Calcium Buildup on external Pump

[woodworker1959]

This morning I can down to my tank want was meet by a lower noise level than I'm use to and found that my PCX-40 pump which I use to drive my protein skimmer not running. I should say that the motor was running but the magnetic pump wasn't turning. I pulled the plug let the motor come to a stop and then restarted a few minutes latter. I think that it must be from calcium deposits that have built up in the pump between the impellar and the pump housing cutting down on the clearance. I know that you can remove the calcium deposits with white wine vinegar (WWV). Has anyone had a similar problem, and if so how did you rectify it.
Do you have to seperate the pump from the motor and dip it in a solution of WWV or can you dip the pump end with the motor attached keeping the liquid level below the motor housing.
Maybe I'm totally off base, I appreciate your input.

 

[billsreef]

I don't recall how the pump head attaches to the motor on that one. If it won't come off in an easy and readily apparent manor, you can use paper towels soaked in vinegar to stuff into the impeller well without worrying about soaking the motor

 

[woodworker1959]

Calcium Buildup

Calcium Buildup

Bill thanks for the reply. I took it apart and it has about 8 screws which when taken out you can remove the whole pump (which is a sealed unit ) away from the motor. I soaked it in White wine vinegar for a few hours and was able to get rid of all the biobuildup. Again thank for the info. Back on line running like new. Its amazing that that with the PCX-40 off and only the Sequence Dart running how quiet it became. I wish I knew of a pressure pump that could power my Skimmer (MY Reef Creation MR-2) and be as efficient and quiet like the Dart