Jebao SW-4 Wavemaker Not Working

nim6us · May 6, 2020

I've got a small 13g frag tank and thought I'd try and go "economical" and bought a small Jebao SW4. For the price it was good value for money, however now 8 months on it has died. It's a frag tank so it does't really get that dirty, every 3 months I'd give it a quick citric acid soak and scrub with a toothbrush, but it was never near as bad as any of my other tank powerheads. That's why I'm really perplexed it just died.

It started a few days ago, I noticed it off, but if I pulled it out and gave the propeller a nudge it would spring back to life. It did that twice, but the third time today I can't get it working. The wiring so good not cracked or split, I disassembled it and everything looks solid and clean, brand new even! A quick search on Google and I can't find anyone else who's reported an issue. I don't know if it's because for $40 you just throw it in the trash and buy a new one.

I realize that's probably the end goal here, the old adage stands; buy nice or buy twice! However if on the off chance this is a fixable problem someone has seen before I'd appreciate any advice.

Miller535 · May 6, 2020

nim6us said:
I've got a small 13g frag tank and thought I'd try and go "economical" and bought a small Jebao SW4. For the price it was good value for money, however now 8 months on it has died. It's a frag tank so it does't really get that dirty, every 3 months I'd give it a quick citric acid soak and scrub with a toothbrush, but it was never near as bad as any of my other tank powerheads. That's why I'm really perplexed it just died.

It started a few days ago, I noticed it off, but if I pulled it out and gave the propeller a nudge it would spring back to life. It did that twice, but the third time today I can't get it working. The wiring so good not cracked or split, I disassembled it and everything looks solid and clean, brand new even! A quick search on Google and I can't find anyone else who's reported an issue. I don't know if it's because for $40 you just throw it in the trash and buy a new one.

I realize that's probably the end goal here, the old adage stands; buy nice or buy twice! However if on the off chance this is a fixable problem someone has seen before I'd appreciate any advice.

I have a similar Jebao doing the same thing. I believe mine is pp-8. I have bought a few of these, they last anywhere between 1-2 years usually. Jebao's return pumps are awesome and Last for a really long time. The same can not be said for their power heads.