What causes powerheads to seize and crash the tank?

[SCIronMike]

Is this something I need to be concerned about?

 

[O P Ing]

hi.
If the shaft is made of "stainless" steel, it may corrode in saltwater, and cause the powerhead to fail. Another reason is calcium buildup between the impeller and the impeller well. The buildup will eventually cause the powerhead to stop, and if the overheat protection does not shut it down, more trouble will come you way.

 

[The Pirate]

Is this something I need to be concerned about?

Only if you use RIO pumps. :mrgreen:

 

[SCIronMike]

Hmmmmm.......... I clean my powerheads every month. That should help right?

 

[SCIronMike]

Is this something I need to be concerned about?

Only if you use RIO pumps. :mrgreen:

I have one MaxiJet 1200 hooked up to my Remora skimmer. A second MaxiJet 1200 giving my tank circulation at all times. And a Hagen AquaClear 402 that comes on 30 minutes on every hour to change up the flow.

 

[AllenF]

What about the rio pumps that come on the Prism Pro protein skimmers. I mean the thing is HUGE...i would hope that it would be higher quality?

 

[fishfarmer]

I mean the thing is HUGE...i would hope that it would be higher quality?

I believe the trouble with the Rio's were with the bigger pumps like the 2100 and the next size up. I have a 1700 and don't use it on my reef because I had it stop for no reason a couple of times even when it was clean.

If you clean them every month you shouldn't have any problems.

 

[Anonymous]

I've never had a PH seize up that I couldn't (usually) fix by just replacing the impeller. Sorry I can't be of more help. If you're really concerned, get yourself an extra or two (really good to have with tubing for H20 changes/emergencies too varied to list).

 

[liquid]

The only powerheads I've ever heard of that will fry your tank upon failure are Rio's that are larger than a Rio 1700. Typically they will be working just fine one day and then melt down the next. Dunno what causes it to happen...

hth

Shane

 

[LA-Lawman]

Those rios are a pain. they use some epoxy seal that is week. i guess when they overheat it melts this seal releaseing some nasties....

Maxi-jets have a thermocouple. IF they sieze when the reach a certain core temp they shut off.......! big plus in my book. I have owned a 1200 for 7years and it works perfectly to this day.....

I own about 6 maxijets total. unless something better comes ouyt i am sticking with them....

 

[Anonymous]

I have a Zoo-med Powersweep that lasted about two weeks.....what a piece of crap! I just picked up a Eheim Aquaball 1212 today . I have used their products before and they seem to be a much higher quality than many other manufacturers. My Eheim actually cost me less than a Maxi-Jet. It was hard to decide but I looked them over and the Eheim won.

 

[O P Ing]

hi.
The best PHs are those made by Germany. Maxijet is not perfect. I have a few that will give you a shock if you put your hand in there with any one of them. I am saving it later to cheat my life insurance company... :wink:

 

[Rich-n-poor]

Regular maitence will prevent failure.

I clean my powerheads about every 3-4 months or whenever i notice a deecrease in flow.

I have both a rio on my bak-pak skimmer and hagan 301's.

the hagans are over 10 years old and still work perfectly.

rich
_________________
BMW R65

 

[Anonymous]

Regular maitence will prevent failure.

I clean my powerheads about every 3-4 months or whenever i notice a deecrease in flow.

I have both a rio on my bak-pak skimmer and hagan 301's.

the hagans are over 10 years old and still work perfectly.

rich

I used a Hagen in my freshwater for about 8 years without a problem. I actually have not had a problem with any pumps till I bought a Zoo-Med PowerSweep. What a piece of crap! Ummmmmmmmmm? I think I keep repeating that . I contacted the company and all they did is send me some Advertisements for there crappy products. I am also amazed that they still suggest Hot Rocks for reptiles. I will purchase just about anything that is German made. Even my wife is German. Love those big hooters! LOL

 

[Will C1]

lol you said H 8O 8O TERS

 

[SCIronMike]

Regular maitence will prevent failure.

I clean my powerheads about every 3-4 months or whenever i notice a deecrease in flow.

I have both a rio on my bak-pak skimmer and hagan 301's.

the hagans are over 10 years old and still work perfectly.

rich

I used a Hagen in my freshwater for about 8 years without a problem. I actually have not had a problem with any pumps till I bought a Zoo-Med PowerSweep. What a piece of crap! Ummmmmmmmmm? I think I keep repeating that . I contacted the company and all they did is send me some Advertisements for there crappy products. I am also amazed that they still suggest Hot Rocks for reptiles. I will purchase just about anything that is German made. Even my wife is German. Love those big hooters! LOL

Same sentiment about German stuff from here...... but my girl is not German.

 

[smokin reefer]

Regular maitence will prevent failure.

I kept my rio 800 super clean, along with everthing else in my aquarium. Don't be fooled by this theory. My rio 800 blew up and put some sort of oil into the water. Luckly I was their to do a water change, and crank up the magnum carbon canister filter. Or I would have lost a lot more than a shrimp and a couple of crabs.

 

[Anonymous]

Regular maitence will prevent failure.

I kept my rio 800 super clean, along with everthing else in my aquarium. Don't be fooled by this theory. My rio 800 blew up and put some sort of oil into the water. Luckly I was their to do a water change, and crank up the magnum carbon canister filter. Or I would have lost a lot more than a shrimp and a couple of crabs.[/quoteI am so happy that I have read these posts about Rio Pumps. I will never ever get one. :!: :!: :!:

 

[AllenF]

Regular cleaning...

From the sounds of it regular cleaning and a routine replacement (say every 3 years) of pumps is CHEAPER than the possible risks....

 

[chrixx]

One a month, I take the impellar apart and scrap any salt/calcium deposits and soak the entire powerhead in white vinegar for a few hours. This works out well. I have 4 maxijets and clean them one at a time so that I don't create too much of a disturbance to the tank.