Cleaning return pump

[Mattg023]

Hi all,

My tanks been running for almost 6 months. I have a jebao DCP-3000. I've noticed the last few days my tank has been slowly rising in temp. I keep it controlled at 78 but its been climbing to about 80 consistently, which hasn't happened before and the room temp is only low 70's. My sump is loaded with small pineapple sponges, and I'm wondering if its getting clogged a bit and producing heat? I ordered a temp laser gun but that won't be here for a couple days. How should I go about cleaning the return pump? Thanks

 

[gentlefish]

Always a bit scary to clean your pump the first time. One never knows if it still fits together. You need to unplug the pump and excess water will drain in the sump. If you have a valve to stop back flow from the tank, here it comes in handy. Isolate the cord and remove the return line.
Keep in mind that all energy users produce heat. If it’s your pump you can often feel the heat under water. Also do not underestimate the risk of a heater to get stuck in ON.

 

[Mattg023]

Always a bit scary to clean your pump the first time. One never knows if it still fits together. You need to unplug the pump and excess water will drain in the sump. If you have a valve to stop back flow from the tank, here it comes in handy. Isolate the cord and remove the return line.
Keep in mind that all energy users produce heat. If it’s your pump you can often feel the heat under water. Also do not underestimate the risk of a heater to get stuck in ON.

Thanks for the response! I have my heater connected to an ink bird controller, so I’m ruling that out. And that leaves the return pump and power heads. Just curious, how often should the pumps be cleaned?

 

[Lightspeed]

even if the pump was warming the water, would not the inkbird temp controller switch the heater off according to your preset range?

I would be investigating the controller regardless and monitoring its on/off cycle, rechecking your controller settings and temp sensor and backing them up with a cross reference thermometer test.

While cleaning a return is just routine maintenance, nothing wrong with keeping your gear clean, but after a 6 month run i would be surprised it would have sufficient build up as i imagine its after your filter socks and skimmer, that being said though, there is a lot detritus created in a cycle, especially if you use natural real Live Rock.

Def check and clean your wavemakers/powerheads too. Think about a return pump guard and a sponge filter before your return section.

 

[Auquanut]

I actually clean my return pump about every 6 months. Power heads more often. Just whenever they look like they need it.
I personally keep spares of all essential equipment. Return pump, power heads, heaters, etc... It's a little pricey up front, but when it's time to clean, I can just change out said equipment with the spare. Then I can disassemble and clean at my leisure. A quick test in the deep sink, and it's ready for next time.
Also, if I have failure, I'm not scrambling to find a replacement. It kind of gives me peace of mind.

 

[Mattg023]

even if the pump was warming the water, would not the inkbird temp controller switch the heater off according to your preset range?

I would be investigating the controller regardless and monitoring its on/off cycle, rechecking your controller settings and temp sensor and backing them up with a cross reference thermometer test.

While cleaning a return is just routine maintenance, nothing wrong with keeping your gear clean, but after a 6 month run i would be surprised it would have sufficient build up as i imagine its after your filter socks and skimmer, that being said though, there is a lot detritus created in a cycle, especially if you use natural real Live Rock.

Def check and clean your wavemakers/powerheads too. Think about a return pump guard and a sponge filter before your return section.

The controller only turns the heater on when the tank hits 77 deg. And heats to 78 and shuts off. I’m saying it’s not the heater that is causing it. Has to be one of the pumps I’d imagine