weak pump

Feb 07, 2014

Doug Cramer wrote

Hello I have the reef octopus super space saver 110. It runs the aquatrance 1000s pump. I've had it for about 3 weeks now and the pump is just too weak to move enough air/water to move water or bubbles more than an inch above water line. I've checked everything for blockage or build up. Salinity it 1.025 standing in 7.5 inches of water. For some reason I'm unable to respond after getting a reply so please just make suggestions rather than ask questions as I won't be able to answer them here. I've tried everything my fb group and your representatives and other Web searches have suggested.

9 Answers

Feb 07, 2014

Carlos agent wrote

Have you taken the pump apart to see if there is anything wrong with the impeller?

Feb 07, 2014

Doug Cramer wrote

yes ive taken it apart a few times and everything looks perfect. its too weak to even push water up to bottom of collection cup when air intake is plugged and wedge valve all the way closed

Feb 10, 2014

Carlos agent wrote

Thank you. Please use the "Submit a Ticket" and fill out as much information as possible. Be sure to include the serial number of the pump and also include proof of purchase (attach image using the paperclip icon found on the bottom of the main text field). Once we have that information, we can start the warranty process.

Thank you,

Carlos
CoralVue

Feb 27, 2014

Doug Cramer wrote

Im not so sure the pump is the problem now. Or even if there is one. At any given time the foam head is only a half inch to an inch. Once in a while tho ill look and find green water in collection cup. as of yesterday it will pull black nasty skimmate from the water for a while then settle back down to a half inch foam head again. Is this normal? Most skimmers ive seen set up seemed to have a constant foam head sitting just below bottom of collection cup.

Feb 27, 2014

Carlos agent wrote

What you are describing is normal for a break in period. Since you skimmer is rather new, that is probably the issue. Just let it be and don't adjust it every time the foam head goes down. If you do, you will end up overflowing the skimmer. Once the skimmer has broken in, the skimmer will remain constant most of the time.

One more questions, what size of tank are you running the skimmer on?

Feb 27, 2014

Doug Cramer wrote

i havent really changed any settings in the last few weeks. tho right now the wedge valve is set to fully closed. should i maybe leave it partially open?

Feb 27, 2014

Carlos agent wrote

If the skimmer is pulling the type of skimmate you are looking for, then leave it on. If the skimmer is not overflowing, then just leave it as is.

Feb 27, 2014

Doug Cramer wrote

No its not overflowing at all. as of now the skimmate in the cup is very dark and looks like coffee. my tank is 90 gallons with a 30 gallon sump thats 3/4 full. Its been up for only about 3 or 4 months and with a small bioload. Ill leave it as is then unless you suggest otherwise.

Feb 27, 2014

Carlos agent wrote

Leave it as is. If you are getting that dark of skimmate, then it is working the way it should.