Broken powerhead

[Gordonious]

I have an “aquarium pump” Zoo Med that was given to me a while ago by a friend who said it didn’t work. I thought what he was telling me was it didn’t rotate back and forth like he wanted it to. He may have been telling me though that it just doesn’t spin at all, because when I plug it in now it does nothing. I have taken the propeller in and out and no matter what I do I see, hear, and feel nothing happening.

More info on the unit:
(Zoo Med S-30 120V ~ 60Hz 17W Q 100 â€"œ 190 gph LR113635)

Anyone have any ideas or any pointers? I think it is brand new, but I don't have any packaging or anything for it.

Jon

 

[SerranidTerror]

Jon,

I'm not familiar with the zoo med power heads. Worse case scenario there may be an 800 number on the box. I would imagine they'd be willing to help you through your problem or send you out parts/new unit to help you out.

 

[kaptken]

if there is nothing wrong with the impeller, like encrusted with calcium, broken or split magnet, or something like that, it must be a short or break in the magnet wire connection. but the magnet is encased in epoxy, so there is nothing to do if a power wire is fried inside.
stick with maxijets. pretty much indistructible, and you can get replacement impellers for 6-9 dollars.

but actually, I have been surprised to find that my collection of hagen aquaclear powerheads, of various flow rates from 80-400 gph sizes seem to be virtually fool proof. hardly ever get plugged up with deposits and just keep pumping. even the used ones i've picked up cheap at TFP tent sales.

 

[Gordonious]

Just about every power head I have I got from two friends of mine that started keeping 20g reefers that upgraded their equipment, then their tanks, then their equipment. So I got the leftovers. They also used to work at an LFS and brought home lots of stuff they bought from costumers. That's ok though because they ate my food and my parents food when I lived at home.

I mostly have hagen powerheads and haven't had a problem with them yet.

UPDATE: Ok I just plugged in the stupid thing and tapped it a couple more times and it works. I don't know if it was closed to tightly last time or what.

 

[kaptken]

there ya go! must have been a bit of sand or grit hangin up the impeller. i have a couple of those sweep power heads. but i just took the gears and water wheel out of them. they just get jammed up and cut down the flow.