For the pet-lover who owns an aquarium, thorough knowledge about aquarium water-pumps is imperative. In fact, many fish lovers take intense pride in their well-maintained aquariums and much of the credit goes to how they look after their aquarium water-pumps on a regular basis. If you’re a pet-owner who has little knowledge about how to clean and regularly maintain your aquarium water pump or are a newbie to the whole aquarium-pet fish scenario, we have a quick help guide for you!
So, aquarium water pumps are used to oxygenate the water in which your pet fish will live. Therefore, it is important for you to invest in a good quality water pump. Though these can often last for a long time, often small issues such as noisy humming or rattling arise. These issues, however, can easily be solved at home without having to invest in expensive annual maintenance contracts. Here’s a step-by-step guide to take you through cleaning and maintaining your aquarium water pump.
Step 1: First and foremost, make sure to transfer all the water along with the fish onto a separate container. Once this is done, make sure to switch off the pump and take it out from the aquarium.
Step 2: The next step is to remove the insulating cover of the pump, so that you can thoroughly inspect it for any damage. Damage would include signs of rust or corrosion that can be caused by water. If you feel the damage is high, you might consider replacing the water pump. If the damage is minimal, you can easily continue using it and move on to the next step of your DIY water pump repair and maintenance routine.
Step 3: The water pump consists of a diaphragm, which is attached to a magnetic arm. Closely resembling a suction cup, the diaphragm is the part of the water pump that shudders when it is switched on. You need to loosen the diaphragm and take it off, followed by removing the magnetic arm that holds it. This is the part that needs to be replaced when you repair your aquarium water pump.
Step 4: You need to discard the old magnetic arm and replace it with a new one. Once you have driven the magnetic arm into its place, you will replace the diaphragm. It is important to note here, that you will need to ensure that there is an airtight seal around the diaphragm when you replace it again.
Step 5: Another thing you need to replace when you are repairing your aquarium water pump is the cover at the bottom. Once that is on, you can safely reset the motor and attach it to the cables within the aquarium. Switch it on to check if it is working properly.
Once you are sure of the smooth functioning of the aquarium water pump, fill in fresh water into the aquarium, and gently lower in your fish, giving them a new lease of life! To be honest, if you follow the above steps, not only will it help extend the longevity of your aquarium water pump but will also save you a lot of money. Most importantly, it will give you a sense of achievement that is so special for a pet parent!