maxijet impellers

[Evolley1]

So I have a maxijet that is being used on my kalk reactor...it's been working well for awhile but now it's making a lot of noise. I took it apart to inspect it and I could not see anything wrong. I have heard of impellers going bad but how do you know? I guess a lot of racket is a good indication. Is it broken? If so where do I get a new one?

Eric

 

[ostrow]

Does the ceramic shaft move freely? Did you clean it good? Did you clean the impeller housing good too? I'd imagine all are pretty well caked in kalk crust (that's a lot of "k" sounds there).

If yes to all, then it may well be the pump itself that's gone bad.

Can get a 1200 from PA for $16 (pump only) or impeller for under $10.

 

[adamjr]

Kalk is mildly abrasive. kalk sediment also turns into a paste. Depending on the orientation of the pump, IE the input/output section is pointing any way other then down, you may have sediment in the impeller cavity. That would make the impeller turn more slowly.

I have had maxi impellers separate over time. I am saying this from memory but looking at the impellor/magnet assembly hold it with the impeller at the top. there is a cap on the bottom side of the magnet. That cap has a tube that goes up through the magnet and is attached to the impeller. That cap is what has always failed in my maxi's. It simply separates at the cap side which causes the magnet to free wheel rather then drive the impeller.

Hope this helps.

You can get replacement impellers at premiumaquatics dot com.

Adam

 

[Evolley1]

Adam,

I think you are on to something. I did notice that the cap may be separated causing the the impeller to free wheel. I think it still works somewhat but the noise is driving me crazy. Can you fix the impellers or does it require a new one?

 

[hansnfrans]

Funny that you posted this. My impellars on 3 of my MJ1200's went out within the last 2 days. You can tell that they are shot when the magnet piece detaches from the plastic prop piece.

 

[Ereefic]

The blades on my MJ1200 in my kalk reactor get very weak and break off over time. I just put in a new impeller and it's good as new.

 

[Doubledown]

If you're in Mundelein, Matt @ ShoTank keeps spare parts (impellers) on hand for replacement.

 

[ostrow]

Eric sometimes Deep Reef has them but PA will get one to you tomorrow.

IME it is extremely rare for these things to fail. But kalk is an extremely harsh environment for a powerhead so it makes sense.

 

[softbal4]

why not run the pump in a bowl of vinager? it works for me to free kalk and or calcium deposit. just an idea

 

[menard]

Once the impeller starts ratteling like that, just replace'em its cheap. Soak the whole powerhead in vinegar/water and place the new impeller, now U got yourself a new rebuilt PH.

 

[Evolley1]

The pump looks like it is as clean as a whistle minus the saliva. I guess I will just order a couple back up impellers for such occassions. I will not go to Deep Reef seeing that they wanted to charge me $40 for a Maxijet 400. I got the same pump for $16 which happens to be a common price. Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[mbunaman]

I had a Kalk reactor also that used a maxijet I lost one overtime. But since then I cleaned the powerhead bi weekly with a brush and it extended the life of the impeller and the magnetic motor. But otherwise I like those pumps.

 

[ostrow]

Eric, wow, had no idea on that.

I'd still soak the pump.

 

[adamjr]

Sorry for the delay. I'd just replace the impeller. They are about $10.00 at PA or give Matt a call at Sho-Tank. I don't know what he charges but he's usually pretty reasonable and you get instant gratification.

Adam