Powerhead cleaning?

R

racerX

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Jan 10, 2004
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I think I remember reading somewhere on her about someone breaking down their powerheads and cleaning them for regular maintainace. I just did a total break down of my skimmer and filter for the second time and I can tell they are running much better and very quiet. Should I do the same to my powerheads? If so how do i make sure they don't leak before putting them back in the tank. I've seen threads on here about shorts killing the whole tank.

Thanks,
Shane
 
I wouldn't try. I've never had a problem with them. Occasionally I'll take them out and scrub them good with a hard bristled toothbrush (like a canine one). That's about as much as I'd try.
 
I clean my powerheads (and all my pumps) on a regular basis. There is always some gunk in there. I take them apart and clean everything out with a toothbrush. Sometimes I'll dunk 'em in a bucket of vinegar and let them run for a while to clean out deposits. LIke you said, your other pumps seemed to run better after a cleaning - the same goes for powerheads.

Are your powerheads Rios? Is that why you're worried about leaks?
 
No I have 3 maxi-jet 900 power heads and I was just wondering if it was necessary for maintainace. Thanks for the help. Always apreciated.

Shane
 
cleaning powerheads

We break down our powerheads about every other week. We have Maxi-jets and a Hagen Aqua-clear. I take them apart enough to get to the impeller assembly. They really get loaded with gunk that I believe must find its way back into the water. They definitely run better after a cleaning.
 
Powerheads are easy to clean and should be done on a regular basis. They will last longer if you clean them out. You wont have to worry about them leaking as they are sealed units where the motor is. A small pipe cleaner brush is good for cleaning them.
 
Well, now that I've been overwhelmingly corrected (which is fine) do the AquaClear's have instructions on taking them apart or do you just have to look at it to figure it out (I guess I've never looked closely at mine)?
 
Originally posted by VoodooChild
Well, now that I've been overwhelmingly corrected (which is fine) do the AquaClear's have instructions on taking them apart or do you just have to look at it to figure it out (I guess I've never looked closely at mine)?
Click to expand...

The impeller cover should just twist off the bottom of the PH. Then you can remove the impeller, clean it, clean the well it sits in, wipe everything else down, and you're good to go. An old (disinfected) toothbrush comes in handy for these cleanings.
 
I took everything off of them and used the pipete that came with the filter. Cleaned everything off really good and put them back together but i didn't take the casings off cause it looks like everything is external. Thanks for the help guys always apreciated.

Shane
 
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