mmkeeper
Well-known member
I use a mag 5 for circulation on my calcium reactor. I replaced the impeller a month or so because it was rattling, and it is rattling again. Any ideas?
Mag 5
- Thread starter mmkeeper
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mmkeeper
Well-known member
It is locked in pretty good, it is the impeller rattling and the pump gets hot. Is there another pump that will fit the connections of the Mag 5.
buffalo
Member
Will the pump start up on its own or do you need to give it a hit?
It seem this is not an uncommon problem as i had a similar problem with a mag 12, however mine would not start without some help. What i did was get a thin plastic washer and place it between the pump body and the impeller and it worked fine. I've been reading lately that the mag pumps are not that good and known to just stop working , it appear Eheim pumps are better but i can't say because i never owned one. I know they cost quite a bit more.
It seem this is not an uncommon problem as i had a similar problem with a mag 12, however mine would not start without some help. What i did was get a thin plastic washer and place it between the pump body and the impeller and it worked fine. I've been reading lately that the mag pumps are not that good and known to just stop working , it appear Eheim pumps are better but i can't say because i never owned one. I know they cost quite a bit more.
mmkeeper
Well-known member
THe mag 5 runs 24/7, the problem I have is that my calcium reactor designed for this pump. I makes thing noisy around the tank. Does anyone know if there is another pump that matches the location and size of the inflow and outflow ports on the mag 5.
bbehring
Well-known member
I have a mag 5 running my sump return and have sim problem on the noise side. Nothing like a loud hum? I have never had the impeller problem so I can't answer you there. However, I am tired of the noise my mag makes. I was contemplating switching the mag out with the eheim 1260, except for the watt difference. The eheim is about 22 watts more, which translates into more heat into the tank. I may still do it though. The eheim runs around $120 - $139. They are on ebay from time to time. One thoght, if you get the eheim 1260, you could throttle down with a ball valve to get the same flow as the mag 5.
Mag pumps are like noisy pieces of garbage 
I doubt there is another pump with the exact specifications as the mag 5, however I have replaced several mag pumps with higher quality pumps on calcium reactors for both myself and for friends. Post up a picture and I might be able to make some suggestions to help you out. For a pump I like to use the smallest iwaki or pan world, I believe it is the iwaki 20, or pan world 40. Same pump w/ different colors.
I doubt there is another pump with the exact specifications as the mag 5, however I have replaced several mag pumps with higher quality pumps on calcium reactors for both myself and for friends. Post up a picture and I might be able to make some suggestions to help you out. For a pump I like to use the smallest iwaki or pan world, I believe it is the iwaki 20, or pan world 40. Same pump w/ different colors.
mmkeeper
Well-known member
Here are some pictures. The mag 5 has 1/2" i/o fittings.
That is great! You can quite simply replumb that for any pump you want. You will probably have to buy a matching union for the intake side but you will be able to reuse the upper portion, you may need to shorten it a little. This would be a very simple diy project. I think the iwaki pump that I was telling you about has 1/2" mpt fittings on both sides of the pump.
burning2nd
Well-known member
i had the mag 5... and now im runing the mag 7.
both make noise alittle.... but im runing In-water
both make noise alittle.... but im runing In-water
LakeEd
Achilles
With the flow out of the bottom of your Calc-Reactor into the input of your pump... I am guessing no matter which pump you put on that will end up making noise... as the reactor media will break down then small pieces will get sucked into the input of any pump you place there. Even with a good sponge on the bottom of your reactor, eventually little fine pieces of media will make their way out and into your pump impeller, which will cause the noise you are most likely hearing.
Regular complete cleaning (full tear down), can help keep this to a minimum, but it will still happen. Replacing the sponge on the bottom of your Calc-Reactor regularly, will help.
Regular complete cleaning (full tear down), can help keep this to a minimum, but it will still happen. Replacing the sponge on the bottom of your Calc-Reactor regularly, will help.
mmkeeper
Well-known member
Should I replace the sponge before I need to add media to the reactor? When it gets to noisy and I clean the pump?
LakeEd
Achilles
With my Calcium Reactor, I found that every time it was ready to add more media I needed to completely clean it, and replace the sponge under the media at that time. If I only rinsed out the sponge, within a few days small particles of media found their way into my pump, and it started rattling. I also found if I use the larger size Media like the Gen-X, this seemed to help also vice the smaller ARM type.
Just be aware that all media isn't created equal, especially when it comes to the amount of phosphates it contains, so it is always smart to use some type of phosphate remover on the output of your calcium-reactor.
Just be aware that all media isn't created equal, especially when it comes to the amount of phosphates it contains, so it is always smart to use some type of phosphate remover on the output of your calcium-reactor.
