zksj power head - exposed metal PSA

[splunty]

Just an FYI. My ZKSJ branded mini power heads had exposed metal hidden inside them.

ICP Results showed aluminum levels rising in my tank. I had been using two ZKSJ mini power heads and pulled them. I took one of the power heads apart out of curiosity and found a soft metal ring around the rod which showed noticeable wear. This might not be a problem, or even the source of the aluminum buildup, but new power heads from a reputable brand are now on order.

Hopefully this helps somebody else.

 

[Formulator]

I’ve had high aluminum in the past as well. Curious, what were your ICP results?

 

[splunty]

I’ve had high aluminum in the past as well. Curious, what were your ICP results?

Not off the charts by any means:

1.90 µg/l
Ideal value: 0.09 µg/l

But 21 times the expected value on a tank that's less than a year old seemed alarming to me. Randy Holmes-Farley was kind enough to let me know that this level wasn't a hazard, but finding the source so the number doesn't grow into a real problem seemed prudent.

 

[zerozero]

Wow. I was literally going to buy these tomorrow when I get paid.

Thanks for the heads up.

 

[Formulator]

Ya, glad you found a potential culprit and were able to correct it. Hopefully that was it. My aluminum was a result of using phosguard media, so I just switched to GFO.

 

[splunty]

Wow. I was literally going to buy these tomorrow when I get paid.

Thanks for the heads up.

There's another thread where somebody reported finding exposed metal in a Hygger power head as well. I will personally be hesitant to purchase any of these budget Chinese brands again, at least for anything that touches the water.

 

[Formulator]

There's another thread where somebody reported finding exposed metal in a Hygger power head as well. I will personally be hesitant to purchase any of these budget Chinese brands again, at least for anything that touches the water.

I think most powerheads have a metal pin as the hub, but the more reputable brands use a high grade stainless rather than cheap aluminum. It is much more of an issue for small tanks and probably would be fine in a large system, being such a small piece of metal.

Still great to know and appreciate the warning!

 

[zerozero]

There's another thread where somebody reported finding exposed metal in a Hygger power head as well. I will personally be hesitant to purchase any of these budget Chinese brands again, at least for anything that touches the water.

Yes, I saw that thread too. Is that what made you take the power head apart, or something else?

 

[splunty]

Yes, I saw that thread too. Is that what made you take the power head apart, or something else?

Actually, taking apart my own power head made me search for other threads with similar findings.

Taking them apart had more to do with the need to solve a problem (high aluminum) even after being told that it isn't a problem at all. Hopefully that was the (only) culprit, otherwise I might wind up taking apart my return pump. lol.

 

[zerozero]

Actually, taking apart my own power head made me search for other threads with similar findings.

Taking them apart had more to do with the need to solve a problem (high aluminum) even after being told that it isn't a problem at all. Hopefully that was the (only) culprit, otherwise I might wind up taking apart my return pump. lol.

I also have nano tank (just looked at your tank thread) so I really won't risk introducing this to such a small body of water. I spent the afternoon watching vids on flow and eliminating dead spots to plot my next move.

Will have to have a re-think now. Thanks again!