6105's never cleaned

[Crackem]

I'm getting worried since I've never cleaned my 6105's. I think I bought them in 2012 but can't be sure. I know they are the newer versions post 2011. The main reason I never cleaned them is because I did some bad wire management and used zip ties so I wasn't able to disconnect them. That and I'm lazy.

I looked over the sticky but since its from 2007 I thought Id ask.
What's the best way to clean these without breaking them. I would hate to use to much force on something that's not supposed to move.

My powerheads are completely covered in coralline algae and I can only imagine what they must look like inside.

Before I remove them from the tank can I get a little walk through or a point in the right direction?

Thank You

 

[rsaha]

Pull them out and soak them for a day in a 50% vinegar, 50% water mix. That will clean them right up. They will look new.

 

[rvitko]

In general you can just bring a bucket to the tank if you have enough cord to reach the floor. I would do as rsaha said, soak them in 50/50 vinegar and water overnight, then dissassemble and brush down with a tooth brush and soak in fresh 50/50 vinegar and water after dissassembly for a few more hours to get the solution to the parts inside the pump that are now exposed (drive magnet, prop, shaft, etc).

 

[Crackem]

Ok I will soak them overnight. Do I need any tools to disassemble them?

 

[rvitko]

No tools should be needed unless they are really seized up and then it would be best to send them in.

 

[Crackem]

I'm trying to open up the housing but so far its not moving. I'm soaking it in RODi and vinegar for now and the coralline algae is coming off but its very thick. To open the housing the diagram from the manual looks like you just pull them apart. What should I do if they are not coming apart?

 

[Paul B]

I have some powerheads I have not removed or hardly even seen in over 15 years. I don't touch them if they are working.

 

[Crackem]

I got it open with a little force and a tooth brush. I spent way to much money on these so I figured I better clean them. After cleaning one I noticed a small increase in flow compared to the other one. I was very surprised that it really was not that dirty inside tho. Just a ton of coralline that came off with the vinegar. I cleaned it in about 30min tho cause I didn't feel like soaking it over night. There's still some coraline on it but the inside looks good.

 

[rvitko]

Soak them until they are fairly clean, you can try gently tapping the seam of the two housings on the edge of a countertop, like cracking an egg.