Mineral buildup inside return pump because of dosing

[Jmas4]

I cleaned my return pumps in my reef tanks. I found disassembling them to be very difficult and inside were a very hard film of mineral build up. This caused my motor to stop working. The only thing I can think of is that I dose 2 part into my return chamber for all my tanks. Does this happen often? What are your experiences?

 

[Auquanut]

I auto dose BRS 2 part into the baffle between the fuge and the return sections. For me, it seems like I get higher flow there and the ALK doesn't get a chance to precipitate as badly as dosing directly into the return section. Of course, your always going to get a certain amount of precipitation.

 

[Pdash]

Put a powerhead in the return chamber, also makes it easier to use an auto feeder dumping into that chamber. You could also slow down your doser/dose in smaller increments.

 

[Jmas4]

Put a powerhead in the return chamber, also makes it easier to use an auto feeder dumping into that chamber. You could also slow down your doser/dose in smaller increments.

That's actually a great idea to lower the dosage amount but increase the amount of doses per day. Thanks!

 

[Auquanut]

I dose 12 times daily. Alk goes in one hour, and calc goes in the next. That also helps to reduce precipitation.

 

[Pdash]

I dose 12 times daily. Alk goes in one hour, and calc goes in the next. That also helps to reduce precipitation.

Good point, I sorta took for granted that everyone would try and maximize time separation between doses of calcium and alkalinity.

 

[billwill]

I had that exact problem for years while dosing. Since going to calcium reactor a few years ago, I have no issues like this at all. I don’t know the reason why, but it’s pretty common knowledge this is the case.