Do you clean your impeller well?

[Rastapus]

At least twice a week we have clients bringing in their filter because it has stopped operating. It is crucial that hobbyists clean out both the impeller surface and the well in which it sits. A simple impeller brush will do the trick every time you service your filter media.
Organic waste will accumulate on the magnet and well surfaces and if left unserviced, will hinder performance, eventually jam or damage the impeller shaft.
Most aquarium filters only have one moving part and it is easily ignored, to extend the life of your unit, ensure you are cleaning this area regularly.

[CRS Fan]

At least twice a week we have clients bringing in their filter because it has stopped operating. It is crucial that hobbyists clean out both the impeller surface and the well in which it sits. A simple impeller brush will do the trick every time you service your filter media.
Organic waste will accumulate on the magnet and well surfaces and if left unserviced, will hinder performance, eventually jam or damage the impeller shaft.
Most aquarium filters only have one moving part and it is easily ignored, to extend the life of your unit, ensure you are cleaning this area regularly.

This is especially important with Canister filters and HOB's. An intake sponge can alleviate the amount of cleaning you'll do, but you still will have to do it !

Best regards,

Stuart

[monkE]

being a mechanic i know how easy it is to overlook the small things that you don't see in front of you all the time. A little extra effort saves a lot of money in the long run!

[gklaw]

I clean everything that I can get a brush/Q-tip/tooth-pick into

That way, after every maintenance it's like I have a new filter. Better resale value as well.

[mikebike]

My biggest mistake is removing the impeller and core from AquaClear filters and loosing the stainless steel shaft during dissasembly.

I recomend taking things appart over a large plastic tub so the parts are contained the shaft can and has droped down the sink drain<SAD>

[discuspaul]

Yes, you folks above are all very correct. You've got to clean your impeller shafts and their housing on a regular basis - I do it at least every 2 weeks - no less - as well as the bottom portion of the filter where the impeller motor sits, and the screw in portion of the motor mount itself. The 'gunk' that gets in there will stop the motor function quite frequently if you don't.