10 Gallon Tank Sunsun sponge filter motor output reduced

Hi

Yesterday, I noticed the flow output of my sponge filter is significantly less. Like the water flowing out is like only 60%. I suspect the motor is turning slower now. I already cleaned the sponges and the motor impellar.

Any idea? This filter is only 4 months old. It doesnt make unusual noise.

 

i would suggest running the motor/ pump without the hoses to see if it’s the motor/pump that is not moving water like it used to or if the bottom horizontal pipe is parity blocked?
Did you clean your hole the impeller spines in?

 

i would suggest running the motor/ pump without the hoses to see if it’s the motor/pump that is not moving water like it used to or if the bottom horizontal pipe is parity blocked?
Did you clean your hole the impeller spines in?

yeah, i verified there's no blockage.

I went back and cleaned the hole (impeller) with a q-tip. yeah, it was pretty nasty in there. After cleaning the hole, the flow improves.

I would say the flow now is 80%. So, It is still not as fast as when it was brand new.

 

The impeller pulls out with fingernails or small fingers. Some of us with big fingers need to use pliers. The magnets do get gunk on them . It sounds like you got that far?

Every pump I have ever seen last years without lose of current. I doubt you need to replace anything after 4 months. Keep pulling it apart, there is a good chance you can improve the flow even more?

 

The impeller pulls out with fingernails or small fingers. Some of us with big fingers need to use pliers. The magnets do get gunk on them . It sounds like you got that far?

yes

 

What I found helpful is removing the impeller cleaning and then I add a dab of food grade silicone grease to the shaft...
Works for me

Good Luck!

 

Every pump I have ever seen last years without lose of current. I doubt you need to replace anything after 4 months. Keep pulling it apart, there is a good chance you can improve the flow even more?

Recently, the flow became super slow. But, I think I have solved the mystery. The output tubes is the culprit.

The output tube has some slim in it. I am surprised, because there was only a little bit of slim on the tube wall, but it was enough to reduced the the water output signigicantly. After cleaning the output tubes with a brush, it is getting strong flow again, like 90%.

However I was only able to clean the straight part of the output tube. I dont know how to clean the 90-deg elbow...because cannot get brush into it. I am sure if the elbow is cleaned, I will get 100%.


I dont know how to clean the elbow part (see the black piece in the pic below). Maybe soak it with some cleaner first?

 

If you can get a piece of string through tie some rag to the middle of the string and pull it back and forth a few times. ?