Why you don't wait 4 years between return pump cleanings.....

[dino]

I keep two that way you can clean them and heven forbid one dies you got a spare

[Rogue951]

yeah Eheim, well worth the cost for those pumps.
I pick up the box of 2x2 gallon jugs of vinegar at US costco for $4. always keep 2 jugs on hand lol.
..... ok take that however u want.... anyway...
hmmm don't know where to find acid. Didn't get to check this before I went to home depot. oh well. I'll go check and hope it's all gone.


It was still pumping, I think the intake being clogged was the bigger issue than the buildup overall. but I expect it to be good as new once it's done it's bath.

[fishoholic]

Originally Posted by Dez

I'm scared for the day I have to remove it for cleaning.

+1 I imagine my pumps look about the same or worse, I'm also scared to clean them!

[Rogue951]

Alright, so after all has been dissolved... or most... some of it is being stubborn, it seems the calcium buildup has worn my impeller to hell. Looks like a scratching post.
No bulging or anything but the plastic casing is scored.
JL sells new impeller for around $80 I think when I called.
Now... I've been thinking about the Speedwave DC-5000..... Variable pump.. twice as much output as the eheim and can be controlled. I'm gonna start a new thread to see if anyone's heard anything about it.

Eheim 1260.1262 vs. Speedwave pump If you have any opinions (aside from Eheim rocks cause I already know that) please add.

[Son Of Skyline]

Yikes! I haven't cleaned my mag3 return in almost 4 and a half years myself. Maybe I should.

[Delphinus]

It should still work even if the magnet is scored up. Bulging is the bigger problem but I don't think Eheims are prone to that.

Muriatic acid will eat the stuff in minutes, but the stuff is nasty to work with. You'd have to get it at a pool supply place, Home Depot and Rona don't carry it. You'd want to dilute it and do it in a well ventilated area - avoid breathing the fumes. Did I mention it's pretty nasty stuff to work with?

[Trevor82]

Rona does carry the acid, not sure about home depot, but yeah it does suck to work with.