MaxiJet powerhead life?

[diane4]

I seem to be gowing through Maxi-jet powerheads. They start to slow down in force or they stop working all together. I haven't had one last longer than a year before something quits.
What is your experience? I thought the Maxi-jets were the most popular, maybe there is a better brand.

 

[ryanhayes9]

never heard of a ph doind that. they will prolly use force over time. you ever clean em?

 

[db]

It sounds like you aren't doing maintanance on them. They will last quite a while but you need to take them apart and soak them in vinegar. Usually there is a calcium build up that happens to the impellar. They are really easy to take apart and get going again. Chances are that you can get the olds back in action if you clean them. If not just make sure to that every so often and they will run for a long time.

 

[diane4]

Thank you for the info DB.
How long do you have to soak them before they are ok. And, do you have to run them in the vinegar to properly clean them, or just soak em?
How often do you clean yours?

 

[petty43]

Soak them for a few hours and scrub them with a toothbrush. They may have to be left in the vineger longer. You can leave them in overnight if you want. It won't hurt them.

 

[diane4]

Thank you folks - I took the PH out and soaked it in vinegar like you suggested. Let it sit for a day.
Then rinsed good and scrubbed them out. The algea and scum just about washed away with ease. The PH works great now.
I can't thank you enough. The PH instructions indicate that you should occaisionally clean the unit and clean the impeller, but they don't mention vinegar.
Where did you learn this clever thing?
Now, I wonder how to get the algea buildup that is formulating - cleaned and removed from the inside tubing of my sump return.
You folks are great.

 

[petty43]

What size is the tubing? I have 1/2" tubing. I bought an ehiem pump once that came with little brushes for cleaning. I'm sure you can buy these brushes individually. I just tied a small weight to the end with a few feet of fishing line (depends how long your hose is). Drop the weight into the hose, 'til it comes out the other end, and pull the brush through the hose.

 

[thomas712]

This is a nice little thread on regular power head maintenance. diane4 ~ just to let you know I use pretty much the same method to clean my Maxi Jet power heads. I've had a set of MJ 1200's for nearly 6 years now. Still going strong, seals are a bit weak where the nozzle goes up into the unit where the impeller is but I use a rubber band to help keep them on. I've had a set of 900's for only a year now and still in perfect condition.
Thomas