Do pitted pump impellas effect salt water chemistry?

[elic173]

Hi All



I saw the whole debate as to whether to leave your glass cleaning magnet in the tank or not. The debate centred around possible element leakage.



When cleaning the impella on my pump, I noticed it was pitted and any protective coating would have been damaged.



Would this cause a leakage into the water and adversely effect the water chemistry?



If so what element or elements would show up on an ICP test?



Thanks



Ed

 

[GThompson]

Most impellers are made of some form of plastic, so there shouldn’t be a problem. Can you tell if yours is made of another material?

 

[elic173]

Most impellers are made of some form of plastic, so there shouldn’t be a problem. Can you tell if yours is made of another material?

It’s the spindle which they claim is stainless steel and the magnet I was concerned about. I’ve noticed better pumps use ceramic spindles. I will be upgrading to that. I think they cover the magnet with a waterproof material, but mine is pitted so the magnet is exposed to the salt water which I I assume is bad. Time for an upgrade.

 

[GThompson]

It’s the spindle which they claim is stainless steel and the magnet I was concerned about. I’ve noticed better pumps use ceramic spindles. I will be upgrading to that. I think they cover the magnet with a waterproof material, but mine is pitted so the magnet is exposed to the salt water which I I assume is bad. Time for an upgrade.

I would have to agree with you on that. If the magnet was exposed it may be time for a new one or maybe some liquid two part epoxy to recover the magnet. Just a thought. Good luck with it

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

If you have any apparent issues with corals it very high metals by icp, I’d replace it. But in general is may not be a concern.