridge to neutralize the acid after use. Will post pics and provide update. Used 2 teaspoons per.gallon of warm water. Ordered online a pound for $6.

Will post an update!

 

[MadReefer]

That's a lot. I had the ones with a larger diameter.

 

[myrjon]

I THINK IT IS TIME TO CHECK RETURN PUMP.

 

[erics210]

I THINK IT IS TIME TO CHECK RETURN PUMP.

Soaking the circulation pumps overnight. If this all goes well, will do the return pump tomorrow with muriatic acid, which will take much less time.
I do have a back up if things go bad.

 

[erics210]

And after I get these pumps and square. I am planning to pull my 3 AI Hydra 26HDs for full cleaning.

 

[myrjon]

I have a duplicate pump to switch with..

 

[erics210]

Actually while discussing with Sump n Fish, he asked if I did the deep cleaning after we picked up the tank in November. I did not. So 14 months for me.
The prior owner was a major slacker when coming to going above and beyond, and he had it for 6 months from the original owner.
Mike can attest, probably didn't do maintenance.
Sure he never cleaned them.
So basically seems like the life of the pumps, never cleaned. Going forward, will clean every 6 months.
One was frozen and not starting up.
So probably shorted out over time. I do have a replacement all set to go.
Will keep prop and covers as a spare.

 

[erics210]

After 6 hours of running in citric acid. Just a little brushing. But came off so easy. So clean and fresh. Sure 3 months from now, it will be a much quicker soak to clean em up.