Help needed-return pump stopped!

[saltank]

It is 10:30pm, my mag 7 stopped, 2nd one in two years, it is my return pump, soaking in vinegar so far hasn't helped; do these pumps have a reputation for this???

The first one that quit on me I never got running again, thought for the $100 I would get more than ten months out of a pump

any suggestions out there, for now I have put a small ph in the sump just for some oxygen, can't install a new pump until tomorrow evening?

thanks for any input

 

[kgross]

I hate to say this, but yes they do. 2 years, you might need just need a new impeller. The Mag drive pumps are OK pumps, but not great. For now the powerhead should be fine. I would suggest upgrading to a good external pump if possible, Genx, Little Giant, Iwaki, Pan World etc all good pumps. If you want to stay submersed go with an Eheim (best) or an Ocean runner/Sen/sedra, they are all better pumps, but will cost you more than the mag.

Kim

 

[FifeReef]

My suggestion would be to take the empellor assembly apart and give it a good cleaning. Sometimes calcium deposits build up rapidly and can cause them to stop. I've gotten them started again by doing that. But I've had a couple just never start again as well. I agree, for the price you pay for those pumps they should be more reliable.

 

[saltank]

thank for the responses, I'm going to bed; guess I'll buy a new pump tomorrow

glad I was home when it happened; fwiw this pump is only 10 months old, I'm seeking some warranty $ for this one

 

[dadstank]

i use a mag 7 that is no less than 5 years old.
(intense knocking on wood)
it runs like a champ....
8O













that's it... i sealed its fate...
:?

 

[blackcloudmedia]

There are a few simple tests you can do to narrow it down. Set the pump on a desk in good lighting and inspect the shaft for any cracks or chips and inspect the hole where the impellar goes for the same. Then plug it in and take a nail and feel around for magnetic strength. If the nail doesnt seem to be pulled around strong enough then the problem is with the pumps internals. If it is strong than the problem may be with the ceramic shaft (possibly lost its charge too early) A pump is a rather simple piece of equipment with one moving part so shouldnt be too hard to diagnose.

 

[Anonymous]

I have a couple of mag pumps in operation. I have sometimes had a problem with them restarting after a power outage, but I can easily get them going with a little tap. I have never had one just stop running on me though.

 

[dadstank]

uh, my mag 7 wouldn't start spinning tonight after i unplugged it....

i opened it up, the impeller appears to be in very good shape, and a nail is pulled significantly.
the impeller spins, but it bounces and spins slowly and intermittently.

should the (for lack of a better term) hole at the bottom where the impeller fits in be a perfect circle or hexagon? i have a hexagon.
-and if it is a hexagon, was the end of the impeller once a hexagon? it is now a perfectly rounded dome.....

i switched it out for a mag 5 that i was able to resurrect. it will be a few days before i can play with it.

and yet still had to throttle it back significantly...
in a 120.....

 

[kgross]

The socket in the pump is normally hex, while the rubber is round.

it sounds a lot like your impeller has lost some of its magnetic charge and needs to be replaced.

Kim