Rust on Return Pump

Fallling · Feb 8, 2020

I have a 11 month old Eheim CompactON 5000 pump as return for my tank. The return pump gets turned off every evening when I feed (dozens of nps) and back on 30 min - 1 hour later. Welp, it wouldn't start back up last night. Like nothing- didn't even sound like it was trying to start. However, that's not my point here.

I took the pump out this morning and low and behold, there's quite a bit of rust coming off screw. There were even good sized chunks of rust falling off. I know iron in and of itself isn't bad (GFO, which I run), but rather, impurities in the metal may be of concern. I don't keep any sps, but I do have a few suns and branching dendro that aren't doing well suddenly (I've had all for several years) with the skin just slouching off. Others, are just fine though. Now, I'm wondering if this rust could be part of the problem. As of yet, I haven't tried to get the pump working again, but now I don't know if I should even put it back in the tank if I do.

There's some pics below. What would you do?

Slawman · Feb 8, 2020

If it was sold as marine safe I would go back to where I bought it and ask for a replacement/repair/refund.

Nick30G · Feb 8, 2020

I would get a new high quality return pump. Not worth having un-explained coral fatalitys over this and from the condition of the pump, it likely wont last long. Not worth skimping on the reliability on a return pump, the most critical part of your tank. I would recommend the Reef Octopus Vario's series return pumps if you want to go down that route. For being 11 months old I would defenitely try to get warranty/refund on it, and if its already rusting and not starting up for you after 11 months, I would not be confident on keeping the piece of equipment long term.

Quietman · Feb 8, 2020

Advertised as marine safe. I use one for my water transfers with no issues. I'd contact Eheim. And then buy a Sicce if you like simple, no frills, bullet proof AC return pumps.

X-37B · Feb 8, 2020

Yea not good. Get a tunze, my go to pump, or any above mentioned pumps and keep a backup on hand no mater what pump you run.

Fallling · Feb 8, 2020

Nick30G said:
I would get a new high quality return pump. Not worth having un-explained coral fatalitys over this and from the condition of the pump, it likely wont last long. Not worth skimping on the reliability on a return pump, the most critical part of your tank. I would recommend the Reef Octopus Vario's series return pumps if you want to go down that route. For being 11 months old I would defenitely try to get warranty/refund on it, and if its already rusting and not starting up for you after 11 months, I would not be confident on keeping the piece of equipment long term.

Eheim's are generally considered high quality pumps (it does have a 3-year warranty). I have a 1262 on a closed loop that's been running 7 years with no problem. I'm very surprised to find the pump in this condition - it's been great otherwise. Silent and very powerful. Sucks =/

Anyways, thanks, everyone. I think I'm going to put the closed loop pump on the return for now, contact Eheim/retailer where I bought the pump, and get another pump.

Nick30G · Feb 8, 2020

Fallling said:
Eheim's are generally considered high quality pumps (it does have a 3-year warranty). I have a 1262 on a closed loop that's been running 7 years with no problem. I'm very surprised to find the pump in this condition - it's been great otherwise. Silent and very powerful. Sucks =/

Anyways, thanks, everyone. I think I'm going to put the closed loop pump on the return for now, contact Eheim/retailer where I bought the pump, and get another pump.

Just because it has a brand thats known for making high quality pumps dosent mean all their lines of pumps are going to be high quality. Its definitely possible you got a dud unit no question. I myself am very weary of products that have issues before the 1 year mark personally. I hope they set you up with a new pump.