Jebao Wavemaker/Powerheads - Lifespan ?

[Easto]

I am tossing around the idea of getting two Jebao RW-8 powerheads for my 75 Gal tank.

The only real downside I have been seeing is the lifespan of these.

For anyone that owns a Jebao powerhead how long have yo had them? In your experience, how long did yours last?

 

[Neebles]

I have an wp-10, so the older series. It still runs but the controller lasted about 6 months before I couldn't control it anymore.

 

[cmcoker]

Have a twin controller with 2 wp25, got in February last year, still running fine. I clean them in vinegar with a brush every few months.

 

[AdamNC]

I have 2 WP-10s. One I bought in April 2014 with the blue impeller, still running. The other I got in Feb 2015 with the white impeller and still running.

 

[Jyetman]

Bought a WP-25 back in August 2013 still working today including original controller.

 

[Easto]

Nice.... So the rumor's that you're lucky to get a year out of them may be a bit of an exaggeration.

 

[Customride0105]

I been wondering this same thing. Mite have to go with the mp60s instead

 

[Crusinjimbo]

I have an RW8 that has been in use for about 9 months. My onlyissue is that the ceramic shaft bearings tend to seize up evert two or three months. Easily corrected with a short vinegar soak as routine maintenance. Lots of water movement out of this pump, much more than my MP10.

 

[christopherjudd]

Have a wp25 from two years ago, still running fine

 

[michaellee64]

I have 6 out of 8 that are still working after 2 years. Just replaced the bad ones with the RW-15's... Love the water flow from them.

 

[d0ughb0y]

The key to longer lifespan is to clean them as needed. The interval depends on your tank condition. I clean them about every 3 months. I've had mine for 1.5 years. After 1 year, one of the wp25 stopped working, so I got a rw-15. Turns out the wp-25 just needed a more thorough cleaning (overnight soak in strong vinegar solution, I used to clean by running it in a vinegar solution for an hour only) and it still works fine. The pump itself is just a sealed variable speed DC motor so there is absolutely no reason for it to not last a long time. (and to cost a fortune).

 

[cmcoker]

The key to longer lifespan is to clean them as needed. The interval depends on your tank condition. I clean them about every 3 months. I've had mine for 1.5 years. After 1 year, one of the wp25 stopped working, so I got a rw-15. Turns out the wp-25 just needed a more thorough cleaning (overnight soak in strong vinegar solution, I used to clean by running it in a vinegar solution for an hour only) and it still works fine. The pump itself is just a sealed variable speed DC motor so there is absolutely no reason for it to not last a long time. (and to cost a fortune).

Do you know if you can use a rw pump on a wp controller? I really like the twin controller, one plug. Just wondering in case one of my wps decides to quit..

 

[d0ughb0y]

yes they are 100% compatible. I do not use the controller that comes with the jebao pumps, as I use my diy controller to control the pumps.

fwiw, the rw provides more flow for the exact same size impeller as wp, simply because the cage has bigger space between slots plus the larger front opening. I remember a long time ago the old tunze pump (which is what wp pumps are based on) has a mod where people clip off every other slot of the back side cage and shorten the front (which basically makes it almost similar to the rw pump) to increase the flow. other than that, both pumps are great pumps. wp pumps price is quite low now, if you are on a budget.

 

[Triggerfish]

WP25 lasted about 11 months and regardless of cleaning wont go back to full power. at about 30%. that was that...

 

[cmcoker]

yes they are 100% compatible. I do not use the controller that comes with the jebao pumps, as I use my diy controller to control the pumps.

fwiw, the rw provides more flow for the exact same size impeller as wp, simply because the cage has bigger space between slots plus the larger front opening. I remember a long time ago the old tunze pump (which is what wp pumps are based on) has a mod where people clip off every other slot of the back side cage and shorten the front (which basically makes it almost similar to the rw pump) to increase the flow. other than that, both pumps are great pumps. wp pumps price is quite low now, if you are on a budget.

Thats great, I wil probably give a rw a try when the time comes, but wouldn't hesitate to buy another wp either..