Return pump disgusting???

[Nem0]

I got a new pump today and I was in the process of switching everything, I took out my old pump and was like what the heck how/why is this thing so dirty?? Tank has been up for about 2 months, water looks good, parameters are good...but the pump is so gross. I have an AIO 9g, the first chamber is a recently added protein skimmer, second is filter media (biomax, carbon, purigen), third if the return pump and heater.

Any ideas how it could have gotten SO dirty? Is this normal?

 

[Potatohead]

Looks pretty clean lol

Yes normal and why pumps should be cleaned routinely, although I’m willing to bet 90% of us keep doing the “maybe next week” thing for like five months at a time.

 

[KrisReef]

Bio fouling is normal.
Soak the pump in vinegar to remove life and calcium deposits is routine maintenance. Lots of people do that once a month and the pumps tend to last longer running clean.

 

[Nem0]

okay good thank you guys. I wasn't sure and was freaking out a bit!!

 

[KrisReef]

okay good thank you guys. I wasn't sure and was freaking out a bit!!

You didn't know you needed to buy a new pump every couple of months in this hobby? - lol-