Dec 06, 2017
Sun Kim
wrote
I previously had a problem with my skimmer overflowing and creating way too many micro bubbles. I took the advice of someone on a different forum and took it apart and cleaned the entire thing. After doing that, it worked perfectly. Last night, I turned it off to change my water and now it won't create enough bubbles to develop any skim. The pump seems to not be pulling in as much water either because the water level is lower than usual. It looks like the pump is working at half the speed it was before the water change. How can I fix this? Thank you.
Reply
53 Answers
Dec 06, 2017
Carlos
agent
wrote
Skimmers react to water chemistry changes. They also work on systems that have organics floating around. The organics bind to the bubbles and then are removed by the skimmer. If there are no organics in the water (an extreme would be a sterile tank) then the bubbles would have nothing to bind to and would not climb up the neck and collect. The skimmer would not work.
When you do a water change, you are removing organics from the tank and replacing the water with sterile water that is clean therefore decreasing the organics form the water and en essence taking organics away from the skimmer. For that reason, sometimes skimmers will crash right after a water change but they will return to normal operation in 24 hours.
Hope this helps!
When you do a water change, you are removing organics from the tank and replacing the water with sterile water that is clean therefore decreasing the organics form the water and en essence taking organics away from the skimmer. For that reason, sometimes skimmers will crash right after a water change but they will return to normal operation in 24 hours.
Hope this helps!
Dec 06, 2017
Sun Kim
wrote
So it seems like its more of a problem with the pump. It doesnt seem to be pulling as much water as it normally does. Is that normal after a water change? It also sometimes stops then goes. I primed it and everything and it still seems to be doing that.
Dec 06, 2017
Carlos
agent
wrote
How old is the skimmer and how old is the tank? Also, what size tank do you have?
Dec 06, 2017
Sun Kim
wrote
The skimmer is about a year old and the tank is 30 gallons.
Dec 06, 2017
Carlos
agent
wrote
Well that is the problem. The skimmer is way too big for that tank. There are not enough organics on that tank to make that skimmer work correctly and reliably. That skimmer needs a minimum of 60 gallons of HEAVY bioload. There is no way 30 gallons can equate to that, even if you are at heavy bioload. In a 30 gal tank, I would probably suggest the K2-50 skimmer instead... http://www.coralvue.com/icecap-k2-50-protein-skimmer
Dec 06, 2017
Sun Kim
wrote
The skimmer had been skimming fine for a year. In fact, until I cleaned everything out, it was skimming too much and overflowing everytime I did a water change. I would have to keep the skim cup at the highest possible level so the cup wouldn't fill up immediately. This would happen without any chemical additives
Dec 06, 2017
Sun Kim
wrote
The pump would take in too much water anytime I turned it off then on making it overflow all over my floor. The overskimming would happen continuously which created excess microbubbles that went into my display tank.
Dec 06, 2017
Carlos
agent
wrote
You are tying to use a skimmer in a manner for which it was not designed. The skimmer is designed to run on tanks of 60 gallons HEAVY bioload minimum. If you got it to run in less than that, then it was luck and the skimmer would eventually stop working. You cannot blame a product for not working correctly when you running it in a way it was not designed to run.
When you are using a skimmer that is too big for a system, you get what we call the yo-yo effect. The skimmer waits patiently for the concentration of organics to collect to the point where the skimmer can work and it will work. Then once all the organics are out, the skimmer will not be able to work correctly and then sit patiently and wait for the concentration to get up to a working level again. That's why the skimmer overflows and then it does not work and then it overflows again.
If the skimmer was overflowing every time after a water change, then the issue was something in the new water. Some chemical or something was being introduced by the new water that would cause the skimmer to overflow. Once the skimmer got rid of the chemical by skimming it out it would go back to normal until you did a water change and it started the cycle again.
When you are using a skimmer that is too big for a system, you get what we call the yo-yo effect. The skimmer waits patiently for the concentration of organics to collect to the point where the skimmer can work and it will work. Then once all the organics are out, the skimmer will not be able to work correctly and then sit patiently and wait for the concentration to get up to a working level again. That's why the skimmer overflows and then it does not work and then it overflows again.
If the skimmer was overflowing every time after a water change, then the issue was something in the new water. Some chemical or something was being introduced by the new water that would cause the skimmer to overflow. Once the skimmer got rid of the chemical by skimming it out it would go back to normal until you did a water change and it started the cycle again.
Dec 06, 2017
Sun Kim
wrote
I don't think it was luck when it was working for a full year. I also know other people who are using this skimmer on a nano.
Also, I don't think you are understanding. The pump would suck in water too quickly and overflow the entire box until the water level in my sump dropped. Now the pump isn't sucking enough water in and I know this because I have the water go into the skimmer then out into my display and usually the water level is lower in that chamber but it is not right now.
The overflowing would happen whenever it was turned off as well. This isn't just something that happened every now and then. It was a constant thing. The water level before I cleaned it would remain at the top of the protein skimmer and microbubbles would overflow from the main chamber into the output chamber. It was constantly like that not just when I did a water change. I tried to find ways to fix it for the past year and just recently found this support center.
Also, I don't think you are understanding. The pump would suck in water too quickly and overflow the entire box until the water level in my sump dropped. Now the pump isn't sucking enough water in and I know this because I have the water go into the skimmer then out into my display and usually the water level is lower in that chamber but it is not right now.
The overflowing would happen whenever it was turned off as well. This isn't just something that happened every now and then. It was a constant thing. The water level before I cleaned it would remain at the top of the protein skimmer and microbubbles would overflow from the main chamber into the output chamber. It was constantly like that not just when I did a water change. I tried to find ways to fix it for the past year and just recently found this support center.
Dec 06, 2017
Carlos
agent
wrote
I can try to help you with your skimmer and see what the issue is but again, the skimmer is running in a system that is too small for it to work. The skimmer should have not worked on a 30 gal tank so if it did, it was just a matter of time before it would stop. It is not meant to run in that environment. There is a reason why Reef Octopus creates the skimmer ratings. That's because at the factory they are unable to get the skimmer to reliably work well on tanks out of that range. Sometimes the skimmer would work and sometimes they would not. This unreliability is part of why there is a tank size range on skimmers.
Can you send us a video of the skimmer running please?
Can you send us a video of the skimmer running please?
Dec 06, 2017
Sun Kim
wrote
And I'm not talking about a yoyo effect. The pump will shoot bubbles for 1 second then none for .5 seconds then bubbles for 1 second and so on. It's more like lurching rather than a buildup. It is definitely an issue with the pump. As I mentioned before, it was the pump that was sucking in too much water and it is the pump that is not bringing in enough water now. It is the pump that is seems to be gurgling and not generating a consistent stream of bubbles.
Dec 06, 2017
Sun Kim
wrote
I will try to send a video when I get home later today.
Dec 06, 2017
Michael S.
agent
wrote
Hello, Sun Kim.
My name is Michael, customer / product support Manager for Coral Vue.
I have read through the entire ticket trying to gather the issues you are having with this skimmer on your system.
While I see that Carlos has responded with some great information regarding the size of skimmer on your tank, it seems that you are not being satisfied with the responses thus far.
I appreciate your patients in this matter and would like to offer you a few things to check that are common things that can cause HOB skimmers to act up.
Even though we have established that the skimmer can and will be unreliable / erratic in foam production being it is oversized for the system volume I have some suggestions and comments I would like to address.
Things to Check
Start out by checking the venturi/ air silencer. Make sure that it is free and clear of any salt creep, dust trapped inside or a combo of both as this will cause less air to be taken in by the pump and the water level will rise in the skimmer body overflowing the cup. Less or no air will cause the pump to run at a higher volume of water pumped.
The air line from the air silencer to the venturi fitting on the pump, make sure that it is free from build up of salt creep and dust as this is an unseen issue that causes much frustration for many folks.
Both of these items can be cleaned with vinegar / water solution or with regular tap water if needed though hard deposits will need to be dissolved with vinegar.
Most of the time if bubble production becomes an issue over time with a great working skimmer the air intake system is in need of a good deep cleaning.
Just so I understand correctly what you are stating is that the bubble production is starting / stopping periodically correct ?? But the pump still remains running Right ??
If so this is why I am bringing up the air intake system to be cleaned. Salt creep and dust enters this part of the skimmer and over time with moisture will creating erratic air production, This can also explain why the skimmer will run fine then you shut it down for tank water change and it acts up after you power it back on because the material in the venturi may have been dislodged by the water rising in the tube some when off and gets stuck in the line keeping air out of the pump when powered back on. Same can happen by not doing anything just running the skimmer and debris falling loose in the line causing issues.
What Can be done is to take some Salt water from your tank or a bit of RODI water in a cup then either place the air silencer into the cup of water allowing it to pull the water through into the pump or by injecting a few milliliters into the silencer with a plastic syringe. If debris is the issue then you should notice a difference in bubble production after flushing it.
I would still recommend taking it apart and give a thorough cleaning to the air system and allowing it to dry then assembling the skimmer again so that dust does not start to stick to wet surfaces of the air silencer and tubing immediately
Again thank you for bearing with us on this issue, We look forward to your response and video later today.
Sincerely Michael
My name is Michael, customer / product support Manager for Coral Vue.
I have read through the entire ticket trying to gather the issues you are having with this skimmer on your system.
While I see that Carlos has responded with some great information regarding the size of skimmer on your tank, it seems that you are not being satisfied with the responses thus far.
I appreciate your patients in this matter and would like to offer you a few things to check that are common things that can cause HOB skimmers to act up.
Even though we have established that the skimmer can and will be unreliable / erratic in foam production being it is oversized for the system volume I have some suggestions and comments I would like to address.
Things to Check
Start out by checking the venturi/ air silencer. Make sure that it is free and clear of any salt creep, dust trapped inside or a combo of both as this will cause less air to be taken in by the pump and the water level will rise in the skimmer body overflowing the cup. Less or no air will cause the pump to run at a higher volume of water pumped.
The air line from the air silencer to the venturi fitting on the pump, make sure that it is free from build up of salt creep and dust as this is an unseen issue that causes much frustration for many folks.
Both of these items can be cleaned with vinegar / water solution or with regular tap water if needed though hard deposits will need to be dissolved with vinegar.
Most of the time if bubble production becomes an issue over time with a great working skimmer the air intake system is in need of a good deep cleaning.
Just so I understand correctly what you are stating is that the bubble production is starting / stopping periodically correct ?? But the pump still remains running Right ??
If so this is why I am bringing up the air intake system to be cleaned. Salt creep and dust enters this part of the skimmer and over time with moisture will creating erratic air production, This can also explain why the skimmer will run fine then you shut it down for tank water change and it acts up after you power it back on because the material in the venturi may have been dislodged by the water rising in the tube some when off and gets stuck in the line keeping air out of the pump when powered back on. Same can happen by not doing anything just running the skimmer and debris falling loose in the line causing issues.
What Can be done is to take some Salt water from your tank or a bit of RODI water in a cup then either place the air silencer into the cup of water allowing it to pull the water through into the pump or by injecting a few milliliters into the silencer with a plastic syringe. If debris is the issue then you should notice a difference in bubble production after flushing it.
I would still recommend taking it apart and give a thorough cleaning to the air system and allowing it to dry then assembling the skimmer again so that dust does not start to stick to wet surfaces of the air silencer and tubing immediately
Again thank you for bearing with us on this issue, We look forward to your response and video later today.
Sincerely Michael
Dec 06, 2017
Sun Kim
wrote
Hi Michael,
Thank you for your response. I actually cleaned out the air line (as well as the entire skimmer) a couple weeks ago and that solved my issue of the skimmer overflowing. I got it to work perfectly for the past 2 weeks until I did a water change last night. All of a sudden it stopped working and I tried priming, cleaning, putting water in the airline, and everything else I could find online. There was a gurgling sound in the airline so I tried blowing in it but that did not work either. The issue I'm seeing is that the pump does not seem to be working at full strength. Even putting my hand in the intake, it feels weaker than it did previously.
Thank you for your response. I actually cleaned out the air line (as well as the entire skimmer) a couple weeks ago and that solved my issue of the skimmer overflowing. I got it to work perfectly for the past 2 weeks until I did a water change last night. All of a sudden it stopped working and I tried priming, cleaning, putting water in the airline, and everything else I could find online. There was a gurgling sound in the airline so I tried blowing in it but that did not work either. The issue I'm seeing is that the pump does not seem to be working at full strength. Even putting my hand in the intake, it feels weaker than it did previously.
Dec 06, 2017
Sun Kim
wrote
Here is a video of the skimmer
Dec 07, 2017
Sun Kim
wrote
So I made some adjustments last night to raise the water level and it is producing skim but the pump is still very weak and not producing many bubbles. It makes just enough to create foam but not much gets trapped in it (I can see floating pieces of food in the main chamber.
Dec 11, 2017
Sun Kim
wrote
Are there any updates on this?
Dec 11, 2017
Michael S.
agent
wrote
Sun Kim,
I am very sorry that somehow I was not notified via our system that you responded along with the video of your pump in action.
Thank you for submitting this to us and allowing me to see what is happening.
It does appear that the venturi system has a clog in it possibly near the venturi pipe on the lower elbow where the tube connects or possibly the pump and or needle wheel is not performing correctly.
Do you have your original proof of purchase on this skimmer ?
If so can you provide it to me along with your shipping / Mailing address.
If the skimmer pump is out of warranty you can purchase a replacement and I can get you transferred to the right person for this.
Again I am truly sorry that somehow this has slipped past my attention.
Look forward to your response.
Sincerely Michael
I am very sorry that somehow I was not notified via our system that you responded along with the video of your pump in action.
Thank you for submitting this to us and allowing me to see what is happening.
It does appear that the venturi system has a clog in it possibly near the venturi pipe on the lower elbow where the tube connects or possibly the pump and or needle wheel is not performing correctly.
Do you have your original proof of purchase on this skimmer ?
If so can you provide it to me along with your shipping / Mailing address.
If the skimmer pump is out of warranty you can purchase a replacement and I can get you transferred to the right person for this.
Again I am truly sorry that somehow this has slipped past my attention.
Look forward to your response.
Sincerely Michael
Dec 12, 2017
Sun Kim
wrote
HI Michael,
I tried looking yesterday but I cannot find the original proof of purchase. If you could transfer me to the right person to get a replacement that would be great.
Thanks,
Sun
I tried looking yesterday but I cannot find the original proof of purchase. If you could transfer me to the right person to get a replacement that would be great.
Thanks,
Sun
Dec 12, 2017
Michael S.
agent
wrote
Hello Sun Kim,
I am the product / customer support here for Coral Vue.
It is our company policy that Original Proof Of Purchase be provided before we warranty out any items.
I understand that you may not be able to find this POP though what you can do is go to the local fish store or contact the place you purchased this item and get them to give you a copy of the dated receipt showing the item you purchased and the amount you have paid.
Transferring you to the right person as I said above would be the following step after you provide me with the needed information I requested then make the decision on what to do as far as warranty, replacement or other.
Then at this time if I am busy I transfer you to someone that would pull the part and ship it out to you.
You are going to have to provide me with a dated proof of purchase showing The company you purchased from and amount paid in full.
Sincerely Michael
I am the product / customer support here for Coral Vue.
It is our company policy that Original Proof Of Purchase be provided before we warranty out any items.
I understand that you may not be able to find this POP though what you can do is go to the local fish store or contact the place you purchased this item and get them to give you a copy of the dated receipt showing the item you purchased and the amount you have paid.
Transferring you to the right person as I said above would be the following step after you provide me with the needed information I requested then make the decision on what to do as far as warranty, replacement or other.
Then at this time if I am busy I transfer you to someone that would pull the part and ship it out to you.
You are going to have to provide me with a dated proof of purchase showing The company you purchased from and amount paid in full.
Sincerely Michael
Dec 12, 2017
Sun Kim
wrote
Hi Michael,
Unfortunately the store I bought it from went out of business 4 months ago. Is there anyway to purchase replacement parts without proof of purchase?
Unfortunately the store I bought it from went out of business 4 months ago. Is there anyway to purchase replacement parts without proof of purchase?
Dec 12, 2017
Michael S.
agent
wrote
Sun Kim.
Yes Replacement parts can be ordered through our website, If you need assistance with this I can get the appropriate person to help you with the Part and payment methods.
I really hope you understand that for warranty we are bound by Proof of purchase.
I do appreciate you as a customer / end user of our product and will look forward to seeing you get your skimmer operating properly.
Another associate should get back with you soon with proper instructions / information to get you set up.
Sincerely Michael
Yes Replacement parts can be ordered through our website, If you need assistance with this I can get the appropriate person to help you with the Part and payment methods.
I really hope you understand that for warranty we are bound by Proof of purchase.
I do appreciate you as a customer / end user of our product and will look forward to seeing you get your skimmer operating properly.
Another associate should get back with you soon with proper instructions / information to get you set up.
Sincerely Michael
Dec 12, 2017
Michael S.
agent
wrote
Sun Kim
Here is the link for the pump your skimmer should be equipped with.
http://www.coralvue.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=Reef+Octopus+Aquatrance+1000s+Pinwheel+Pump
Here is the link for the pump your skimmer should be equipped with.
http://www.coralvue.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=Reef+Octopus+Aquatrance+1000s+Pinwheel+Pump
Dec 12, 2017
Michael S.
agent
wrote
Sun Kim,
I know that this process has taken unusually long and you are having trouble locating your proof of purchase.
This is what I have been authorized to offer you to get your skimmer working properly again as far as bubble production and pump power is concerned.
Normal price for a replacement pump you are wanting is $66.99, What we can do for you is discount the price down to $50.00 and Free shipping.
How's this sound ??
I am going to transfer this ticket to the proper person to help you in the process of payment and shipping
Please provide your mailing address here so that she can have that information.
Thank you
I know that this process has taken unusually long and you are having trouble locating your proof of purchase.
This is what I have been authorized to offer you to get your skimmer working properly again as far as bubble production and pump power is concerned.
Normal price for a replacement pump you are wanting is $66.99, What we can do for you is discount the price down to $50.00 and Free shipping.
How's this sound ??
I am going to transfer this ticket to the proper person to help you in the process of payment and shipping
Please provide your mailing address here so that she can have that information.
Thank you
Dec 12, 2017
Sun Kim
wrote
Thank you for that. I do want to think about it a bit because Carlos said this skimmer is too big for my tank and many people recommended the Aquamaxx hob. If I am planning on changing skimmers, I don’t really want to spend money to fix this one. Also is there a way to private message my address since this is public? Thank you.
Dec 13, 2017
Angie Brumfield
agent
wrote
Please send all private messages to angie@coralvue.com
Dec 14, 2017
Sun Kim
wrote
Just wondering, should I try to take it apart and clean the pump to see if it gets it to work before purchasing the pump? I cleaned it out before and it started working great (although that made the pump go from being too strong and overflowing the skimmer to working normal). It had been working great until I turned it off to do a water change. Just seeing if there is any chance that it could still be ok. Also, is it normal to have water in the airline tube? When it's on, I can hear the water gurgling from the pipe and when I turn the skimmer off, water comes spouting out of it.
Dec 14, 2017
Michael S.
agent
wrote
Sun Kim.
I would recommend you take the skimmer off the tank completely, fully dis assemble the skimmer including the pump and soak every part in a 50/50 mixture of water / vinegar as mentioned a few times before I really think your issue is the pump, venturi and the skimmer parts need to be thoroughly cleaned.
From what you describe in different ways, all of it leads me to this conclusion from much experience with skimmers in this hobby.
Sometimes it takes a few times of soaking the parts and good scrubbing to remove organic build up, calcium carbonate and critters that tend to grow in all areas of the system. The parts must be free and clear restored to like new condition in order for it to work properly drawing in air and water as intended.
When the skimmer is running you will hear gurgling noises, pump noise and this is normal though some of the noises can be clear indicators that things like venturi systems need to be cleaned out very well.
It is not normal for water to spurt out of the air line tubing. Either the tube has a hole in it and needs to be replaced or the tube is too short and a longer length of tubing needs to be installed to place it above the water levels.
Sincerely Michael
I would recommend you take the skimmer off the tank completely, fully dis assemble the skimmer including the pump and soak every part in a 50/50 mixture of water / vinegar as mentioned a few times before I really think your issue is the pump, venturi and the skimmer parts need to be thoroughly cleaned.
From what you describe in different ways, all of it leads me to this conclusion from much experience with skimmers in this hobby.
Sometimes it takes a few times of soaking the parts and good scrubbing to remove organic build up, calcium carbonate and critters that tend to grow in all areas of the system. The parts must be free and clear restored to like new condition in order for it to work properly drawing in air and water as intended.
When the skimmer is running you will hear gurgling noises, pump noise and this is normal though some of the noises can be clear indicators that things like venturi systems need to be cleaned out very well.
It is not normal for water to spurt out of the air line tubing. Either the tube has a hole in it and needs to be replaced or the tube is too short and a longer length of tubing needs to be installed to place it above the water levels.
Sincerely Michael
Dec 14, 2017
Sun Kim
wrote
So I had soaked and cleaned it previously. It worked great for about 2 weeks and then stopped working when I turned it off. Since I had cleaned it out so recently, I wasn't sure if it would make a difference if I cleaned again but I can try.
The gurgling noise is coming from water going in and out of the airline tube. I can actually see the water level in the tube go up and down when it is in use and was wondering if this is normal. The water only comes out when I turn the skimmer off and the water level in the chambers recede. I just wasn't sure if there was supposed to be any water in the airline tubing at all because I didn't notice it in the past.
The gurgling noise is coming from water going in and out of the airline tube. I can actually see the water level in the tube go up and down when it is in use and was wondering if this is normal. The water only comes out when I turn the skimmer off and the water level in the chambers recede. I just wasn't sure if there was supposed to be any water in the airline tubing at all because I didn't notice it in the past.
Dec 15, 2017
Michael S.
agent
wrote
Sun Kim,
If you could send me a video of what you are referring to in regard to the water coming out of the venturi tube when the skimmer is turned off. This issue you are now describing is not common.
Now I keep referring back to your first video that you sent to us and I see that you have the OTP 1000 pump on that unit which tells me that this skimmer is at least 3 to 4 years old.
That style pump has been out of production for some time.
I would highly recommend you replace the pump with the pump I sent a link to in the above messaging.
Sincerely Michael
If you could send me a video of what you are referring to in regard to the water coming out of the venturi tube when the skimmer is turned off. This issue you are now describing is not common.
Now I keep referring back to your first video that you sent to us and I see that you have the OTP 1000 pump on that unit which tells me that this skimmer is at least 3 to 4 years old.
That style pump has been out of production for some time.
I would highly recommend you replace the pump with the pump I sent a link to in the above messaging.
Sincerely Michael
Dec 16, 2017
Sun Kim
wrote
Hi Michael,
I will send over a video when I can. I have also emailed Angie but haven’t heard back yet. I would like To order the pump to try and get this working again.
I will send over a video when I can. I have also emailed Angie but haven’t heard back yet. I would like To order the pump to try and get this working again.
Dec 18, 2017
Michael S.
agent
wrote
Sun Kim,
sorry about the lack of contact, we are working silly around here to ensure that several aspects of our business are getting done.
I will transfer this ticket to Angie and ensure she sends you the payment information for the pump.
Thank you for your patience and understanding in this matter.
I would like to hear back from you once the new pump is installed to ensure this issue is resolved.
Sincerely Michael
sorry about the lack of contact, we are working silly around here to ensure that several aspects of our business are getting done.
I will transfer this ticket to Angie and ensure she sends you the payment information for the pump.
Thank you for your patience and understanding in this matter.
I would like to hear back from you once the new pump is installed to ensure this issue is resolved.
Sincerely Michael
Dec 18, 2017
Sun Kim
wrote
Hi Michael,
Thank you. I just emailed her again so hopefully I’ll hear back soon. Thank you for your help.
Thank you. I just emailed her again so hopefully I’ll hear back soon. Thank you for your help.
Dec 19, 2017
Angie Brumfield
agent
wrote
The new pump will go out today and you will get an email with tracking info as soon as it ships.
Dec 21, 2017
Sun Kim
wrote
Hi Michael,
I received the pump and after taking my skimmer apart, realized I am missing a part. It is the part that connects the pump to the L bend part.
The bad thing is, while trying to change the pump out, the propellor on the old pump broke. I would still like to keep this pump as a backup and was wondering if you had the replacement part for that?
I received the pump and after taking my skimmer apart, realized I am missing a part. It is the part that connects the pump to the L bend part.
The bad thing is, while trying to change the pump out, the propellor on the old pump broke. I would still like to keep this pump as a backup and was wondering if you had the replacement part for that?
Dec 21, 2017
Sun Kim
wrote
I would need one of these: http://www.coralvue.com/otp-ceramic-pump-shaft
Dec 28, 2017
Sun Kim
wrote
Hi Michael,
So I received the pump but was missing the adapter as I noted above. I was sent a piece that I received today but it ended up being the incorrect part. I am missing a way to connect the two female parts because the threading is on the inside for both. I looked on the parts section of your website and I can't find a piece that can connect those two. I also watched the video on youtube on how to set up the skimmer and the pump seems to already have a male end. Is there a different piece I would need?
I would really like to fix this skimmer as quickly as possible. Because the skimmer was not creating enough bubbles, it was leaving much of the waste in the tank. Now that my skimmer is broken, it has gone almost 2 weeks without any filtration. I have a media basket and am doing weekly water changes but my nitrates and phosphates have shot up and I am getting hair algae and red slime. I have already lost 2 fish that I've had for over a year and some of my coral are dying.
Is there a place in Southern California that I might be able to pick up the pieces I need? I also need this part: http://www.coralvue.com/otp-ceramic-pump-shaft but it looks like it is sold out. It broke when I was trying to figure out how to connect the new pump to my skimmer (I should have left it alone because then I would at least have a skimmer that was somewhat working). Do you know when/if it might go back in stock?
Sorry for all the questions but I would just like to have my skimmer working great again.
So I received the pump but was missing the adapter as I noted above. I was sent a piece that I received today but it ended up being the incorrect part. I am missing a way to connect the two female parts because the threading is on the inside for both. I looked on the parts section of your website and I can't find a piece that can connect those two. I also watched the video on youtube on how to set up the skimmer and the pump seems to already have a male end. Is there a different piece I would need?
I would really like to fix this skimmer as quickly as possible. Because the skimmer was not creating enough bubbles, it was leaving much of the waste in the tank. Now that my skimmer is broken, it has gone almost 2 weeks without any filtration. I have a media basket and am doing weekly water changes but my nitrates and phosphates have shot up and I am getting hair algae and red slime. I have already lost 2 fish that I've had for over a year and some of my coral are dying.
Is there a place in Southern California that I might be able to pick up the pieces I need? I also need this part: http://www.coralvue.com/otp-ceramic-pump-shaft but it looks like it is sold out. It broke when I was trying to figure out how to connect the new pump to my skimmer (I should have left it alone because then I would at least have a skimmer that was somewhat working). Do you know when/if it might go back in stock?
Sorry for all the questions but I would just like to have my skimmer working great again.
Dec 28, 2017
Michael S.
agent
wrote
Hello Sun Kim.
I am currently not in the office at this time and will be away for a few more days.
I am transferring this ticket to a Co worker and will let them know of this situation.
Could you please send in some pictures of the old pump / with connections to the skimmer body
Yes there are a lot of questions I see that you have inquired about, I will have to read through this a few times to ensure I understand all what is going on and make sure your questions are answered.
I got the part where your ceramic shaft is now broken on the old pump.
What part is broken or missing now keeping this new pump from mounting up to the skimmer body ?
I will have a co worker take care of this ticket and ensure that you are taken care of, please provide me / Us with some pictures and detailed descriptions of what is Missing or needed due to being broken.
Sincerley Michael.
I am currently not in the office at this time and will be away for a few more days.
I am transferring this ticket to a Co worker and will let them know of this situation.
Could you please send in some pictures of the old pump / with connections to the skimmer body
Yes there are a lot of questions I see that you have inquired about, I will have to read through this a few times to ensure I understand all what is going on and make sure your questions are answered.
I got the part where your ceramic shaft is now broken on the old pump.
What part is broken or missing now keeping this new pump from mounting up to the skimmer body ?
I will have a co worker take care of this ticket and ensure that you are taken care of, please provide me / Us with some pictures and detailed descriptions of what is Missing or needed due to being broken.
Sincerley Michael.
Dec 28, 2017
Sun Kim
wrote
H Michael,
I have included photos of the two parts that need to be connected. They are both female ends with no way to connect them.
I have included photos of the two parts that need to be connected. They are both female ends with no way to connect them.
Dec 28, 2017
Sun Kim
wrote
Here is a screenshot from the coral vue YouTube channel. As you can see, the pump has 2 male ends but my pump has one male and one female. I included a picture of my pump for reference.
Dec 29, 2017
Danielle P.
agent
wrote
Can you please tell me by clicking the link if you need Volute D in the pictures?
http://www.coralvue.com/aquatrance-volute-cover
http://www.coralvue.com/aquatrance-volute-cover
Dec 29, 2017
Danielle P.
agent
wrote
It looks like you need to turn the volute off your old pump and put it on the new one. Currently from your pics you have the slip volute that comes standard on the pump, you just need to swap them over.
Dec 29, 2017
Sun Kim
wrote
Hi Danielle,
That looks like exactly what I need. I did not think to look for a cover because I broke the ceramic shaft trying to get the cover off my old pump. Thank you!
Also, I was curious if this part is just currently sold out or if it is discontinued (http://www.coralvue.com/otp-ceramic-pump-shaft) this is the only piece I need but I could also purchase the entire impeller (I’d just prefer not to because it’s 4x the cost and I only need the shaft). Please let me know.
Thank you,
Sun
That looks like exactly what I need. I did not think to look for a cover because I broke the ceramic shaft trying to get the cover off my old pump. Thank you!
Also, I was curious if this part is just currently sold out or if it is discontinued (http://www.coralvue.com/otp-ceramic-pump-shaft) this is the only piece I need but I could also purchase the entire impeller (I’d just prefer not to because it’s 4x the cost and I only need the shaft). Please let me know.
Thank you,
Sun
Dec 29, 2017
Danielle P.
agent
wrote
Which otp do you have? the 1000s? I will ship a shaft along with the volute for you.
Dec 29, 2017
Sun Kim
wrote
Hi Danielle,
Yes, my old pump is the OTP 1000. Thank you!
Yes, my old pump is the OTP 1000. Thank you!
Dec 29, 2017
Danielle P.
agent
wrote
ok! give me your shipping address please?
Dec 29, 2017
Sun Kim
wrote
It is 1126 Scholarship Irvine, CA 92612
Dec 29, 2017
Danielle P.
agent
wrote
thank you
USPS
9405510200828621614507
USPS
9405510200828621614507
Dec 29, 2017
Sun Kim
wrote
Perfect. Thank you!
Dec 29, 2017
Danielle P.
agent
wrote
you are welcome
Dec 29, 2017
Sun Kim
wrote
Hi just wondering, would you be able to delete the post with my address? Just don't want my address on here if it doesn't need to be. Thank you!
Dec 29, 2017
Danielle P.
agent
wrote
yes