Rust on impeller shafts

[Franske]

Ive got a lifetech ap3500 returnpump,cleaned it today and found some rust on the shaft,will that rust do harm and wil the shaft snap eventualy coz ive had two internal pumps and both their shafts snapped,wil the lifetech do the same?

 

[Mike]

Yes, rust is bad in the tank, a pal of mine lost all his sps due to a rusty magfloat, see if you can get some ceramic impellor shafts from the sponsors, perhaps George at Tunze could help.

 

[Franske]

But lots of people use lifetech return pumps and then wont their shafts also rust

 

[Shaun]

But lots of people use lifetech return pumps and then wont their shafts also rust

Yes, just check them regularly. I think they have various models and some are not safe for salt water.

 

[HenkHugo]

lifetech is marine safe - take it back to the shop.... it shouldnt rust

 

[bushwacker_69]

guys if you look on the internet...there are many case where even vortechs have rusted....so i dont think anything is really "marine safe" unless its ceramic

 

[Shaun]

My LFS told me that some of them rust.

But then again you get what you pay for.

 

[Franske]

Is there anywhere i can get ceramic shafts and how much do they cost,and are there any of you guys that use the lifetech pumps with the normal shaft and wil it cause any trouble

 

[martin]

Yip rust is a concern to use all, but having said that overseas there are owners of magnificent tanks who purposely have a rusting razor blade in their tank as this is a form of Phosphate remover???? Doesn't make sence does it???
I often get a bit of rust on my one or 2 SS pump impellors but I clean when the pump is blocked and under performing.

 

[Mekaeel]

Interesting Martin. I know that most granular phosphate removers are metal based, I wonder how this applies...
Looks like we need Hennie's input here.