Pump dying on 12 gallon nano cube

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Fishy

New Member
I've had my 12 gallon nano cube tank for almost 5 months now. Today, after doing the weekly maintenance, the pump stopped moving water about 5 minutes after I turned it back on. I tried another outlet and then took the pump out and took it apart. Well, the drive shaft for the magnet is metal. Metal plus saltwater equals corrosion. It's all rusty. I scrubbed off what I can but the shaft no longer moves freely. It worked, then didn't, then did, then didn't, then did, then didn't, and then did finally. After 30 minutes of playing with it, it's pumping. But, I doubt it will last.

1. Is there a source for a similar pump that will work and fit back there?

2. If not, what's the best place to buy a backup pump on-line? Can you just get the drive shaft (metal with magnet and impeller on it)?

I did buy a Koralia nano pump and was thinking of running it too but that may be too much flow, and it can't be used to pump through the sump/filter. I'd rather up the flow from the inlet that it came with (say to 200 gph?).

Thanks!
 
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reefman23

New Member
The stock pumps in the tanks are usually junk. I would suggest replacing it with a Maxi-Jet 900. It is much more reliable and will most likely run cooler.

The Koralia nanos are great are wont be too much flow. I run one along with the return pump in my 12g with no problems. I would highly suggest getting one.

Jesse
 
F

Fishy

New Member
Can I hook the output of the maxi-jet in to the built in output that the nano cube has? In other words, does the diameter of tubing fit or would I have to work on that? I assume also that the maxi-jet will fit in the back compartment?

When you used your Koralia as well as the filter pump, how did you aim the extra pump output? Where did you mount it? My corals and other animals are used to a certain flow pattern. I was specifically worried about irritating my Ocellaris clownfish and firefish who hide in the back where there's little flow. I already have the Koralia pump and tested it in a bucket. Thanks.
 
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reefman23

New Member
Yeah the hose should fit on the output of the MJ900. It will fit in the rear compartment.

You can look at the pics of my tank to see where I have the Koralia and where it is aimed. I have it half way up the left side directed towards the center of the front glass. I mounted to the false wall so the magnet is inside the first chamber. Your fish will love it. It isn't too strong at all. My clown loves swimming through the current and the flow is gentle enough to were it doesn't blow him across the tank like a maxijet or something similar would.

Jesse
 
aj2656

aj2656

New Member
Jesse,
Thanks for the info on the MJ900 that is something worth knowing in case, and you tank is great!

Allen
 
F

Fishy

New Member
Just to let you guys know, I did put in the Maxi-Jet last Saturday. You have to basically strip it bare to fit it in the little hole in the Nano Cube. That means no suction cups (it just lays on the bottom). It has to lay sideways on the bottom with the intake grate facing to the left and the output facing up which fits nicely in to the unbendable tubing that comes with the tank. I tried to fit it all sorts of ways, and only that worked. The flow was more than what the old pump was putting out but not so strong as to create problems. It took a few corals (a xenia and a little mushroom flopped over) a few days to get used to the extra movement but most had no problem. The old pump is now the emergency spare so that's one less worry. I didn't want to make too many changes at once so I haven't also put in the Koralia nano pump; I still think that might be too much movement. I ordered the smaller Maxi-Jet for my 6 gallon nano but think it might be too strong for the tank so I'll keep it as the backup probably.
 
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