Iwaki MD100RLT Return Pump Question

[Cstaricansrfer1]

Hello everyone,

I have been given a new aquarium pump, but have a few issues with it that I would appreciate some feedback on.

The pump seems to be in pretty good shape. It was only run for 2 years and I would really like to use it b/c it would save me a lot of money, except I have found some rust/corrosion . Most of the problem seems to be on the outside of the pump. I took apart the impeller assembly and with it being all plastic parts I figured I could do a good cleanup job and see how it works.

What would be the best way to clean this? Vinegar is usually what I use but would like to see if there is anything better? Or if I should find a different pump.
Here are some pics:

Impeller assembly

Exhaust fan

Thanks in advance

 

[Cstaricansrfer1]

I apologize if I posted this in the wrong forum.

 

[Hal]

Vinegar and a good scrubbing is what I would do. Your pump looks to be in pretty good shape. Other than that, just do a visual inspection of the O-ring. If there's any doubt, replace it; it's cheap enough to do so. At 2 years old it should be fine.

I have a 100RLT as my return pump too, and it's a beast. I have it in my basement sump room, with my tank on the first floor, and I still have to divert about 50% of it's flow directly back into the sump so that it doesn't overpower the tank. My pump is 10 years old and I haven't done any maintenance on it, ever. Iwaki's are good pumps.

 

[Cstaricansrfer1]

Vinegar and a good scrubbing is what I would do. Your pump looks to be in pretty good shape. Other than that, just do a visual inspection of the O-ring. If there's any doubt, replace it; it's cheap enough to do so. At 2 years old it should be fine.

I have a 100RLT as my return pump too, and it's a beast. I have it in my basement sump room, with my tank on the first floor, and I still have to divert about 50% of it's flow directly back into the sump so that it doesn't overpower the tank. My pump is 10 years old and I haven't done any maintenance on it, ever. Iwaki's are good pumps.

Thank you
The O-ring looks fine so shouldn't be an issue.

WOW i thought 2100gph was powerful but that's intense! I plan on running it on a 125 when I get it set up and plumb a manifold to skimmer, gfo, refuge, but I might have to find more things to run it to lol maybe just have a lot of returns to the DT.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

good reliable pump!

good reliable pump!

I think mine is about 20 years old.
Not the most conservative choice for power comsumption or noise.
On a 75 gallon it will be too much if placed in the aquarium stand.

In other words, use it in a basement sump application.
If you plumb water returns correctly you should not need any powerheads in the aquarium.

 

[Cstaricansrfer1]

I think mine is about 20 years old.
Not the most conservative choice for power comsumption or noise.
On a 75 gallon it will be too much if placed in the aquarium stand.

In other words, use it in a basement sump application.
If you plumb water returns correctly you should not need any powerheads in the aquarium.

The pump won't be used on my current 75, but I am planning a 125 for it to possibly run on. Would be nice not to have any power heads in the tank though.

Sould I assume the impeller assembly is the only part that comes in contact with water so I shouldn't have to take the pump apart any further to check for corrosion?

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

Iwaki's run forever, just give everything a good cleaning, even the fan blades.
A yearly inspection & cleaning is all mine ever required.
This one however might just be too much for a 125.
I had a 70 on a 220.

 

[Cstaricansrfer1]

Thanks for the responses.

Maybe a good excuse for a bigger upgrade lol.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

get at least a 180: 72" x 24" x 24"

create a gyre with your water returns. I capped my returns with eductors/penductors. You have time to do some research.