how often for cleaning powerhead?

also do I need to scrape off all the coralline on it as well when cleaning?

 

You dont need to unless it is messing with the pumps performance. A vinegar bath for awhile would fix the algae buildup. I would clean as needed (you will be able to see when it needs it) , usually around a month to maybe two depending on the system.

 

After the first two months of running two separate tanks, one tank both PH's still looked almost new, while the other tank they were covered in long hair & bubble algae. Needless to say I took the algae covered ones out, took them apart and just cleaned them with hot water. I haven't cleaned the other ones yet though but probably will in a few weeks.

So the short answer is, clean them as needed

 

my power heads have been running for about 8 months without cleaning. Only a thin layer of coralline algae on the upper side, other than that I see the need for me to clean it anytime soon.

 

I would suggest to look at what the manufacturer recommends and at least try to do it as often as the manufacturer states. Regular maintenance will help performance and longevity of the powerhead.

Sometimes the outside may look fine but when you take it apart, there is some build up on the impeller and inside the housing.

 

I clean my mp40 when the bubble algae makes it stop.

 

vinegar will also help with coralline algae

 

haha

 

I would be worried if bubble algae causes an mp40 to stop... that's like a solid wall of bubbles... and those are rather boisterous power heads.

 

Let it soak in vinegar, there will be no need for scrubbing. I like to let mine run in the vinegar for a few hours every 6 months.