Return pump gets small particles, overheats...what to do?

[RioReefr]

This has been an on-going issue for me, my return pump (Uniclife UL400) gets some small particles (sand, algae, marine-pure) that get stuck in the intake opening. It doesn't affect the flow so much, as it does seem to really affect the temperature of the pump. It overheats, contributing to my tank-water raising (as much as 2-3 degrees). Almost every week, I have to take out the return pump, clean it with a toothbrush, rinse with freshwater, then let it run in a bucket of freshwater. I put it back in and everything is all well. Sometimes, it can be good for weeks and sometimes it can happen in a few days.

I am not sure what I can do about this because it is so erractic. I bought it because it fits my needs and was cheap ($20), but clearly it does not handle heat-transfer well at all.

What can I do?

What return pump out there would be better for heat-transfer and better at shielding particle build-up?

(BTW, my tank is 40G so I would like 400GPH pump, small, energy-efficient.)

 

[PCguy21]

Get a different pump. I have sn eheim 1068 or 1048 i forgot. Its one of those pond pump its the 150gph pump and its been running non stop for over 20 tears i kid you not.. and still flows 150gph when i tested it.

 

[mcgyvr]

Uniclife stuff is the worst of the worst...Its absolute cheap crap...
Cheap is cheap for a reason...lesson learned

 

[fijisrfr]

Buy cheap, buy twice


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[RioReefr]

My issue isn't that it stopped working, for me it is a good size and seems to have good output. I am frustrated with the design of the intake -- I think this was not designed to be used in a saltwater aquarium where sand particles (and such) can get in the cheap, plastic grate. Also, once some tiny particles get stuff then it overheats (yet another reason for not being well suited in a saltwater aquarium).

Anyway, I am looking at this. It looks well constructed, the right size and a decent price point ($50):

Jebao DCP-2500 Sine Wave Water Return Pump
23-watt 110-120V 60Hz, Max Flow:660gph, Max head: 8.2ft, Dimension: 5x3x4 inch

https://www.amazon.com/Jebao-Sine-Water-Return-DCP-2500/dp/B078WHWG2Y


Also, just out of curiosity what is "Sine Wave" -- just some marketing jardon or does it make a difference in a reef aquarium?

 

[Heart of Dixie]

Your pump is drawing more amps (aka heat) trying to work. A sine wave is a cycle of ac power, 180 degrees +, then 180 degrees -