cleaning powerheads?

[badfish]

How often should i clean my powerheads. When i do my water changes i take off the screen and rinse off all the gunk, but is this all i need to be doing?

 

[electrikat]

Take them apart appx every 4 to 6 months and clean the insides. Vinegar works well and make sure to rinse and dry well afterwards. It will lengthen the lifespan of the pumps . There's not much to them on the inside.

 

[badfish]

so i should be good for a while, besides cleaning the screens every once in a while. Thanks Kat.

 

[GoodFish]

what screens? I have the same power heads...and i dont see a screen?? i think im missing somthing in this picture.... lol

 

[electrikat]

It should have a plastic screen that acts as an adapter when you plug them into an undergravel uptake. Keeps things out of the pump.

 

[badfish]

The plastic part that snaps on the bottom, they have a couple of different kinds, i use the smaller ones. They look like a plastic cylinder with slits in it.

 

[GoodFish]

OHHH okay I know now... you recommend the smaller one? i have the longer one on now...

thanks

 

[badfish]

i dont think it really matters, a buddy of mine uses the longer ones, i just like the smaller ones because its less plastic to look at.