What is hard white substance on my return pump

[Craigh]

I’m trying to clean my return pump and powerheads. The return pump is cover with a hard white substance. What is this? Does this mean something is off?

 

[FurrierTransform]

I think they are calcareous worms, or their shells anyway. I've seen them too. Notice that they're almost all circular or spiral. Do you see anything like a feather duster out of one end? But they look pretty small to be able to see such things. I don't think they'll damage anything; if they get into your pump, they'll likely get pulverized. I've checked the impellers on my pumps and power heads and haven't seen anything like those inside.

 

[BostonReefer300]

That's nothing to worry about. During semi annual maitenance, I soak my pumps, etc. in vinegar to remove calcium buildups

 

[terraincognita]

Spirorbis worm shells.

brought to you by your own local and healthy reef tank you had that pump in whenever it was there.

a Citric acid dip for 15-20 minutes and some scrubbing and they come right off.

 

[vetteguy53081]

They are spirobid worms and on their favorite nesting area as the pump is warm
Theyre harmless