Pump Question/Recommendation

[Apple5150]

I have been running a Magnum 350 into my UV sterilizer since I got my tank 8 years ago. It was used at that point as I was given the tank by someone getting out of the hobby. Needless to say, the pump is old. It is still working, but I have noticed that the water flow is horribly slow. There is no way it is putting out the 350 gph it should be. I have the input on the right side of my 55 gallon, and the output on the left side. The water flows through the magum, into the UV, and then out and back into the tank. Could this cycle itself be causing the horrible water flow?

I was wondering if just the motor and propeller are just getting old. Should I just replace the few pieces or can anyone recommend a new one? I thought about buying a new one and just replacing this one, but have not heard anyone really comment on these pumps, so do not know if anyone really recommends them for reef tanks. It was originally on a FO Salt tank before I converted to a reef a few years ago.

The tank is only keeping softies, zoos, and mushrooms, so nothing major. I have 4x55watt PC lights, 2x10K and 2 actinics. Been doing this for years, but after hearing everyone talk at the meetings, I am starting to wonder if I am doing things all wrong. I do not keep anything fancy or high tech, but the tank is running smoothly. I run a SeaClone Skimmer, 2 maxijets, 1 power sweep, and 2 Aqua powerheads on top of the magnum. I am thinking of investing in a wavemaker power strip also, but not sure of peoples thoughts of those either. I believe I am runnig approx 900 gph right now, without the magnum, but do not have a sump or overflow.

Wow, now that I have written this, I am realizing I have lots of pump and circulation questions. Maybe I just need to have an overhaul of my tank assessed.

Thanks!!

Paris

 

[ronj]

have you cleaned the impeller??? they have to have regular maintenance....i would take it apart and check it... be careful, i hear the plate that is held on by the screws can be cracked VERY easily when tightening the screws back in place.....also, how do you like that powersweep... i tried one about 2 years ago..it stopped rotating a few months after it was in the tank... i got another one a year ago or so and it did the same thing... i threw them away!!! just wondering if yours worked properly

 

[LakeEd]

If you haven't cleaned it, I would recommend that also.

Just the slime build-up can cause derogation in performance... and I try and clean my various pumps about every three months.

 

[Krish]

Agreed...If cleaning doesn't help then chances are it is the motor. The only time I've known an impeller needed changing, is when it makes noise. The impeller to me is like a fan blade and only produces the amount of flow that motor provides. Hope you get it all worked out

 

[Apple5150]

I do clean my pumps once a month, to remove slime from the tubes and propellers. I am just wondering if the thing is just old, it doesnt even have the plate that everyone is talking about. I think this pump is AT least 10-12 years old, so a very old version.

Ronj-I like the sweeper, it works pretty well. it does stop, I just clean the sponge and propeller and then it works again. I think it just clogs up every so often.

 

[ronj]

i took mine apart and cleaned it.. it stopped working right after that..the pump still worked, but it didn't rotate...i don't think i will buy another one...i am about to invest in some seio's