VorTech mp10 wet-side split up

[Twins Dragonz]

Bought this piece from a local reefer few months ago. It was working fine until tonight. I was passing by my little 45g cube and noticed the vibration from the tank. I took a closer look and saw the whole wet side spinning. Opened it up and that is what I found. Has anyone experience that? What happened if that went overnight or I wasn’t there at that time. Would it crack the glass?

 

[redfishbluefish]

Yep! Been there, done that. Lost three MP40 wetsides to the magnet case opening up and causing the magnet to rust. It's the reason I no longer vinegar soak the magnets. The only thing that is vinegar soaked is the cage.

 

[Crabs McJones]

Bought this piece from a local reefer few months ago. It was working fine until tonight. I was passing by my little 45g cube and noticed the vibration from the tank. I took a closer look and saw the whole wet side spinning. Opened it up and that is what I found. Has anyone experience that? What happened if that went overnight or I wasn’t there at that time. Would it crack the glass?

It appears that the magnet housing has split open and the rust made it swell up. Unfortunately you'll need a new wetside. BRS has them for like 60 bucks I think.

 

[ca1ore]

It would not crack the glass, but it is a fairly common malady for the wetside .... particularly as they age. Although I have not had one split, I do clean and inspect them regularly and typically replace after about 5 years (in fact, just retired my last non-QD wetside). I agree on the vinegar point - I also only use it on the cage. Also, make sure you are using the proper spacer. Not doing so will cause premature failure of both the wet and dry sides.