Weak Hydor Koralia Third Generation

[MiataRacer]

In my 40 breeder mixed reef (LPS and softies) I have two Hydor Koralia Third Generation 1350 GPH circulation pumps. They have the medium fish guards on them, so they're reduced to (According to the instructions) about 1100 GPH each. My problem is that one of them seems weaker than the other one. While the newer of the two (Just bought about a week or two ago) causes the surface to ripple heavily, the older one (8 months old) seems to have much less power. Even the newer one seemed weak over the past couple days, but I unplugged it and plugged it back in, after which it seems fine. The other one still seems weak though. Does anyone else have these pumps with these issues?

 

[mcgyvr]

Have you tried cleaning it really well to ensure the impeller is not restricted by any build up/film,etc.. even look deep into the bottom where the other end of the shaft goes down too..

 

[mav3rick478]

Here's my take on this, I have the nano versions and like you I had one before the other except mine is the opposite, the older one is stronger than the newer one. I think the quality control on these guys is OK but not perfect and one pump is just stronger than the other but both are probably within tolerable range of advertised GPH. I would clean them (I clean mine every 2 weeks during water changes) and if possible do the grill mod (cut every third piece off) to allow more flow, it really works.

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[allicassydanny]

I have had 3 evolution koralias, after about a year, the housing splits and puts a current in the water. First time it happened to me I was getting shocked for my tank while moving a rock. I even had a titanium ground rid in the sump. These power heads are not made to last.

 

[RobZilla04]

I second the cleaning suggestion. Mine always push water effortlessly with strong flow (as if they were new right out of the box) after a good cleaning. Take it out and brush everything off. I let mine run in a slightly diluted vinegar/RODI solution for about 30 min afterward.

 

[MiataRacer]

I'll try cleaning them tomorrow, that's when I'm doing my tank maintenance next. Also, I've noticed that the newer one is now working fine after being unplugged and plugged back in, just as it was for the first week at least. Although I'm disappointed, unplugging it once a week or less isn't that bad. Thanks for the responses!

 

[MiataRacer]

Just wanted to give an update on what happened after cleaning them. So the newer one is still working fine, as it has been unplugged and plugged back in again (It seems to go for at least a week or two before needing to be unplugged). The older one seems to have regained only a slight amount of power; it seems as though it's still weak. Ultimately, I think I'll just keep it the way it is, as between the two they seem to provide plenty of flow for my tank.