How often do you clean an Iwaki?

[kelhuffman]

I've been running my (used for a year prior) 55RLT for 6 months and the flow has reduced significantly. Granted, I'm pretty sure my 30ft of flex pvc has some buildup, but I'm wondering if a cleaning is in order for the pump or whether this helps at all. Never done one before. Thanks!

[cisco]

Yes you should clean the Iwakis at least every 6 months, this will defently help with the flow, also check the pipe work for any problems and all the strainers.
cisco

[Bruno]

Certainly cleaning more frequently is a good thing, but I took my Iwaki 55RLT apart after 1 year and was surprised by how clean it was. Especially after all the trouble I have with the MJ1200's in the tank. I use ESV calcium and alkalinity every day. The MJ1200's have to be cleaned every couple of months because of the calcium buildup. So it all boils down to how clean or dirty your tank is and how much calcium you add to the tank. These are just a couple of variables to have to take into consideration.

[in2deep]

I took mine apart after a year and it looked new inside but i gave it a vinegar wash for good measure. If your pump is not a "pressure rated" Iwaki then it's not really meant to pump that much head anyways- they make 2 kinds and i can't remember the nomenclature.

[David M]

Yes you should clean the Iwakis at least every 6 months

Uh, your'e supposed to clean them? :)

My 40RLT has been running non-stop for three years, guess I have a project this weekend :rolleyes: .

While I'm at it, any oiling or other service I should do?

[kelhuffman]

thanks guys, I'll definitely be cleaning it.

[in2deep]

Just for fun here is a post about a reefers TWELVE year old Iwaki and still running:http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=250000

[ri]

I bought a used Iwaki MD 70. Worked great for about a year then stopped pumping water... but the fan kept spinning. Took it apart and I was shocked to see how much stuff was built up on the impeller. Took several hours to clean.

Since then, I've taken the pump apart about every six month. Hardly anything on the pump.

I think a lot depends on the application... how much additives you dose, proximity to the pump CA and ALK additives are added...

Here's what the pump assembly on a (clean) MD70 looks like:

http://www.upstatereef.com/~rindiano/rc_pics/04282003a.jpg

http://www.upstatereef.com/~rindiano/rc_pics/04282003b.jpg

I wish I had taken photos of the impeller assemble before I cleaned it.

Happy cleaning!

ri

[mjw357]

30 ft of flex hose? I would look for a kink in the line.

no oiling required, motor shaft spins on sealed bearings.

I have a MD55RLT that I bought used, cleaned out with some bleach and has been running for over 2 years now with no noticeable drop in flow.

WMD-40RLXT is circulation type pump (X) with Walchem (American) motor.

MD-70RLT is pressure type pump (no X) with Takanawa (Japanese) motor (no W prefix), this motor is considered more dependable so you pay a little more.

[geshields]

Here is a thread on why you need regular maintenance...

Link (http://www.thereeftank.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=27350&highlight=iwaki)

I now have a reminder on my calendar to clean them once every 6 months...

Greg

[mjw357]

do you regularly dose with additives? SPS tank i'm thinking yes...

[kelhuffman]

Great pics! Very helpful. yeah I suspect it has a lot to do with some serious dosing that was taking place last year when trying to deal with ca reactor defencies. For a variety of reasons I've ordered another pump for backup so soon as that one arrives I'll clean this one. Thanks everyone for your input!