Unplug the pump from the power supply and remove it from the aquarium. Place the pump on a clean towel on a clean work surface. Remove the pre-filter, if one is being used, and remove the impeller well cover. Carefully remove the impeller and the shaft. Examine the shaft to ensure that it is still intact. Ceramic shafts are prone to break through rough or incorrect handling. Replace the shaft if it shows signs of wear or if it has broken. Examine the impeller blades to ensure that they are free of accumulated debris, particularly large pieces of decaying aquatic vegetation that might have been sucked into the impeller well. Place the impeller in warm water and physically remove all accumulated dirt. Clean the blades with the small toothbrush. Examine the impeller for signs of calcium build up, particularly if the pump is running in a marine aquarium. Place the impeller in a small bowl and add a mixture of one part vinegar to two parts water. Leave the impeller to soak for 30 minutes. Clean the impeller with the toothbrush and rinse any residue off under running water. Clean the inside of the motor housing, using the small toothbrush. Examine the intake pipe to the pump and ensure that it has not been restricted by dirt or pieces of gravel. Clean the pipe by forcing tap water through it. Examine the pre-filter sponge to ensure that it is not completely clogged with debris. Rinse the sponge under running water to clean. Replace the sponge if it has begun to disintegrate.

2012-08-10

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