Jan 06, 2014
Michael
wrote
Tried cleaning, priming and blowing in the tube multiple times. I have to keep the collection cup as low as it goes and the skimmer barely can produce a wet skim. It like the pump cannot produce enough power to make bubbles in the neck of the skimmer rise. Any thoughts or ideas would be great.
Once I blow into the airline tubing the bubbles will rise in the neck but once I quit blowing the bubbles return back down the neck of the skimmer
Once I blow into the airline tubing the bubbles will rise in the neck but once I quit blowing the bubbles return back down the neck of the skimmer
Reply
11 Answers
Jan 07, 2014
Carlos
agent
wrote
Sounds like something is blocking the air intake. Have you checked the air line and make sure that nothing is blocking it? Also, what is your salinity?
Carlos Chacon
CoralVue
Carlos Chacon
CoralVue
Jan 07, 2014
Michael
wrote
Salinity 1.026 to 1.027
Taking the skimmer apart multiple times cleaned still nothing.
Taking the skimmer apart multiple times cleaned still nothing.
Jan 07, 2014
Carlos
agent
wrote
Michael,
If you take the pump off the skimmer, leave the venturi on (the air hose) and then run the pump in a bucket of salt water, do you get bubbles?
I am trying to figure out if the issue is the pump or something else blocking the air intake.
Are you running the silencer? If so, can you remove it and see if that helps?
If you take the pump off the skimmer, leave the venturi on (the air hose) and then run the pump in a bucket of salt water, do you get bubbles?
I am trying to figure out if the issue is the pump or something else blocking the air intake.
Are you running the silencer? If so, can you remove it and see if that helps?
Jan 07, 2014
Michael
wrote
I have not done the bucket yet but the skimmer produces great amount of bubbles while on the tank. Just seems I have lost power from my pump. I think it has something to do with the air being supplied into the pump but cannot figure it out. Yes I am running the silencer and when I remove it the bubbles might rise just a tad but not much to make a difference where I can place the collection cup higher.
It's crazy when I blow into the tube I can see clearly this is how the skimmer should be performing but I cannot sit there and just keep giving the pump more air to max out its potential.
It's crazy when I blow into the tube I can see clearly this is how the skimmer should be performing but I cannot sit there and just keep giving the pump more air to max out its potential.
Jan 08, 2014
Carlos
agent
wrote
Have you taken the pump apart and check the impeller for signs of damage?
Jan 28, 2014
Michael
wrote
Carlos sorry for the delay. I took the whole skimmer, parts, pump, impeller, etc soaked in vinegar and water with a powerhead. I have placed back on the tank and its been running for a couple days now. The skimmer starts off perfect then when i get home after work the amount of microbubbles in the chamber dissipate. The microbubbles in the output increase as well. Its like the skimmer is losing prime or drawing air or air leaving somehow?????? I cannot exactly pinpoint the problem.
When I blow/suck on the venturi the skimmer returns back to normal for a little bit then proceeds to lose its power to fill the collection cup.
Do I need a new impeller or pump I have been running only for a couple years but I don't know the exact longevity of the impeller or pump?
When I blow/suck on the venturi the skimmer returns back to normal for a little bit then proceeds to lose its power to fill the collection cup.
Do I need a new impeller or pump I have been running only for a couple years but I don't know the exact longevity of the impeller or pump?
Jan 29, 2014
Carlos
agent
wrote
How old is the skimmer and pump? When did you purchase it? What model of pump is it?
Jan 29, 2014
Michael
wrote
Bought early 2011. Pump is 38Watt OTP 2000
Jan 29, 2014
Carlos
agent
wrote
Michael,
The skimmer and the pump only come with a 1-year warranty so unfortunately both items are out of warranty. You could try replacing the pumps impeller as in most cases, it fixes the issue.
Here is the link to the impeller:
http://www.coralvue.com/otp-pinwheel-impeller
Otherwise, if you do not want to take a chance, you could just purchase a new pump. Here is the link:
http://www.coralvue.com/reef-octopus-otp2000gt-skimmer-pump
Regards,
The skimmer and the pump only come with a 1-year warranty so unfortunately both items are out of warranty. You could try replacing the pumps impeller as in most cases, it fixes the issue.
Here is the link to the impeller:
http://www.coralvue.com/otp-pinwheel-impeller
Otherwise, if you do not want to take a chance, you could just purchase a new pump. Here is the link:
http://www.coralvue.com/reef-octopus-otp2000gt-skimmer-pump
Regards,
Jul 19, 2014
Patrick Pelletier
wrote
Carlos,
I'm having this EXACT same problem with mine. (which I purchased from BRS last October). I've run vinegar through the pump, I've checked for damage. NOTHING. It seems like the pump that came with my bh2000 has just lost power over time. I have no idea why. I've contacted you on my own thread about this and it's still an issue. Reading this thread it would seem like it's NOT an isolated issue. Please check out my person case. I've sent pics. The micro bubbles are below the inlet tube. Also, I too have tried blowing into the air hose and it fixes the issue for a few minutes but then they slowly subside over about 10 minutes or so. Looking for some help. Your product was highly recommeded to me. It worked amazing when I first got it. Really hoping you can help.
I'm having this EXACT same problem with mine. (which I purchased from BRS last October). I've run vinegar through the pump, I've checked for damage. NOTHING. It seems like the pump that came with my bh2000 has just lost power over time. I have no idea why. I've contacted you on my own thread about this and it's still an issue. Reading this thread it would seem like it's NOT an isolated issue. Please check out my person case. I've sent pics. The micro bubbles are below the inlet tube. Also, I too have tried blowing into the air hose and it fixes the issue for a few minutes but then they slowly subside over about 10 minutes or so. Looking for some help. Your product was highly recommeded to me. It worked amazing when I first got it. Really hoping you can help.
Jul 21, 2014
Carlos
agent
wrote
Patrick,
Thank you for contacting us. Please start your own ticket by using the "Submit a Ticket" link on the right and be sure to fill out all necessary information. Once we have that ticket, we will be able to troubleshoot your issue.
Regards,
Thank you for contacting us. Please start your own ticket by using the "Submit a Ticket" link on the right and be sure to fill out all necessary information. Once we have that ticket, we will be able to troubleshoot your issue.
Regards,