Vaseline so lubricate pump impeller shaft

[TigerBarbs]

My aqua clear 50 powerfilter has gotten really loud lately. Would it be bad to lubricate the impeller shaft with a little Vaseline?

 

[meegosh]

I would try cleaning it out before you do anything. I've been running an AC50 for years and it is quiet as can be. I just clean everything out real good with a pipe cleaner.

 

[LyndaB]

We use a pipe cleaner, as well. Works like a dream.

 

[TigerBarbs]

I've cleaned it out really good a few times with a q tip but it won't shut up! I saw an article about using Vaseline but I'm not sure if it's harmful to the tank.

 

[TigerBarbs]

I don't have any pipe cleaners

 

[meegosh]

I think the q-tips would just jam more stuff into the motor housing. I would recommend picking up a pack of pipe cleaners from the dollar store the next time you are out. I found a bag at my local dollar store that had all different sizes (and colors) of pipe cleaners in it.

 

[TigerBarbs]

Okay Im gonna get some

 

[LyndaB]

There are actually pipe cleaner brushes that work really well. Do you completely take the impeller housing apart to clean it?

This is what we use, I guess technically they are test tube brushes: Google Image Result for http://testtubebrush.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/brushes-for-test-tubes.png

 

[TigerBarbs]

Yea I do, once or more a month.