Eheim 1060 Pump - Should I replace impeller?

[llebcire]

Hope this is the right forum!

Got this pump "previously enjoyed" from a lfs about 3 years ago, have no idea how much use it had at that time (guessing quite a bit) and have used it 24/7 since September 2003.

As I'm getting ready to move to a 180 and need a larger pump, I was going to use this pump for a DIY skimmer.

Pump currently works fine, but thought about replacing the impeller until I saw the price - $90? Why wouldn't I just buy a new pump?

Do impellers, or specifically the magnets, typically lose their strength over time? Any reason to replace it if it's moving water?

Thanks for any input!

[crumbletop]

I think this is the normal impeller for the 1060:

http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18690/si1382893/cl0/eheimimpeller1060

If you are talking about a needlewheel impeller, then yes, they are expensive and I don't think you could get the pump with that impeller for the usual price of a garden-variety eheim.

[llebcire]

Update:

Changed plumbing from 1/2" clear tubing to 3/4" PVC - what a difference! Almost too much flow now.

Wish Eheim made a larger (1500 size) pump as these things appear to be very reliable!