How often should I clean return pump?

[welshgazz]

Hi all, I'm new to having a sump and I'm not sure how often I should do maintenance on my return pump? Is it something that's done monthly or when? My tank is just starting out, it a 40g cube.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I do it every 6 months.

 

[gbroadbridge]

I'm supposed to clean mine every 12 months, but the last time was actually 15 months

 

[get-salty]

I clean my return pump once a year.
Take a look to see how nasty it is then take a look at the flow coming out. Has it gotten weaker? Then clean it.

Or if you love doing that sort of things.. shoot, clean it everyday ; )

 

[Gumbies R Us]

I probably should clean my pico tank's return pump, haha

 

[magikfly]

I just let it run until it breaks. Current one has been running for over 6 years.

 

[petcellar]

I just cleaned mine for the first time at one year.

There was definitely improved flow after I cleaned it.... and I assume it will last longer with occasional cleaning.

I'm definitely not very good at cleaning it often

 

[exnisstech]

6 years is the longest but I broke the tank down not cleaned the pump lol
Currently have one a bit over 3 years and another coming up on two years. I run jebao returns and as long as they're pumping water I'm not crawling around on the floor to take them out to clean. I have replacements on the shelf if needed.
I suppose I might rotate them out and clean the removed one but I don't like getting down under the stand to work. Its an old guy thing.

 

[BriDroid]

I do mine every 4 to 6 months. I watch the power (watts) draw on Hydros. Mine runs at 75% all day except for one hour in the middle of the night I run it at 100%. That’s when my wave makers go high for an hour to blow all the detritus out of the rocks. A clean pump runs about 10-11 watts at 100% and I have an alarm set for 12 watts. When it hits that, it’s time to clean. That’s normally about 4 to 6 months.

 

[Dragen Fiend]

I probably should clean my pico tank's return pump, haha

Same. I was just cleaning my RFG nozzles and noticed my output a little lacking. Definitely time to clean.

 

[fishface NJ]

My 40 gallon breeder when into service in 2019 with a Sicce SDC 6.0 return pump. Yesterday I started dismantling the tank for a soon transfer to my new 150 gallon setup. It got it's first cleaning today!

 

[Dr. D]

I just let it run until it breaks. Current one has been running for over 6 years.

I wish I could say that. My original pump (Varios 6) became anemic around six months in, not even producing enough flow at max to raise the water level in my Reefmat. I replaced it with a Jaebo and cleaned it, so now I can swap them as necessary.

I have to say that I didn’t notice much obvious crud on the Varios; I hope it runs fine when I swap it back.

 

[RedReefer]

I probably clean mine every 12 - 14 months. I wish I cleaned it every 8 months.... Sicce return pump