Do MP40's Eventually Lose Flow?

[bevo5]

This might be a silly question - but is it common for MP40's to eventually just lose the umph in the push? I have two - and they're over 5 years old. I'm wondering if it's time to replace the full unit or just the wet side? They both work and push water, but I can tell the middle of my tank just isn't getting hit like it used to, and I have them at 100% reef crest.

Is this just something that happens?

 

[k2-]

When was the last time they were cleaned ? Mine had same issue but turns out the soaking in vinegar helped.

 

[San Diego Reef Fan]

Citric acid is also very effective.

 

[bevo5]

When was the last time they were cleaned ? Mine had same issue but turns out the soaking in vinegar helped.

Ok cool, thanks. I'll give that a shot. I typically 'clean' them when I hear a little rattle or something...like a piece of sand or shell has gotten stuck...but it's probably very likely there is some build up in there. A good soaking before dropping more cash seems like a smart thing to do! Thank you.

 

[RedoubtReef]

I don't think mine ever have. Wet sides do require maintenance though to stay running smoothly. I've replaced impellers and ceramic bearings/spaces maybe once or twice.

 

[landlubber]

better yet treat your old pumps to brand new wet sides and just switch out the dirty ones with brand new, clean ones and from then on citric acid soak them between shifts and always have max flow without the need to immediately maintain them.

 

[bevo5]

better yet treat your old pumps to brand new wet sides and just switch out the dirty ones with brand new, clean ones and from then on citric acid soak them between shifts and always have max flow without the need to immediately maintain them.

So if a 5ish year old pump has never had a citric bath is it too late to save it now you reckon? I could get new wet sides if that's really going to amp things back up.

 

[Dburr1014]

Don't do vinagar tho, bad for the pumps.

 

[Dburr1014]

So if a 5ish year old pump has never had a citric bath is it too late to save it now you reckon? I could get new wet sides if that's really going to amp things back up.

No, try to clean first. Should help.

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

Don't do vinagar tho, bad for the pumps.

This, citric acid only. Apparently the vinegar has tendency to eat the magnets alive.

 

[landlubber]

So if a 5ish year old pump has never had a citric bath is it too late to save it now you reckon? I could get new wet sides if that's really going to amp things back up.

no no. in fact based on the quality of their pumps i'd bet you are extremely happy with the result. I just meant having extra wet sides means less press on immediate cleaning which most of us neglect to do on a steady schedule.

 

[bevo5]

Ok. I've never used citric acid before. Any suggested brand or strength? Pretty benign stuff once you rinse it all off?

 

[Potatohead]

As above, use citric acid

It's nice to have a spare set of wet sides because you can just swap them and clean the others, makes it pretty easy. But in terms of performance a new wet side isn't really going to perform differently than a cleaned one. Unless of course you have the really old ES style wet sides and not the QD wet sides.

 

[Hairyteeth]

Another vote for clean them….it’s amazing how much they slow down when dirty!

 

[Reef Diaper]

You should also check your power supply. I recently changed the supply for my MP40 and noticed a significant improvement in performance.

 

[landlubber]

Ok. I've never used citric acid before. Any suggested brand or strength? Pretty benign stuff once you rinse it all off?

its surprisingly easy. just follow the mixing instructions (its just adding dry product to rodi water) and you're off. As for brand, I went with aquarium citric acid that i won as a door prize at a frag swap but i've read people buy it a little cheaper online. you'll love it!

 

[bevo5]

Nice. Ok. All good advice. Thanks y'all.

Anybody have a brand/recipe they like for the citric acid?

 

[afrokobe]

I used this

 

[Hairyteeth]

Ps…let us know what happens after a good cleaning, we’re suckers for follow ups!!

 

[bevo5]

Ps…let us know what happens after a good cleaning, we’re suckers for follow ups!!

I had to order the citric acid so it'll probably be a day or two before I can post anything, but I'll update!