Crusty Brown Stuff (1 Viewer)

[RobertR]

Hi, just wanted to know if anyone might have some suggestions regarding a problem. Recently my main circulation pump which is a Velocity T4 (rated at 1200 GPH) stopped running? The pump is only about 10 months old so I was pretty upset, especially when I found out that Custom Sealife went out of Business?

Anyway, I immediately installed my backup pump which is a Mag Drive 18. I then decided to take apart the Velocity pump to see if I might be able to determine what may have caused it to go out prematurely. I really expected to find a broken impeller, to my amazement I found that the darn thing was coated with what appears to be a light brown hard crusty limestone looking stuff? I scraped off and cleaned the inside of the pump and the impeller and now the pump seems to be running again. My questions, what is this stuff, what caused it, and finally how do I prevent it from happening again?

Tank parameters: 135 gallon tank, salinity = 1.026, dosing Kent Marine Kalk, and adding Kent Turbo Calcium when needed, calcium = 420 PPM, Alk =2.4, and PH=8.2.

Any helpful suggestions would really be appreciated. Thanks

 

[Cakepro]

It's probably calcium built up on the impeller. Happens to my pumps too periodically. A good soaking in vinegar dissolves the calcium so you don't have to expend too much energy scrubbing.

~ Sherri

 

[Guest]

What you are seeing are calcium deposits building up. This is something that can eventually happen with any pump - it just seems to happen faster with the Velocity pumps, probably has something to do with the titanium.

Anyway, to be safe just clean the impeller every 2-3 months and you shouldn't have to worry about it seizing.

BTW - I have an extra T4 I am selling, in case you want a spare. PM me if you are interested.

 

[RobertR]

Alright Thanks guys! I guess I'll have to schedule some preventive maintenance.