MP40wQD rust or brown algae?

[Clownfish2]

I was cleaning my EcoTech MP40wQD and discovered brown bits and stain on internal parts. Is this brown algae or rust?

I bought this power head February 2017. For the age of it and the money, it shouldn’t be rusting.

 

[CC13]

I was cleaning my EcoTech MP40wQD and discovered brown bits and stain on internal parts. Is this brown algae or rust?

I bought this power head February 2017. For the age of it and the money, it shouldn’t be rusting.

Rust.

How old is your wetside?

 

[TheHarold]

Rust.

 

[ca1ore]

Is the center spindle really a bronze color, or is it your photos? I cannot recall whether the metal core of the spindle is stainless or titanium. Both will corrode, but its not technically rust. It's not algae, certainly; and there does seem to be some particulate buildup that looks like corroded metal. All mine are discolored, but none have that residue. I'd speak with ETM customer service, though FWIW I recall that they recommend replacing wetsides after 18 months.

 

[Clownfish2]

The Wet side is only 8 months old due to previous warranty service.

The dry side is original 1 year 8 months.

 

[CC13]

Is the center spindle really a bronze color, or is it your photos? I cannot recall whether the metal core of the spindle is stainless or titanium. Both will corrode, but its not technically rust. It's not algae, certainly; and there does seem to be some particulate buildup that looks like corroded metal. All mine are discolored, but none have that residue. I'd speak with ETM customer service, though FWIW I recall that they recommend replacing wetsides after 18 months.

The Vortech QD shaft are stainless steel. Rust colored discoloration is still rust.

I agree that it really is not an issue at this point, but it is somewhat inexcusable for a $350 pump.

This is a known issue if you search the forms a lot of people have had this issue.

 

[CC13]

The Wet side is only 8 months old due to previous warranty service.

The dry side is original 1 year 8 months.

Contact customer service and explain your case. See if they will send you a replacement wet side.

 

[JAMSOURY]

Mine is the same on both of my pumps. How much can this affect the tank?

 

[CC13]

Mine is the same on both of my pumps. How much can this affect the tank?

The thing with rust, even if it’s just surface rust, is that it won’t go away. If anything it gets worse. It’s really no excuse to say, that it’s acceptable just because it may not hurt your tank. That’s just my opinion.

Vortechs are a premium pump and you pay a premium for one. With that, the consumer should expect a premium product. I have had Red dragon pumps in my tank for 6-7 years with absolutely no rust. It’s about the quality of the stainless steel, titanium or ceramics used.

 

[Rjramos]

Maybe they should go with a ceramic shaft.

 

[CC13]

Maybe they should go with a ceramic shaft.

Stainless steel can still be used, but not all stainless steel are created equal.

The less expensive grades have higher iron content which rusts. Any high grade stainless steel will not rust.