Cleaning Mag pumps

[m8298]

I listened to the episode on powerhead care and maintenance a while back and I imagine that it's no different for bigger pumps. I haven't kept up with cleaning my pumps like should and I figure I should probably start. I have changed an impeller in my Mag before, but do I need to take them apart to clean them or will I have just as much luck running them for a little while in a vinegar/water mix?

[Kevin McG]

Originally Posted by m8298

I listened to the episode on powerhead care and maintenance a while back and I imagine that it's no different for bigger pumps. I haven't kept up with cleaning my pumps like should and I figure I should probably start. I have changed an impeller in my Mag before, but do I need to take them apart to clean them or will I have just as much luck running them for a little while in a vinegar/water mix?

What I do to ALL my pumps which includes a Mag24 is run for a hour or two in a large bucket with white vinegar diluted with a little ro/di water. Then I disassemble the pump and scrub and clean all the parts with a old toothbrush.

Then I reassemble.......god as new

[Rob]

i actually have a video on this exact topic, cleaning mags and maxi-jets..
just havent done any work on it, its all still on tape

but yes, Kevin is right on

[m8298]

Well where is it Rob? lol Only kiddin' Man... I took Kevin's suggestion in the previous post, it worked great. I still look forward to the video when you get to it though Rob. The video's are really helpful, sometimes they even give me other ideas.

[Rob]

yes, its actually part of another project im working on, so i haven't really done anything with the video.

im supposed to be getting some new editing software, so maybe i will use that as a practice project, and just release it for fun..

[m8298]

I was just messin' with ya.

I've never tried video editing. I've still got an 8mm video camera. I do have an older version of Adobe Premier, that I never bothered to learn.

[Rob]

not a huge premier fan, but im going to start working in Apple's Final Cut soon

[gwen_o_lyn]

I keep a backup mag on hand, so I put that on the tank, and remove all the powerheads/pumps that are dirty. Then I put them in the bathtub with about 10g of vinegar and 10g of water and let them run for about 1-2days. I also clean them out with a toothbrush. I do that once a year.

[fat walrus]

Originally Posted by gwen_o_lyn

I keep a backup mag on hand, so I put that on the tank, and remove all the powerheads/pumps that are dirty. Then I put them in the bathtub with about 10g of vinegar and 10g of water and let them run for about 1-2days. I also clean them out with a toothbrush. I do that once a year.

ten gallons of vinegar?

[m8298]

No kiddin', ten gallons???

Do you own stock in one of the vinegar manufacturer's? lol

[Rob]

wow...
thats alot...lol

about every 2-3 months is fine.. with a cup a vinegar and up 5 gallons of hot water.
but them in a bucket and let them run for 2-12 hours (depending on how dirty they are)

i have cleaned the nastiest pumps this way... works perfect